Why do hundreds of millions of people around the world like to raise cats?

Hơn 46 triệu hộ gia đình ở Mỹ đang nuôi mèo làm thú cưng trong nhà - Ảnh: helpguide.org — More than 46 million households in the US keep cats as pets - Photo: helpguide.org

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), research suggests that cats can provide emotional support, improve mood, and help their owners feel more cheerful.

However, while cats are wonderful companions, cat owners should be aware that they can sometimes carry harmful pathogens that cause a variety of illnesses in humans, ranging from mild skin infections to serious diseases.

Therefore, the CDC advises cat owners to wash their hands thoroughly after playing with, cleaning up after, or feeding their cats, to take their cats for regular veterinary checkups, and to follow safety guidelines when raising cats.

Clearly, owning a cat has both benefits and risks, so why do millions of people around the world still enjoy keeping cats as pets?

Owning a cat offers mental benefits.

According to the Los Angeles-based mental health nonprofit HelpGuide.org, owning a cat can bring unconditional love and companionship into your life.

Having a feline companion can also offer health benefits, helping to reduce stress and improve your cardiovascular health.

Tại sao hàng trăm triệu người trên thế giới thích nuôi mèo?- Ảnh 2. — "Contestants" at a cat contest in Hanoi in 2022 - Photo: LAM NGOC

"Although cats are independent animals who like to explore and discover in their own way, they are also very affectionate towards their owners and those they trust," according to the article "The joys of owning a cat" on HelpGuide.org .

"Most cats enjoy curling up in your lap after a long day while you watch TV or read a book. This simple act can automatically release all the right chemicals in your brain, allowing you to relax in the evening and forget about the worries of the outside world."

Flexibility is also one of the reasons why people prefer owning cats; whether it's a large house or a small apartment, owners can easily live with their beloved feline companions.

Even a city apartment has enough nooks and crannies for a cat to spend hours playing around in.

In addition, cats are not very demanding, saving owners the trouble of walking them, training them, and grooming them regularly.

Another characteristic that makes people like to keep cats is that they are very quiet.

Cats tend to meow when they're hungry, but you rarely have to worry about being woken up or distracted when your cat needs attention.

This makes them ideal pets if you work from home or have young children at home.

Cats are also very independent; they'll be there for you when you need them, but they're also very good at entertaining themselves.

Furthermore, according to the US CDC, cats have also been shown to promote social integration in older adults and people with physical or mental disabilities.