Cats are the only animal included in traditional Halloween celebrations. We reflect on the reasons, and why they generally make good companions, since today is National Cat Day.

Think of Halloween and what comes to mind? Goblins, warlocks, witches, and black cats. Yes, cats are the only animal routinely included in the Hallow’s Eve celebration.

Long considered companions to witches, they were believed to be pets that served as a witches’ allies and in many cases protectors. In ancient times, many thought cats carried out spells and brought harm to a witch’s enemy.

In the 14th century, black cats became linked to the devil and thousands of them were killed during the Black Death pandemic. To this day, animal shelters do not offer black cats for adoption around Halloween because they are fearful that they will be sacrificed.

This is ironic since cats were worshipped in Ancient Egypt. The Egyptians saw cats as useful predators and they gradually became symbols of divinity and protection, according to history.com.

Today is National Cat Day, one that is celebrated nationally to try to raise awareness of the importance of cat adoption.

Owning a cat can have a positive effect on one’s health. The Journal of Vascular and Interventional Neurology has published a study that said there is a decreased risk of dying from a heart attack or stroke if you are a cat owner. Besides providing companionship, the cat’s purr can help lower blood pressure and calm nerves.

Despite the fact that cats are low maintenance and less costly to take care of—they take up less space, usually stay indoors, use a litter box, and groom themselves—in today’s society, dogs seem to be more popular pets. About 63 percent of all U.S. households own a dog, according to the American Pet Product Association. Cat lovers fall behind. About 43 percent of households own a cat and 10 percent of households feed a community cat.

At the University of Miami, about 50 students are members of a cat-loving club called UPurr (of course), and their mission is to try to find fostering opportunities for street cats.

Suha Khan is the president of UPurr and the proud owner …….

Source: https://news.miami.edu/stories/2021/10/cat-lovers-agree-they-are-great-pets.html