If you have never had a pet but are thinking it is time to add a furry friend to your household, a cat may be the ideal choice. In honor of National Cat Day, here are some of the outstanding qualities of these versatile creatures that make them so appealing as pets.

They Can Live Anywhere

Whether you live in a studio apartment or a remote farm, you can be confident that a cat will fit right in, literally. Whether it is walking horizontally across the floor or leaping vertically onto a table, a cat can maneuver deftly, making a home in nearly any type of place.

They Can Do Everything Indoors

One great thing about cats is that they are happy to manage their own toileting needs without your assistance. Just set them up with a litter box and check in every so often to clean it. You will not need to leave your warm bed right as you open your eyes in the morning to take them outside or spend hours training them.

They Can Entertain Themselves

These independent creatures are an excellent choice for anyone who has a demanding job that keeps them away from home for the better part of the day. By choosing a cat as your pet, you can come home to a warm greeting without being expected to provide entertainment to make up for a sleepy day. Many cats do not need you to amuse them; they are thrilled to just be close to you.

They Are Great at Pest Control

Whether you are a city slicker or a country dweller, you do not want uninvited rodents or other pests showing up in your home. Felines have your back because they are natural predators, making them good guardians against unwelcome invaders. Your cat's odor alone is an excellent deterrent to keep unwanted visitors out.

They Live Long Lives

The average cat lives for about 15 years, but some have lives that extend beyond two decades. Longevity means that you and your pet can enjoy each other's companionship for a long time. If you have small children, your cat can remain their treasured companion throughout their childhood.

They Can Benefit Your Health

Few things are as calming as picking up a warm cat and stroking it while it purrs in your arms. The burst of endorphins that this activity releases into your bloodstream helps to fend off stroke and heart disease, reduce blood pressure and promote general well-being.

They Are Quiet

It is unlikely that you will have to scold a cat for being too vocal when someone comes to the door. If you or your neighbors crave peace and quiet, you can count on a cat to comply with your wishes. Felines tend to limit their vocalizing to a friendly greeting to welcome you home, an occasional expression of enjoyment or a way to ask for their upcoming meal.

They Are Low-Maintenance

Cats depend on their human caretakers for sustenance, healthcare, and companionship. They require periodic litter box maintenance if they spend all of their time inside; otherwise, they need access to go outside. Still, cats are remarkably low maintenance when compared with other pets. They mostly groom themselves and do not require daily walks to meet their exercise requirements. They are very forgiving of their owners' erratic schedules as long as their basic needs are met.

Cats Are Great!

Cats are excellent pets for people with demanding jobs, the elderly, or anyone willing to take on the responsibility of caring for a living creature for the first time. Pet Hospitals of Hawaii can offer guidance about everything a cat needs to be happy and healthy. With their playful antics and content purring, the animals let you know how much they appreciate you!