It’s International Hug Your Cat Day!
Top 10 Reasons to Hug Your Cat Today:
1.) They make excellent babysitters.
2.) They make sure you get to work.
via GIPHY (https://www.reddit.com/user/cr7hd)
3.) They keep your house clean…
via GIPHY (https://www.reddit.com/user/oragamitarte)
4.) …and everyone else.
5.) They keep your home rodent-free. Or not…
via GIPHY (https://www.reddit.com/user/abi992)
6.) They make great traveling companions.
via GIPHY (http://www.electriccyclery.com/)
7.) They’ve got hipster dance moves.
via GIPHY (https://www.reddit.com/user/lufiales)
8.) They make friends easily.
via GIPHY (http://profile.cheezburger.com/SatevisM/)
9.) They help you eat your vegetables.
via GIPHY (http://imgur.com/user/pelecica)
10.) Two Words: FREE ENTERTAINMENT!
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But seriously folks, here are some facts about how cats really do keep us healthy and happy:
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), cats can boost a person’s mood, provide emotional comfort, and even stimulate socialization among the elderly and the physically/mentally challenged population.
An article in Scientific American states that a cat’s purr has therapeutic qualities. Cats purr in a range of 25-150 Hz. This constant, low-frequency energy output gently stimulates muscles and bones, thus, improving bone density and promoting self-healing. Scientists have studied the biochemical impact pets have on their owner’s body and have determined that the simple act of petting a cat can lower one’s blood pressure.
Living with a cat in the early years of your life can actually reduce the likelihood that you will develop pet allergies, and thus, triggers immunity.
So, don’t forget to hug your cat today! Everyone around the world is doing it! And if you don’t have a cat, go to your local shelter and adopt one. If you live in the Triangle area of NC, there are many local adoption centers. The Goathouse Refuge and Second Chance, just to name a couple, are great places to adopt a kitty.
Sources:
https://www.cdc.gov/healthypets/pets/cats.html
https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/why-do-cats-purr/
http://www.care2.com/greenliving/the-healing-power-of-purring.html
http://mritechnicianschools.net/2010/17-health-benefits-of-owning-a-cat/
