We’re thankful for cats every day, but especially so at this time of year. Thanksgiving is the perfect time to reflect on what you love most about your feline — and to show her some affection in return. After all, your cat probably shows you love all the time (you just might not realize it).
From their superior snuggling abilities to their ability to provide unconditional love, we’re sharing seven reasons we’re thankful for cats. Of course, there are hundreds of reasons cats are such wonderful pets — and we’d love to hear them! Please tell us why you love your cat in the comments section below.
They’re Stress Relievers
With the
holidays coming up, your stress levels are probably climbing. (You’ve got
parties to plan, gifts to buy, family and friends to entertain.) Be thankful
that you have a cat who can help you relax. Studies have shown
that looking at or petting an animal can help your heart rate go down, and cat owners know that at the end of a long day, sometimes the
best way to unwind is to snuggle with your favorite feline.
They’re the Epitome of Cool
It used to be a bit of an insult to be called a cat lady.
Not anymore! It’s quite the compliment to achieve cat lady status. You can
thank cat-inspired fashion, feline-loving celebrities like Taylor Swift
(pictured here with a cardboard cutout of her Scottish Fold, Olivia Benson) and
well, the Internet in general, for making cats so popular. And cat ladies aren't the only ones who are hip: It’s cool to be a crazy cat guy, too!
They Can Be Excellent Snuggle Buddies
Cats are total pros when it comes to snuggling — just count
how many times a day they nap! Cats don’t always let you cuddle with them, but
when they do, it’s simply the best — especially if you share a slow blink and
hear purrs of contentment.
They Know How to Make You Laugh
Cats are so funny you don’t even have to own one to
appreciate their humor. Just watch a cat video or look at a cat meme. Who
would’ve thought that a cat with a grumpy face could become a global
phenomenon? Why do we find a Scottish Fold jumping in a box so amusing? We
don’t know. All we know is that cats don’t even have to try to make us laugh,
they just do.
They Appreciate the Little Things in Life
Crumple up a piece of paper or open a cardboard box and
place it on the floor near your cat. What you see as destined for the trash or recycling bin he sees as one of the world’s best cat toys — a timely reminder that you
don’t need the latest gadgets and gizmos to have fun.
They’re Not Afraid to Be Themselves
Cats can be a little odd: They think mice are excellent
gifts, they often prefer to sleep in tiny spaces and one minute they’ll stare
at you non-stop and the next they’ll totally ignore you. While some of their
behaviors might baffle us, cats don’t really seem to care what we humans think
of them. And there’s something refreshing about that. Take a cue from our
feline friends and remember to be yourself and quit worrying so much about other people's opinions.
They Often Love You Unconditionally
If you own a cat, consider yourself lucky: You have someone
who typically loves you, no matter what. And that’s something to be truly thankful for.
Yes, we know it’s sometimes hard to tell, but there are several subtle ways
your kitty shows you affection: head butting, a slow blink, sitting on you or
beside you and kneading his paws on your lap are just a few. So next time your
cat says I love you, give him a nice
pet in return and maybe a cat treat or two.
