You don't own a cat, you subject yourself to ownership by a cat. Cat lovers know this, and cat haters don't. Cats are cool, they are mostly independent, you don't need to walk them (especially when the forecast is snow and blowing snow with high winds, and the only people out are the dog walkers), supply food, water and a litter box, and kitty is your friend for life. Want to calm down, simply pat the cat, cat snuggles up and purrs, all is right with the world.