
December is National Cat Lovers Month! This celebration of our feline friends was created in 2014 by Catster Magazine.
Cats have been companions to humans for quite some time. It was originally thought that African wildcats were first domesticated in Egypt some 3600 years ago. But a 2004 archeological dig in Cyprus challenged this theory when scientists found a human and cat skeleton next to each other in a burial ground thought to be at least 9500 years old! Since cats were not native to that island it is thought that the animal was brought there by it's owner from his mainland in the Middle East.
To this day, cats enrich our lives by providing us comfort, warmth, affection, love, purrs and endless amusement and fascination. In fact, it has been shown that cat owners often have better psychological health than those without pets. Interaction with cats can help promote positive feelings for adults and children alike. Studies have even shown that a the frequency of cat's purring (20-140 Hertz) can have healing effects for humans including lowering stress and blood pressure.
Here are a few ways you can celebrate Cat Lovers Month:
- Donate to a local shelter or cat cause
- Buy your cat some new toys or a cat tree for Christmas
- Schedule a holiday photo shoot with your kitty to create some great memories
- Read a cat-themed book or watch a cat-themed movie
- Treat yourself to a new cat mug
And, of course, you can always give your fur friends the gift of your time by spending a few extra minutes each day playing with them. While cats have the ability to entertain themselves with their toys, always remember that your cat's favorite toy is the one with you on the other end of it!
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