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Reasons You Should Adopt a Cat

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at St Edward's chapter.

Do you feel like something might be missing from your daily life? Perhaps it’s a furry friend! It’s no secret that people who own pets are generally happier and more fulfilled than their pet less counterparts. What many people don’t know, however, is that cats are the best pets of all the pets. Need more convincing? Read on!

Self Sufficient

Like all animals, cats require responsibility, and of course, you should never adopt a pet of any kind if you don’t have the time or the finances to provide it the best home possible. But, for those quick weekend trips home, your cat is perfectly content to stay by himself and guard the top of the couch like it’s his job (but let’s face it, it kind of is).  Unlike dogs that need to be walked multiple times a day, cats can fend for themselves while you’re not home. So, if you’ve got a full course load and a part-time job, your cat won’t really mind.

Number One Fan

Unlike a significant other or even a best friend, your cat won’t judge you for staying in bed and watching New Girl all day. He’ll snuggle with you even if you’ve neglected to shower for a couple of days–even on the days you feel lazy and unmotivated, your cat still thinks you’re great. Now that’s true love!

Personal Heater

With all of the crazy winter weather we’ve been getting in Austin lately, you’re bound to be spending more money on heating. A cat is the perfect space heater though. They love to snuggle right up and sleep as close to you as possible and they’re small enough to sit on your lap and keep you company while you study or write a paper (or a HerCampus article).

Good for Your Health

Owning a furry pet of any kind is good psychologically, but did you know that cats are good for overall physical health, as well? Studies have shown that petting a purring cat calms a human’s nerves and cat owners are 40% less likely to suffer from heart attacks than those without a feline friend. The vibrations from a cat’s purr promote healing of injured soft tissues and broken bones, too, so if you get hurt during an intramural or a club sport, get yourself a cat and get back on the field faster.

Save a Life.

6-8 million cats are taken in by animal shelters in the United States annually, and sadly, the majority of them are euthanized when they aren’t adopted. Adult cats and black cats of all ages are even less likely to be adopted. By adopting a cat, you will save its life. Chances are, it will be forever grateful.

Cats can be a great addition to any household and they’re especially wonderful for college students. Before you make the commitment though, it is important that you know exactly what you’re getting into. So, do your research, and whether you adopt from a shelter or not, spay or neuter your new best friend. 

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Kelsey Peters

St Edward's

I'm a junior English Writing and Rhetoric major at St. Edward's. I am a lover of words, cats, beards, banjos, good coffee, and travel. 
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Brooke Lewis

St Edward's

Brooke Lewis is a senior English Writing & Rhetoric major at St. Edward's University in Austin. She has one left semester left and plans to study journalism in graduate school, after graduation. She also is interning at The Austin American Statesman this semester, for the online department. Brooke has been obsessed with magazines since the 7th grade, when she created one with her friends and distributed it to the girls in her grade. Besides writing, Brooke enjoys playing the piano, hanging out with friends, and watching too much DVR'd television. Some of her favorite shows include Scandal, Nashville, Grey's Anatomy, and the Real Housewives franchise (quality television right there). Brooke is excited to be Co-Editor in Chief of St. Edward's chapter of Her Campus this semester!