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The post 20 Benefits of Having a Cat in Your Life by Chris Dinesen Rogers appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com. You probably don’t have to tell any of the 37 million American households with at least one cat that there are benefits to having one. To them, it’s self-evident. Their feline companions bring joy and unconditional love into their lives, and the animals get food, water, and shelter critical for survival in return. Our relationship with cats goes back about 12,000 years. Interestingly, scientists aren’t sure why cats became our pets. Humans didn’t do much for them other than provide the grain that attracted rodents. Some suggest felines chose to live alongside us instead of us reaching out to them. Nevertheless, our cats have provided many apparent and not-so-obvious benefits. The 20 Benefits of Having a Cat in Your Life 1. Stress Relief Few things are more calming than curling up with a sleeping kitty. Their quiet purring is almost like white noise with its soothing sound. Many pet owners find welcome stress relief in cuddling with their cats. Many cats are easygoing, making it easy to feed off of their calm demeanor. It’s probably one of the best benefits of having a cat in your life. When you need to relax, your kitty is there to help. Image Credit: Kristi Blokhin, Shutterstock 2. Good Listeners This benefit applies to cats and dogs. Both animals are excellent and non-judgmental listeners. They’ll listen to your litany of complaints about work, and they won’t snicker if your singing is off-key. That makes kitties great companions for people who live alone. You’d be surprised at what a presence they have. You surely won’t be so lonely anymore with a cat in your home. 3. Low-Maintenance Companions One of the best things about owning a cat is the fact they are low-maintenance. You don’t have to take them outside to do their business, you can go out with your co-workers without worrying about having to rush to get home, and they keep themselves relatively clean thanks to long self-grooming sessions. None of this means that felines prefer to be alone, because they usually don’t. However, you have the freedom to be a bit more spontaneous and lax, which you wouldn’t have with a dog. 4. Pest Control Pests attracted wild felines to places where humans developed agriculture because it was easy pickings for them. Cats are still very much in touch with their wild side. That includes hunting for rodents and other pests. Many people find the occasional mouse in their home during the winter, so you won’t have any major problems with a cat on patrol. 5. Relatively Long-Lived Pets Cats are relatively long-lived. Their sleeping habits and the safety of indoor living are what make it possible for our feline companions. Many cats live 15 or more years. Pet owners understand the tremendous grief of losing an animal companion. While none of us get out of here alive, some may find comfort in having a pet that can provide many years of joy. Image Credit: Africa Studio, Shutterstock 6. Independent Lifestyle Dogs are like toddlers in many ways. While some can entertain themselves, others need constant attention to keep them out of mischief. Cats are a different story. After all, they sleep roughly 16 hours daily. They’ll probably adjust their schedule to meet yours, and they’ll happily spend time looking out the window at birds and other wildlife, making their independence a gift. 7. Quiet Animals Dogs can be loud despite how lovable they are. A pup barking near your ear can put the sound in the harmful category at around 110 dB. That’s about the same level as a leaf blower. Cats are nowhere near as noisy. That makes kitties a suitable choice for apartment dwellers since it’s unlikely your pet will disturb your neighbors. Purring and meowing surely won’t bother anyone. 8. Entertaining Companion There’s a good reason why people share cat videos. They’re so darn entertaining! Kittens and adults are sure to make you smile and laugh. Felines are naturally curious. Some take it to the next level and make anything a toy. We marvel at their energy and ability to make the most mundane things fun. They are an excellent reminder to enjoy the little things in life! 9. Teaching Children Responsibility Inviting a cat into your home offers a great way to teach children the responsibility and commitment of owning a pet. Your child can help with feeding your kitty, all while turning it into a math lesson about measuring out their food. You should also teach them to be gentle with your pet and have respect for animals. However, we recommend supervising playtime with the little ones and ensuring they know to give the cat their space. 10. Improved Mental Health Pet ownership can offer profound mental health benefits. It can help alleviate depression and stress. The overall effect is an improved sense of well-being. The benefits exist with both dogs and cats. These findings are truly valuable, especially given the consequences of lockdowns and social isolation during the 2020 pandemic. Image credit: LightField Studio, Shutterstock 11. Better Sleep Quality Many pets sleep with their owners. After all, a bed is warmer and more comfortable than lying on the floor. A survey by CPAP.com found that 66% of respondents were satisfied with their sleep when accompanied by their pets. Nearly one-third would prefer sharing their bed with their pets versus their partner. Your kitty probably doesn’t snore too loud, after all, and they are also less likely to hog the blankets. 12. A More Affordable Pet The annual and lifetime costs of owning a cat are considerably cheaper than those of a dog. The former averages $1,270 to $2,803, whereas the latter runs between $961 and $2,487. These figures translate into a 15-year total of $19,893 to $55,132 and $15,055 to $45,790, respectively. 13. Intelligence Boost One of the greatest debates since humans started owning pets rests with the difference between dog and cat owners. People naturally gravitate toward animals that are similar to them. That makes these findings even more compelling. One study found that cat owners scored higher on intelligence tests than dog owners. We’ll leave it to you to figure out the basis for these results. 14. Litter Box Most dog owners know that cleaning up after their pets is part of their responsibility to society and other pets. After all, a pup infected with internal parasites can pass eggs in their feces without showing outward signs of a problem. Cat caregivers have an easier and perhaps less unpleasant take on this task. A litter box definitely makes the job less distasteful than using waste bags, and you won’t have to wander around your yard for hours trying to find any messes they left behind. 15. Help for Autistic Children You’re undoubtedly familiar with the benefits of therapy animals. One small study found that cats can help autistic children and their parents manage their condition better, particularly with their social skills. Having a cat in the home nurtured a strong relationship between family members and the pet. These parents are indeed grateful for the emotional support the animals provide. Image Credit: Sharomka, Shutterstock 16. Reduced Schizophrenia Risk in Infants About 1% of Americans have schizophrenia. The disease has a high heritability rate. However, it’s unique to humans and not seen in animals. While research is ongoing, scientists have uncovered an unexpected benefit of exposure to cats and dogs by children under 3 years old. Statistical analysis shows it may reduce the risk of developing this chronic brain disorder later in life. 17. Reduced Cardiovascular Disease Risk Heart disease is the leading cause of death, taking over 702,000 lives annually. One study examined the effects of owning a cat on this condition. The researchers found that pet ownership significantly reduced the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular diseases among individuals who owned cats. Undoubtedly, stress reduction plays a role. It can reduce risk factors like high blood pressure. 18. Lower Allergy Risk Roughly 50 million Americans deal with the bane of allergies. It can have profound effects on your quality of life. While hypoallergenic pets don’t exist, one avenue of research has explored the impact of early exposure on their prevalence. A baby’s first year of life is the critical period. One study found that exposure to dogs and cats during this time reduced the incidence in older children. 19. Grief Therapy Many people consider their pets family members. It’s not a stretch to find that cats and dogs can provide emotional support during traumatic events, such as the loss of a loved one. Dealing with circumstances later in life is especially stressful. Research has shown that our animal companions may help us cope during these difficult times, complementing many of the benefits we’ve listed. 20. Companionship Humans are social animals. Social isolation and loneliness are risk factors for early mortality. The scenario is common yet sobering. Many seniors find themselves alone after their spouse, and maybe many of their friends have passed. A cat offers a comforting way to relieve loneliness with a low-maintenance pet that can help fill this void in your life with unconditional love. Image Credit: Karpova, Shutterstock Conclusion We call them “animal companions” for a good reason. While we may not be able to communicate verbally with our kitties, we still share a bond. We connect on a non-verbal level that is fulfilling for many people. Cats offer many benefits for those who open their homes and lives to these curious and loving pets. Dogs often get the reputation for being our best friends, yet research has shown felines can become just as attached to their caregivers. In return, our kitties give us their unconditional love. They entertain us and cuddle with us on chilly nights, and they calm our stress and anxiety. Cats are our companions through grief and help sweep away loneliness and stress. The day felines entered our lives thousands of years ago was fortunate for both of us. Sources AVMA Nature Articles PNAS SleepDoctor Hearing Health Foundation Psycnet SaaHosting Live Science Journals NCBI CDC NCBI ACAAI PubMed Online Library PubMed CDC Today Oregon State Featured Image Credit: evrymmnt, Shutterstock The post 20 Benefits of Having a Cat in Your Life by Chris Dinesen Rogers appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

The post Why Do Dogs Chase Cats? Myths, Possible Causes & Solutions by Matt Jackson appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com. Click to Skip Ahead Reasons Why Dogs Chase Cats How To Stop This Behavior What To Do If Your Dog Attacks a Cat FAQ Dogs most often chase cats because they have a natural prey instinct, which means they will chase any smaller animal that runs. It isn’t necessarily an aggressive move, and the dog may want to play, but it can cause panic and anxiety in the cat. If it happens outside the home, the cat can get into trouble running on the road. If it happens indoors, it can cause serious anxiety in the cat, who can become afraid to even walk around their own home. Just because it is a natural instinct for dogs to chase cats, doesn’t mean you have to put up with it. There are steps you can take to help train this behavior out of a dog, ensuring cats are safe and comfortable wherever they are. Why Do Dogs Chase Cats? It is natural for some dogs to chase cats. Some breeds are more prone to chasing than others, and, unfortunately, once the cat is startled or defensive, it is likely to run hard and further. This further excites the dog, who will see the whole thing as a challenge, and it could potentially put them both at risk. Image Credit: Oksana Shufrych, Shutterstock Prey Dogs are, by nature, hunters. In the wild, they would hunt small animals, typically resulting in them chasing the prey until they caught it. While domesticated dogs don’t need to hunt anything more than a bowl for most of their meals, the prey drive is still present in a lot of dogs. So, when your dog sees a cat, they might see it as potential prey. If the cat then runs, this further heightens the prey-drive instinct in your dog, who will naturally run after the cat. Even if your dog is reacting to its prey drive, it doesn’t necessarily mean that they are being aggressive. But it likely does mean that the cat is scared and anxious. If the cat and dog don’t know one another, the cat will likely make its way home and potentially avoid the area. If it happens in the home, the cat doesn’t really have the same escape possibilities. If it keeps, it can cause your cat to become anxious. And anxiety leads to a host of mental and physical health problems. Play Some dogs have high play drives, rather than prey drives. If your pup loves chasing a ball or any toy that you kick around, there’s a good chance it will also enjoy chasing cats. Your dog probably knows that chasing after the cat encourages them to run, and then it all becomes a fun game of chase. To your dog, anyway. Your cat will see it differently, and it will likely cause you upset and worry. How To Stop Your Dog Chasing Cats Dogs chasing cats might be natural, but it can be dangerous for the dog, the cat, and anybody who gets in between them. Stopping this behavior is important. Image Credit: AJR_photo, Shutterstock 1. Supervision If your dog is prone to chasing cats, ensure they are supervised around cats. This is true whether they’re at home or out of the house. If you’re around, you can identify the trigger, and spot when your dog is going to chase your cat. This way, you can take action to prevent it. You should always be supervising your dog when out of the house, so this also allows you to take action before chasing becomes a problem. 2. Create a Safe Space In the house, ensure your cat has safe spaces to escape to. Most cats are agile, and this means that yours will be able to hop up on surfaces out of the way of your dog. Consider putting cushions, blankets, and beds on top of drawers and cupboards. If you’ve yet to introduce the dog and cat properly, consider a stairgate as a viable option. 3. Basic Commands Every dog should learn basic commands. It will make both of your lives better, as well as those of the people and, in this case, cats around you. If you can get commands like sit, stay, and come, you will be able to use these to prevent your dog from chasing cats, in most cases. This also helps establish a relationship between the two of you, where your dog listens to you and is more likely to do what you ask of them. Image Credit: Soloviova Liudmyla, Shutterstock 4. Distraction Distraction is useful during training and when trying to stop dogs chasing cats. Training your dog to sit in a peaceful, calm environment is one thing. Having them sit when a cat runs past is another thing entirely. Have members of the family walk past or call while you’re doing your daily basic training. See whether your dog still responds to your commands. You can make the distractions progressively louder before trying it out with a cat in the vicinity. 5. Introductions When you first bring the cat or dog home, it is important to make proper introductions. These should be slow and gradual, and typically on the cat’s terms. Use a crate or stair gate as a physical barrier initially. A cat will be able to jump over the gate or approach the crate without fear of being chased. And, over time, you can remove this barrier, but only when the two have gotten used to the smell of one another. 6. Positive Reinforcement When your dog is near a cat, make a noise or use a trained command to get their attention. When they pay you attention, rather than the cat, reward them with a treat and lots of praise. This positive reaction reinforces the good behavior that you want, and, in time, your dog will perform the desired action because they know that’s what you want. Image Credit: Chendongshan, Shutterstock 7. Consult a Behaviorist If you’re struggling to control your dog around cats, or if your cats are getting anxious because the dog keeps chasing them, it is worth speaking to an animal behaviorist. They will be able to give you specific techniques that will help prevent the chasing. They can also help with any other behavioral problems you might have. What To Do If Your Dog Attacks a Cat If the unthinkable happens and your dog attacks a cat, whether it is yours or somebody else’s, you need to take action to stop the attack. 1. Separate Them Don’t put yourself directly between the cat and dog or you could get seriously injured. Instead, use an object. Close a door between them or move a chair in the way. This should give the cat a chance to escape, and it will enable you to get control of the dog. Image Credit: sophiecat, Shutterstock 2. Check for Injuries Check the cat for injuries first. It is the most likely to have suffered a serious injury. If the cat is fine, check the dog. While a cat is less likely to cause serious harm to a dog, a scratch or bite in the eye could cause serious injury. And, if your dog has an open sore, there is a risk of it becoming infected. 3. Consult a Trainer If your dog has attacked a cat, you need to get professional help. Speak to an animal trainer or behaviorist. There are different options, including in-house behaviorists who will come to you to work on the problem. They will be able to identify the cause of the action and work with you to help overcome it. 4. Reintroduce the Dog and Cat If there has been a setback in the relationship between your cat and dog, you will need to reintroduce them. This means starting again and taking introductions as slowly as you would if you were just bringing the dog home for the first time. Image Credit: sophiecat, Shutterstock Frequently Asked Questions Do You Need to Stop Your Dog Chasing Cats? For a cat, being chased by a dog is a stressful experience, if it happens outside the house. If it happens inside the home, the cat can feel trapped and might start to suffer from anxiety. It could even cause your cat to become more likely to wander or exhibit unwanted behaviors around the house. Is It a Breed Thing? Some breeds are indeed more prone to chasing cats than others. Breeds that were originally raised to hunt small animals are, unsurprisingly, those that are most likely to give chase when they see cats. However, the character and traits of the individual dog are more likely to determine whether it chases cats than its breed. Conclusion It is natural for some dogs to want to chase cats. It harks back to the days when dogs would hunt for their own meals, or when they were raised to chase off or even hunt down small animals. But just because it is instinctive, doesn’t mean it’s a desirable trait. Nor does it mean that it is a behavior you have to put up with. Use gentle introductions, good training, and positive reinforcement to help discourage your dog from chasing after your cat. And, if you’re still struggling to control the behavior, or it becomes serious, speak to an animal behaviorist. Sources https://www.petplace.com/article/general/behavior-training/dear-petplace-why-does-my-dog-chase-my-cat https://www.petfinder.com/dogs-and-puppies/behavior/other-problem-behaviors/chasing-cats/ https://www.purina.co.uk/articles/dogs/behaviour/training/stop-dog-chasing-cat https://butternutbox.com/blog/why-do-dogs-chase-cats Featured Image Credit: Jaromir Chalabala, Shutterstock The post Why Do Dogs Chase Cats? Myths, Possible Causes & Solutions by Matt Jackson appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

The music industry is rife with misdirection—tailoring acts to global demographics, trendy images, and popular sounds just to sell the greatest number of records. But, while this is not usually difficult to see through, sometimes, some big surprises lurk behind the guise of our favorite bands. And none is bigger than them not being bands […] The post 10 “Bands” That Are Actually Just One Person appeared first on Listverse.

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