How to Choose a Cat

Cats serve as a social support during difficult times, such as the loss of a loved one. Cats have been shown to help people get over their loss more quickly and relieve physical symptoms of pain, such as crying. Speaking to your cat, who won’t respond or judge you, has also been shown to help the grieving process.

Carroll University in Wisconsin pitched cat owners against dog owners in a battle of wits. The result? On average, cat owners were found to be smarter than those who owned a dog. One psychologist believes that the more introverted nature of cat owners is the reason for these findings.

In 525 B.C. during an attack on the Egyptian city of Pelusium, the Persian king, Cambyses II, unleashed cats before his army and painted felines on his soldiers' shields. The Egyptian garrison, fearing harming the animals and angering the goddess Bastet, quickly abandoned their positions and fled.

A 10-year study from the University of Minnesota found that the reduced stress that comes with owning a cat reduces the likeliness of a heart attack by up to 40%.

The idea that cats are worse companions than dogs is now thought to be untrue - especially for women. A Swiss study found that the happiness and companionship from having a cat in the house is equivalent to having a romantic partner. Cats initiate contact and remember kindness shown to them, returning it in the future.

One study out of San Francisco found that cat and dog owners have vastly different personalities and choose their pet based on these differences. Cat owners were found to be more open-minded, more sensitive and more likely to be non-conformists.

Over their lifetime, the resources required to feed and care for a dog have the same impact on the environment as a Hummer. Cats, who eat less in general and more likely to eat fish than corn and beef only have the a carbon footprint the size of a Volkswagen Golf.

In a study of children who lived with cats, 81% said that they would rather chat to their cat about their feelings than their parents of friends. Around 87% of the children considered their cat to be a ‘close friend.’

Children who live with a cat miss nine days less of school per year than those who do not. This is because the immune function of a cat owner is far stronger. Children raised with cats were found to be less prone to ear infections in one study.

Canadian scientists believe that owning a cat can help lower levels of a chemical compound called triglyceride, which causes high cholesterol. Though owning a cat shouldn’t be an excuse to not eat well and exercise.

Animal psychologist Roger Mugford believes that cats are just as capable at detecting illness in humans as dogs. In 2012, Amy Jung’s cat, Pudding, cat saved its owner's life the same night they had adopted him. After Amy had a diabetic seizure, Pudding brought her back to consciousness by nudging her, and then ran to her son's room pounced on him until he woke up and called for medical assistance.

The love of a cat is unconditional, and it’s this love which has led scientists to believe that felines can aid both moderate and severe depression among humans. Knowing that somebody loves you, even a cat, has been proven to combat depression.

A study by the University of Queensland discovered that autistic children with cats were more likely to speak, look at faces and smile than those without feline contact. The gentle, reserved nature of the typical cat is more familiar to a child with autism than an overly-energetic dog.

Petting a cat increases levels of oxytocin found in the body. Oxytocin is known as the “love hormone” because it is released by touch and increases feelings of happiness.

Cats purr within a range of 20 - 140 Hz, which is known to be medically therapeutic for some illnesses. Purring has been known to lower stress, decrease the symptoms of dyspnea, help in the healing of bones and soft tissue as well as lower blood pressure.

This simple iPad game was designed by pet food company Purina to keep kitties entertained. Colourful fish swim along the screen, and your cat can ‘catch’ them by tapping the screen with their paws. They can rack up points and compete with kitties across the country: it might not mean much to your pet, but if you’re a competitive pet owner it can be exciting to see your kitty climb the leader board. The game exercises their hunting instinct, keeping them out of trouble. It’s a good job that iPad screens are strong enough to withstand scratches from cat claws!

The soothing music on this iPhone app is designed to calm down nervous kitties. It’s essential if you have a cat that gets stressed out during trips to the vet or during house moves. It’s also ideal if your cat is feeling a bit hyperactive and is racing around your house in the middle of the night. Like the Pet First Aid app we mentioned in our post about dog friendly apps, this entry is a bit of a cheat as it’s not just for cats. Pet Acoustics also includes music designed to calm down dogs: and horses!

It’s so tricky to get a good photo of your cat, isn’t it? There they are, sitting in the perfect position, and then as soon as you snap the picture they look away. PetSnap is great because it plays sounds that cats find interesting. Play the sound to grab their attention, and while they’re looking at your phone you can snap a picture of your cat at its curious best. This is great if you need a snap of your kitty to upload to your TrustedHousesitters profile!

Description
The best game for cats on the Android market written specifically for your cat AND for you! CrazyCat HD will entertain both you and your furry friend with cute animated critters that YOU control (with your phone) and your cat chases around on your tablet screen. We're the number one app in the obscure cat games category!
As with any game for cats, there has to be a way to score right? With CrazyCat, the faster the critter is moving when your cat hits it, the higher your pet will score.

If you have a bluetooth-enabled phone, you can connect it to CrazyCat and control the critters while your cat plays. It's a breakthrough in mobile cat games, and it's only offered on CrazyCat! Just purchase the CrazyCatController option in the game, and then use the convenient wizard to connect your phone to your tablet. It couldn't be easier! (Press the crazy cat face on the controller for a surprise for your cat while he's playing).

The free version gives you full functionality in exchange for periodically watching an advertisement. You always have the ability to upgrade if you want and avoid all ads. To buy FULL functionality at a 50% savings, buy the fully unlocked cat game, CrazyCat HD!