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How pet cats can mean the world to their owners! |
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Written by Administrator
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Monday, 28 July 2008 |
How pet cats can mean the world to their owners!World Animal Day takes place on 4 October 2007. Held each year, the Day aims to celebrate humankind’s relationship with animals and celebrate the love and companionship offered by household pets Cats Protection is the UK’s leading cat welfare charity and helps around 142,000 cats and kittens each year through a national network of 29 Centres and 252 Branches. Cats are the nation’s favourite companion animal, and the charity has compiled a host of survey findings which show that owning a cat has a range of benefitsTo begin with, there is evidence to show that older people benefit from having a feline friend, with 80 per cent of owners aged over 55 surveyed believing themselves to be happier than non-cat owners. In addition, 82 per cent felt their cat helped them to relax more with 62 per cent saying that owning a cat helped to reduce feelings of loneliness. Cats also make good companion animals for youngsters - 81 per cent of children aged under 13 said they shared their feelings with a cat rather than a family member or friend when they were upset, with 87 per cent saying the most important benefit to having a cat was the feeling that they had a close friend. In addition, a cat can be a useful ‘babe magnet’ for men, with a survey revealing that 84 per cent of single women and 79 per cent of partnered women were more attracted to men who like animals, whilst 91 per cent of single women and 88 per cent of partnered women perceive men who like cats as being much nicer people.  Betty Boud, Manager of Cats Protection’s National Cat Adoption Centre in Chelwood Gate, Sussex said she was not surprised by the research. She said: “These findings tell us what cat lovers have known for years – that cats are not just great company, but actually good for you. There are thousands of cats and kittens in Cats Protection’s care that need new homes and can offer their new owner plenty of love and affection so why not consider adopting one of the cats in our care.
In some cases, the family cat can even prove to be a lifesaver, as shown by Tee Cee, a black-and-white moggy who was the overall winner of Cats Protection’s Rescue Cat of the Year Awards in 2006. Tee Cee, from Sheffield, has an incredible ability to predict when his owner is about to suffer an epileptic seizure, providing the whole family with a vital early-warning system. Another notable cat from the awards is Magic. Her owner suffers with a muscle disorder which confines her to bed for long periods. Magic dutifully stays by her side, makes her laugh and even encourages her to walk around the garden for exercise! Of course, with cat ownership offering such benefits for health and happiness, it’s no surprise that the responsible owner will want to keep their furry friend in tip-top condition! By having their cats neutered, owners can dramatically reduce the chances of them wandering off, getting lost or getting into fights. Neutering is a simple procedure that can be performed by a local vet or other specially-trained personnel, and Cats Protection can help owners on limited incomes with the costs of neutering. Another important step to keep cats safe and well is to have them microchipped – a safe and permanent method of ensuring a pet can be returned if found lost or injured.If you are interested in adopting a cat, wish to apply for assistance towards the costs of neutering, or would like further advice in looking after your cat, then please contact Cats Protection’s national Helpline on 08702 099 099 or visit http://www.cats.org.uk/
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Last Updated ( Friday, 01 August 2008 )
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