They say having a pet can bring years to a persons life :) And for some people they prefer cats (or as I call them-walking balls of fur) over dogs.

I have cats and dogs and I get comfort from having them around. They are non judgmental and give unconditional love.

On to cats specifically.. One of my cats loves to snuggle on one of the areas I have problems and pain ( neck/ shoulder) and the warmth and her relaxing purring does give me some relief and helps me relax. My other cat does the same on my lap and knees.

Maybe its because I have had animals all my life, but just having them around and petting them relaxes me.

Cats are easier to care for if you have walking problems. Dogs require more work like walks. We have a high energy dog that needs 4 walks a day. Some are short only a mile. The other 2 are long walks a couple of miles. We have a schedule for all 4 people in my family.

My husband and I just bought a new kitty a couple days ago (in addition to the one we are already have) and we spent all evening just playing with them. It does bring a sense of joy knowing that we saved an animal and it will only experience love for the rest of it's life. That's something a lot of humans don't even get. :) Just my input.

We've always had one dog and multiple cats.

I use this picture as A) it was in my computer; B) we've always had cats; and C) he's far better looking than I am.

okay, makes sense. just thought i was missing some mystical connections.

No, it's petting the short-haired DOGS that is the cure for RA, not the kitties.

oh no .... I don't have a dog that can cure my RA???? Well darn he makes me happy anyways... He is long haired and so soft!!! Wouldn't trade him for the world... he is a keeper!!!!!!!

Yes they do. Cats and dogs require nothing but your love and give you back unconditional love. My 2 cats seem to sense when I am aching or just not feeling good and they are just as loving at these times as when they want to play. My 2 aren't just pets they are family. I know that some folks don't understand that but they are a great help. Mine seem to know when my neck and shoulders hurt and they will lay on them in the bed and just them laying on them and purring seems to give me some level of comfort. Petting your dogs and cats also relieves tension and lowers blood pressure. Hope it wasn't to lengthy

I personally am a dog person; we do have a cat our daughter left us, my husband gets a kick out of the cat. Our two rescue pups are fabulous-guess that means my cure will come twice as fast! Trish

There is nothing more comforting than a cat snuggled up and purring on you when your in pain.

You got it chopper80 - it's all in the purrrrrrrr. They look up at you and blink twice, which means they feel safe. I call it the double blinkie.

Dogs don't purr, just a lot of heavy breathing LOL

....and I do have a dog, too.

Haha I also have a dog I love with all my heart but there is nothing comforting about hot stinky dog breath :)

Well, this is more appealing to me than a conversation about shoes!

I love EVERY animal, and would be like the friggin' ark if I could. But for my current life style, cats are the best. Ours want us around, all the time, but they can take care of themselves when we aren't.

For me, animals make life better. There's something about giving a creature the very best life you can give it, and them loving you in return. Or pooping on the carpet...

I'm a crazy cat lady. So the more avatars of cats the better. Nothing beats the soft, warm, and purring cat, next to you when your lonely.

Not a gender thing, my son and daughters boyfriend, are cat people.
Here is a funny article for you.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/05/29/cat-people-dog-people-intelligence_n_5412245.html

Lin