10 things I love about cats
Ever since I can remember I have had a special fondness for cats. I grew up with two cats, who I adored. One in particular was an incredibly loyal companion, sitting with me on my bed when I did my homework, on my lap when I watched TV and by my side when I ate my breakfast each morning, confident that I would drop little bits of toast on the floor for him to eat.
Would my affections for cats be the same today if it weren’t for Mickey and Holly? Of course that’s a possibility, but I’m certain cats would still have found a way into my heart. Their appeal is undeniable and I can think of 10 good reasons to love our feline friends.
1. First and foremost, cats are beautiful. Perhaps a slightly shallow reason to love them, but who cares? It’s hard not to fall head over heels for those irresistible good looks.
2. On to a more compelling reason to champion cats and that is research shows that owning a cat can reduce the risk of stroke and heart attack by a third by relieving stress and anxiety. I certainly find them very calming. Just watching them sleep removes any stress I may be feeling and enjoying a fuss and a cuddle warms my heart and makes me smile from ear to ear.
3. Adult cats only meow to communicate with humans. So who said that cats are not sociable? My cats love being a part of our household, but you do need to make a bit of effort. Like so many things, you reap what you sow and the more you talk to your cat and the more you involve them in your daily life, the more he/she will talk back and interact.
4. Cats sleep for 70% of their lives. We may think ‘how would I get anything done?’ but that’s the point. Cats don’t fret about all the things they are supposed to be doing with their lives. They just ‘are’. They live simply and they love to chill. Eat, sleep, play. That’s about it for a cat. It may seem that they don’t achieve very much, but I think they understand life a lot better than we do.
5. Hearing is the strongest of a cat’s senses and is actually superior to that of a dog. Proof then that when they don’t come when called, or even lift their head to look at you, it’s not because they can’t hear you. They are simply ignoring you. It’s a level of defiance that would irritate me if it were anybody else, but is somehow completely acceptable behaviour for a cat.
6. Don’t touch me! I have to clean myself again now. There is an etiquette and certain boundaries you need to observe with a cat. You also need a thick skin at times. As much as they love you and enjoy human affection, there are times when they make it obvious you are not required. Such as when they promptly lick themselves after you give them a stroke in order to remove your unwanted scent from their fur.
7. Cats are hilarious. If in doubt, join the millions of viewers on YouTube that get their daily fix of giggling fun. There is no shortage of material, but be warned, once you start you could find yourself occupied for hours!
8. Intuition. Cats have it in abundance and can sense when you’re stressed or upset. A loyal cat will use this gift wisely and comfort you in your time of need. I have had first-hand experience of this on multiple occasions and it’s often the ideal midway between being on your own and having supportive friends on hand. Sometimes you don’t want the helpful advice, even if it does come from a well-meaning place. A cat is a quiet companion that lets you be alone, without actually being alone.
9. A cat can jump up to six times its height, which is quite simply very impressive.
10. Kittens. Arguably the cutest little babies on earth. Who doesn’t love a kitten? Their clumsy inquisitiveness, energetic playful nature and innocent charm. The moment you bring a little kitten home is the start of a magical and special time that is so short it needs to be cherished. All too quickly they become adults and long gone is the spiky fur and tiny barely-there meows. The up side of course is that when a kitten grows up you are blessed with the company of a cat and that in itself is an amazing experience
So much is my love of cats that despite having four of my own, I just can’t get enough. I’m the girl that will be overjoyed by seeing a cat out and about on the street and will, if possible, go over to say hello. I visited a cat café in London to spend time with cats and will even make repeat visits to Cyprus, almost for the sole reason of enjoying a cat-filled holiday. I say almost because of course it’s a lovely country and the weather is divine, but it’s the resident felines frequenting the cafes at the harbour that are the main draw.
I know I’m not alone. Cats have been fascinating people for centuries and been held in very high regard. We can’t all be wrong.
As the initial inspiration for my photography it seemed fitting that my first blog post be about cats. For those who are equal feline fans I’m sure there will be more on this subject, but I have many other interests as well so I intend to keep things varied.
Please do share this post and sign up to my mailing list or join me on Twitter to stay up-to-date.
Catherine x
