Brin Cats: Why Pets Are Good For People

Cats Rule! It’s a well-known fact that pets are good for people. Not only are they entertaining, but they force their owners to interact with a living thing and maybe get out of the house on a regular basis. Petting an animal for an extended period of time even lowers human blood pressures! It isn’t any wonder that many people want a pet, but it is also true that not every person really understands what owning one is like. Although it’s said that dogs are a man’s best friend, the more appropriate animal for a first-time pet owner to begin with is a cat because they are relatively low maintenance pets and cost less than their canine counterparts. Cats enjoy playing and snuggling with their people, but the truth is that they are very independent. Just think of potty time: “In snow, sleet, heat or rain – the dog needs a walk. Demands a walk.

Many first time owners don’t really grasp the costs of owning an animal until it's too late. Obtaining, feeding, housing, entertaining, cleaning, and keeping an animal safe is expensive on a good day, and just one emergency can push many owners into debt. According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), “owning a cat instead of a dog could save you a minimum of $300 to $800 a year — probably more” (Harvey). Cats are small, and therefore likely to run up proportionally smaller food bills. They also tend to require fewer toys, supplies, and services than dogs, which need crates, leashes, collars, and training classes. Routine veterinary expenses are cheaper for cats than for dogs. On top of all of this, the ASPCA’s tally of costs doesn't even factor in boarding or dog-walking when pet owners are away, expenses which are either considerably lower or completely nonexistent for