Why I have a cat, and you should too!
By Trần Thy Vân 7.1
Have you ever wondered why some cats you meet sometimes wrap their tails around your leg or butt their heads against you? No, it’s not because they “like the texture” of your clothes or want food; it’s actually their version of a hug! Despite being stereotyped as “cold” and “nonchalant,” pets, especially cats, can actually be very affectionate once they’ve met their kind of person. Just imagine coming home after a long day, greeted by the sight of your furry companion splayed out across the floor, on your couch, or sometimes patiently waiting at the doorstep—how could life get any better?
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1. My experience being a cat owner
Becoming a cat parent flipped my life upside down…but in an enjoyable way. On the 9th of May, 2023, she was born to two British shorthairs. She was the only tabby cat of the litter—and the only one with folded ears as well. Around June or July, we met for the first time. I wasn't hoping for any kitten to approach me that day, but this tabby proved me wrong. She made a beeline towards me after waking up from her nap, then fell asleep on my thigh. At that moment, I knew she was mine. Finally, on July 15th, 2023, my family adopted her and named her “Nabi.”
In the past 2 years or so that we’ve spent together, I’ll never forget the day she almost ate chocolate. Anyone would easily know that chocolate is deadly to our companions since it contains caffeine and theobromine. That day, I baked chocolate chip cookies and left them on the counter. Nabi, with her strong sense of smell, leaped up to steal a bite. I’d never run faster in my life before that moment—I couldn’t lose her over a silly cookie. From then on, I learned to never leave baked goods unpackaged, just in case a striped thief comes lurking around.
2. Why might you want, or not want, one?
A quote from the book The Cat Inside, written by William S. Burroughs, goes like this: “One day I was counting the cats and I absentmindedly counted myself.” The longer you spend time with a cat, the more it starts influencing your well-being—which is often deemed a positive sign! According to Cat Bandit, the two major health benefits are lowered risks of cardiovascular diseases and immunity boosts. Additionally, in acknowledgment of our mental health, the APA reported that 69% of cat owners experience less stress and anxiety and feel calmer in their cats’ presence. Physical interactions with cats can help your body release its natural “feel-good” hormones, otherwise known as endorphins, as well.
However, despite the various benefits, some people choose not to own a cat. For health reasons, such as asthma or allergies (although some breeds are hypoallergenic), owning a cat could be difficult due to their fur and dander. Others may prefer socializable pets such as dogs, dislike the responsibilities that come with owning a pet, or want to avoid furniture being torn up and knocked over. Superstitious beliefs often associate black cats with ill luck and witchcraft as well, which can discourage people from interacting with them.
Overall, bringing a cat into your life reaches further mere ownership—it’s true companionship that provides unconditional love and numerous health benefits. From my experience with Nabi, my most beloved tabby cat, it’s safe to say that her presence brought me important lessons about responsibility, patience, and tenderness. Although owning a cat isn’t one size fits all, once you get to know one, you’ll realize just how adorably precious they are. With that being said, would you consider adopting one in the future?
