Cats have been living with humans for thousands of years. As loyal, loving companions, cats have endeared themselves to all sorts of people. With their affectionate personalities and comforting purrs, cats have proven to be more than just furry friends — theyre an integral part of many peoples lives. But beyond providing emotional support, cats can offer physical and mental health benefits, too. For one, cats are natural and effective stress-busters. Petting a purring cat can reduce levels of stress and relieve tension. Many people also find that having a cat to take care of encourages them to focus on positive actions, instead of worrying. Caring for a pet, after all, requires us to show up and be consistent each and every day. This can help boost our sense of self-worth, and make us feel like we have a goal or purpose. Cats can also provide comfort during difficult times. Their presence can help someone cope with depression or loneliness, while some may find the therapeutic effects of looking after a pet helpful. Pets have also been known to increase social interaction among people, providing us with opportunities to build meaningful connections. Finally, cats can provide physical health benefits. Having a pet can help keep us physically active — cats need to be played with and taken out for exercise. They can also help us get better sleep — a study published in the Journal of American Academy of Sleep Medicine in 2017 showed that people who shared their bedroom with a pet had better overall sleep quality. Whether youre living alone or with family, cats can make wonderful companions. They provide emotional support, stress-relief, and social interaction, all while requiring us to take care of them. The benefits of owning a cat make this four-legged, furry friend a valuable member of the family.