With so many holiday festivities going on through December, there’s one celebration that takes over the whole month. National Cat Lover’s Month, first marked by animal welfare advocate Colleen Paige, is a month-long observance celebrating the remarkable bond between cats and their humans. While all pets make our lives whole, there’s so many things about cats that make them purrfectly special to those who love them.

Why We Love Cats

1. Cats choose their humans.
Cats have unexpected ways of coming into our lives and wrapping their tails around our hearts. Most cat parents have a story about how one of their cats came into their life as a stray and seemed to choose their family. Even cats that are adopted, rescued, or purchased from a breeder have unique ways of bonding with each family member, forming special connections, even changing the hearts of those who claim they “don’t like cats.”

2. They’re the best conversationalists.
Every cat lover knows that a “meow” isn’t just a “meow.” There’s the high-pitched, drawn out “feed me!” meow, the curious “mew?”, the “activation sound” before making a high jump, and so many more distinct sounds that make up a special language between kitty and cat parent. Cats only meow at humans, not to communicate with other cats, and some say they’ve evolved to sound like the cry of a newborn baby - which could be why when cats meow, cat lovers listen!

3. Cats are have healing powers.
Most people know that cats purr when they’re content, but cats also purr when they’re stressed or in pain. The frequency of a cat’s purr may have healing powers, not only for the kitty, but anyone they choose to share their purrs with. This might be one of the many reasons why, when we’re not feeling well, cuddling up to our feline companions always seem to make us feel better.

4. Cats have a vivid imagination.
They say curiosity killed the cat, but cat lovers know that in the right environment, curious cats thrive. Ordinary spaces like cardboard boxes, under-the-bed, behind the couch - all become advantageous hideaways for the curious kitty. It’s true, curious cats can get into danger at times, but given a cat-friendly space with indoor obstacles and hideouts, they can keep themselves - and their cat parents - entertained all day.

5. Cats are like potato chips.
It’s amazing how fast someone can go from “not liking cats,” to having two, or three, or more four-legged family members. It’s true what cat lovers say - cats are like potato chips, you can’t have just one. Multi-cat households are full of diverse personalities, adorable group nap sessions, and riveting drama. If you’re ready to add another “potato chip” to your household, learn about adopting a second cat.