The Value of Owning a Cat Maine Coon Cats 1. Healthy Heart Cats lower your stress level and anxiety. A calming effect occurs when petting a cat. Pet ownership has been linked to better health and wellbeing. 4. Incresed Intelligence? 2. Ecofriendly Cats have a much smaller carbon footprint than dogs. Cats eat less than dogs so they take a smaller toll on the environment. 5. Companionship Cats provide great companionship. While many stereoptype dogs as more affectionate, this is a myth. Cats can show just as much affection as dogs. 3. Coping Pet ownership can aid in the grieving process. A cat can provide social support to help get through the grieving process and work through feelings of loss. It’s no surprise that studies have shown cat owners are more intelligent. A researcher in WI in 2014 surveyed 600 college students. Findings showed cat owners were more intelligent.