12 Reasons Why You’re Obsessed With Cats!

Some people just don’t understand cats, and consider them aloof, uncaring, or even cruel. And that’s fine as everyone is entitled to their own opinion.

However, other humans are completely and utterly transfixed by the mysterious beauty of our feline friends and simply cannot imagine life without them!

Cats grew in popularity during the Black Death, where they were used to kill rats that carried the Bubonic Plague. Though they were once kept primarily as rat control, cats and humans slowly grew more comfortable with one another until they became inseparable companions.

Read on to find out how cats became the second most popular pet in the world, and why human beings bathe these domestic animals in unconditional love!

Why Do Humans Love Cats So Much?

For some, it’s easy to see how cats have become such beloved pets today, yet others are still not convinced that cats make great pets. What do you think?

If you’re still skeptical, here is a list of reasons why cat lovers adore their fur babies so much:

1. Ancient Bond

Studies suggest that the bond between humans and cats runs as far back as 9,500 years ago when humans developed agriculture and began storing grain separately.

This attracted the house mouse, the very first pest to humans, and consequently nearby wildcats crept closer to human civilization, tempted by all the mice.

Over time, humans and cats developed a tenuous relationship. Cats would eat the pests, and in turn, humans would leave them alone.

By this time, humans and dogs were already fast friends, but true to their nature, cats developed their relationship with humans slowly.

Suspicion turned to tentative trust, trust turned to understanding, and eventually, humans and cats realized that spending the night by the fire together wasn’t all that bad.

However, the road to friendship would be a long and winding one.

2. Cats Were Once Gods

According to Acoma Animal Clinic, cats once held an esteemed space in some societies. A cat named Bastet was considered “a goddess, worshiped daily by ancient Egyptians“.

In Ancient Egypt, cats were treated as sacred due to their association with the goddess Bastet, who had the body of a human woman and the head of a cat.

Some people were buried with their mummified cats, and it was illegal to harm or kill any cat.

Britannica.com agrees and states that Vikings also worshipped cats, and effectively “helped cats conquer the world“.

Vikings kept cats on their ships to prevent mice and rats from carrying disease or eating their rations.

Their goddess Freyja was also often depicted in a chariot pulled by two cats.

3. A Dark History

Although some societies once worshipped cats, felines fell from grace in Medieval Europe.

This period of history in European society is dominated by Christianity, which was at the time used to control civilians with increasingly strict rules.

According to Outdoor Bengal Pope Gregory IX produced a document known as the Vox in Rama in 1233, which was an “official document to associate cats with witchcraft“.

This decree outlined some of the “evil” practices of so-called heretics and described how they should be punished for straying from Christianity.

In the Vox, Pope Gregory IX wrote “Thou shalt not suffer a cat to live.”

He equated cats with witchcraft and devil worship. Some people believed that cats were witches in disguise, and others thought they were emissaries of Satan.

As a result, many cats were killed and even tortured during this time, and many people with pet cats were treated similarly.

While cats were hated for their associations with witchcraft and devilry at the time, it added an air of mystery to the species (source 1).

4. Redemption

The bubonic plague, known at the time as the Black Death, originated in the early 1300s.

After infecting much of China, the plague was carried via trade to Medieval Europe, which was famous for its poor hygiene.

The bubonic plague is caused by the bacteria Yersinia pestis, which is carried by fleas on small rodents, namely rats and mice.

Despite having devastating effects on humanity, the Black Death helped cats regain their popularity!

Athough in reality cats can help spread the bubonic plague, people began to see the utility of this species.

Since the disease was largely spread through rats, cats were viewed in a more positive light and were kept more often as ratters on ships and farms.

By the 16th century, cats were no longer viewed as evil and were even kept as companions and muses (source 1,2).

5. Cat Obsession Psychology

Cat owners love their furry friends so fiercely, it’s led some scientists to wonder about the science behind this bond.

There are thirteen different genes, and perhaps even more, that are associated with the transition from a feral to domestic cat.

While there’s still a lot we do not know, scientists theorize that natural genetic mutation led to some cats feeling less afraid of humans.

Another possible reason why humans find cats so adorable is because of their little round faces and large eyes!

These proportions are similar to human babies, which elicit protective and loving emotions in humans (source 1).

6. They Don’t Secretly Hate You

A lot of people who are skeptical about cats simply do not know how to read a cats body language.

For example, a cat’s neutral facial expression can seem a bit intimidating at first!

Many people also think it’s creepy when cats stare at them, but it’s not a sign that they’re thinking about eating you!

Cats prefer to observe from afar, at least at first. While this silent, watchful behavior might seem threatening to come from a dog, it is perfectly natural for cats to stare while they are learning more about you.

Cats even stare at their favorite humans, although this is usually for reassurance when they are feeling anxious.

If you go over to a friend’s house and you can see their cat but it doesn’t let you pet it, do not feel discouraged! Cats are incredibly shy creatures, and most cats prefer to hide while others visit.

Rest assured that cats are much friendlier towards their owners, especially when there are not any strangers watching!

Finally, it’s easy to mistake normal cat behaviors for aggression. Many cats like to ambush people’s feet as they pass, but this is a play behavior, not a sign that they want you to leave!

Some cats even give “love bites,” which are small nibbles that indicate affection, not hostility.

7. They’re Independent

Feline companions are much more independent than their canine counterparts.

While dog lovers usually cite this as a reason why they dislike cats, it’s a huge part of the reason why humans love cats!

Dogs are incredibly friendly towards humans, and develop close and dependent bonds with their owners.

Cats, on the other hand, are more selective. It takes them longer to open up to their humans, and when they do, their love can feel more rewarding.

These independent creatures are also able to keep themselves entertained while you are busy, which can be convenient if you work from home.

8. They Talk To You

One of the most amazing parts of cat behavior is that they love to chat with their owners!

While cats cannot communicate with words like us, they speak in tones that mimic human emotion.

Just about any cat owner can tell when their cat is meowing out of excitement or anger! Here’s a YouTube video of our Maine Coon Cat Talking.

Even cats that do not meow tend to communicate quite clearly.

For example, many cats lead or herd their owners where they want them to go. Here are the real reasons Why Cat’s Herd Their Owners.

Has your cat ever run ahead of you, then paused to look back, as if checking to see if you were following? You didn’t imagine it!

If you follow your cat, you’ll probably find that it is leading you to an:

• Empty food bowl
• Full litter box
• One of its favorite toys

9. Low Maintenance

Many people love cats because they require a lot less work than dogs!

For instance, cats do not need to go on walks, and since they only like to use the litter box, they are much easier to clean up after.

These beloved pets only need about 30 minutes of exercise a day, and most cats need to be brushed just once or twice a week.

While cats are a big commitment, they are also not as expensive or difficult to care for as many other pets.

The majority of cats need one cat tree, several scratching posts, and lots of toys.

Outside of that, you only have to pay for:

• Food
• Litter
• Veterinary Care

Another great thing about cats is that it is often easier to keep two than one. Adding a second cat to the family doesn’t double the work, but it leads to a lot more fun!

Two bonded cats can entertain one another throughout the day, and they tend to feel more relaxed when they are around another member of their species.

10. Cats Are Super Affectionate

Many people who do not like cats are certain that cats can’t feel or reciprocate affection, but this couldn’t be further from the truth!

While dogs display affection by jumping on their owners, licking them, wagging their tails, and displaying other obvious signs of love and excitement, cats are much more subtle.

When cats show love, it is through minute expressions of body language. One way cats show love is through slow blinks.

In the wild, cats rely on their eyes and ears to alert them to signs of predators. If your cat blinks or winks slowly it is saying it feels safe around you!

Another way cats show affection is by showing their bellies.

While some cats enjoy belly rubs, most do not because it is such a vulnerable spot.

When cats stretch on their backs, showing you their stomachs, this is another way they display how safe and loved they feel.

Some cats also show affection through head butts. They slam their forehead against their owners or other cat companions as a display of love.

When a cat head butts against you, it is probably reminding you just how much it loves you!

11. Calming

The human-cat bond can also have incredible effects on your mental and physical health. For instance, being around a cat can lower blood pressure and stress levels.

Cats are commonly kept in hospitals and senior homes due to the calming effect they have on people. A cat’s purr also has a soothing effect that humans respond well to.

Scientific studies have shown that lower stress levels are associated with a lower risk for cardiovascular disease and heart attacks, so owning a pet cat may save your life!

When it comes to mental health, keeping domestic cats can increase emotional stability and help treat conditions like:

• Depression
• Anxiety

Cats make great companions for people struggling with mental health because they provide routine and structure, as well as company.

Having another companion to care for can make it easier for people to care for themselves, as well.

Felines tend to form a close bond with their favorite human, whom they spend most of their time with.

12. They Protect You

Cats may not be able to take on intruders like guard dogs, but they certainly try their best!

Cats develop such close bonds with their owners that they will fiercely defend their humans to the end.

For example, Upworthy.com states “Willow the Cat honored as a Cat Awards finalist for saving her diabetic owner’s life“.

According to this website, Amanda Jameson went to bed with dangerously low blood sugar.

Her cat ran downstairs and awoke her partner by nibbling at his legs. Then ran back and forth between him and the stairs until he followed.

When he got upstairs, he found his partner in a coma. He called an ambulance, and Amanda Jameson was saved, all thanks to her beloved cat, Willow.

There are countless similar stories of cats saving their owners from fires, low blood sugar, and even dogs!

While cats may not be strong enough to protect you from physical dangers, many cat owners feel much safer with their pets curled up in their beds at night.