One of the most exciting ways to turn a house into a home is by welcoming a pet to family. Today, Offerpad, like many of our happy customers and neighbors around the country, is happy to celebrate National Cat Day! Offerpad’s home selling and buying solution is loved by families with pets. We find that it’s a real hassle for families to keep their home show-ready and prepared for buyer visits at a moment’s notice, especially when there is a pet at home. Did you know that disturbing your cat’s routine too much can actually make him or her feel sick?
With Offerpad, that’s one of many concerns you don’t have to worry about. No need to alter your feline friend’s routine or allow any stranger into your home. When you sell with Offerpad, we extend an offer within 24 hours of your request – no visit necessary. The only visit ever made will be from the inspector before closing. We’ve had plenty of neighbors enjoy this service, keeping their pets safe and undisturbed.
To celebrate National Cat Day, here are some fun facts about having a cat in your home and how they might even be beneficial to your health and family.
What is National Cat Day?
Photo Credit: ASPCA
First of all, National Cat Day is a day to celebrate cats! It has been celebrated on this date, October 29th, for the past 13 years. It was founded in 2005 by pet expert Colleen Paige with the support of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), the first humane society established in North America and one of the largest in the world. People often celebrate the day by treating their cat to new and fun things, donating to a shelter, or adopting a cat of their own.
The First “House Cat”
Cats have been friends to humans for centuries. According to National Geographic, the first to domesticate our furry buddies may have been the Ancient Egyptians as many as 4,000 years ago. Another theory holds that cats were domesticated over a century early, around 5,300 years ago in China. A 2013 archaeological study indicates that a breed of once-wild cats was attracted to farming villages and made them home. Ancient wild felines were likely drawn to human communities for the plentiful rodents, such as mice and rats. Humans appreciated cats’ skills in hunting the rodents that contaminated their food and spread disease. Soon enough, these people welcomed, named, and fed cats themselves – and thus we have the first “house cat.” Although the exact history is debated, one thing’s for sure: people have enjoyed having cats at home for a very long time!
Cat Facts and Stats
Photo Credit: ASPCA
Cats are the most common pet to have in the home, according to the American Pet Products Association’s estimation in 2016. The group estimates that 85.8 million cats are owned in the United States and that 35% of households have a cat. Did you know that a large percentage of cats that are taken to shelters are given up by people whose housing situation becomes unfit for cats? On the other hand, some people who buy a home do so with the idea in mind of adding a pet to their family. Here are some more popular “fun facts” about our feline friends:
- Cats can actually be allergic to us too
- Catnip isn’t always effective with all cats
- About 46% of people and families get their cat friend from a shelter
- Cats can actually be great friends with dogs
- Much like dogs, cats do often enjoy being pet
- Cats purr but it doesn’t always mean they’re happy
- There are probably more black cats than any other colored cat
- Sometimes seen as a bad omen, black cats have no problem getting adopted; they comprise about 31% of all cat adoptions
- Cats are unable to taste sweet things!
- Adopting two cats is often easier and healthier for cats than bringing in just one
- Cats spend between 30% and 50% of their days self-grooming
- Just watching cat videos can boost your energy and create positive emotions
Benefits to Having a Cat at Home
Organizations like ASPCA promote the responsible adoption of cats for a wide variety of reasons. Their work revolves around protecting these animals by rescuing them and getting them placed in loving homes. Rena F. Lafaille, MPA, Director of Administration, ASPCA Adoption Center, Shelter & Veterinary Services commented to Offerpad, “There are many benefits of having a cat in your home. Cats make wonderful indoor pets and loving family companions.” Here are some learned benefits of having a cat at home:
- A study showed that petting a cat has a therapeutic, calming effect and having a cat at home could lower stress and anxiety reducing the risk of heart attack by more 30%.
- Cats can provide excellent social support during difficult times such as mourning the loss of a loved one.
- Having a cat might help you get a date! A survey found that 82% of women liked men who had a pet. 90% of single women thought men who liked cats were nicer.
- A couple studies have linked having a cat to human intelligence. Researchers found that those who have a cat tend to be brighter. (This isn’t to say owning a cat will increase your IQ… except maybe by the Pygmalion Effect!)
- Cats are known to fulfil the human need for companionship. During long days at home alone, a cat companion can really lift your spirits.
- Research from the Mayo Clinic Center for Sleep Medicine suggests that sleeping with your furry buddy could actually help you get better sleep.
- Having a cat can even save your life and protect your home. One cat in the U.K. warned its family of a gas leak that could have be fatal to everyone at home.
How You Can Celebrate Today
There are many ways to celebrate this fun observance from having a cat-themed party to becoming a cat adopter. These are just a few ideas to get thinking about how to enjoy National Cat Day:
- Donate food, blankets or pet toys to animal welfare groups in your neighborhood.
- Volunteer at your local animal shelter. You can play with some cats there and offer to help at the shelter.
- Share fun cat photos and video on social media – it could brighten someone’s day!
- Help an ill or elderly neighbor clean up their cat’s litter box and toys.
- If you already have a cat at home: get him or her a new toy or their favorite food; have them groomed and pampered; get professional photos taken; or invite friends over to play with your cat.
- And if you’ve been considering getting a cat, maybe this is the day to finally adopt one of your own! Be sure to give it a lot of thought and be sure that you’re willing to commit to the responsibility. All pets deserve to have a home where they are cared for – ASPCA is a great resource for learning about cat care.
Cat Adoption Advice from ASPCA
Photo Credit: ASPCA
About adopting a cat, Lafaille told us, “Over 1.6 million cats are adopted every year in the United States. It is important to know that each cat is an individual which means they all require different levels of care and attention. Some cats are very outgoing and actively seek human attention, while others may be more reserved, preferring attention on their own terms. Before adopting a cat, talk to a professional at your local shelter about the qualities you are looking for in a companion. For example, kittens can be unpredictable and energetic while adult cats have more set personality traits. When thinking of adding a new pet to the household, everyone should fully understand the commitment and responsibilities that pet adoption involves and know their role when it comes to caring for the pet.” Welcoming a cat into your home can be a very fun, mutually beneficial thing for both the people at home and your new furry friend but be sure to take care when making such a commitment.
No matter how you choose to celebrate cats today, we hope you have a great time enjoying the company of your little buddy or considering how bringing one home might make your house feel a little more like a home. Happy National Cat Day from your neighbors at Offerpad!
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