Generally speaking, there are two types of people in the world: those who consider themselves dog lovers and those who identify themselves first and foremost as cat lovers.
But while few people would bat an eyelid at those with a particular attachment to canines, cat lovers often get stick for their love of pets of the feline variety.
Non-kitty lovers often argue that cats are overly independent, unloving, and downright heartless.
Oh, and of course there's the whole 'crazy cat lady' stereotype that single women the world over have been confronted with for generations.
This is the adorable moment a kitty leaps off the set of Good Day Atlanta in the middle of a segment:But contrary to what the stereotype insinuates, new research suggests that there's nothing 'crazy' about being a cat lady.
In fact, according to a 2009 study published in the Journal of Vascular and Interventional Neurology, owning a cat could potentially benefit our health in a number of ways
The most important finding the authors of the study came to was that those with cats as pets had a reduced risk of death from cardiovascular conditions including heart attack.
"A decreased risk for death due to MI and all cardiovascular diseases (including stroke) was observed among persons with cats," the researchers noted. "Acquisition of cats as domestic pets may represent a novel strategy for reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases in high-risk individuals."
It was also discovered that cuddling a feline could mitigate symptoms of anxiety.
Melanie Greenberg, Ph.D., licensed clinical psychologist and author of The Stress-Proof Brain explained to NBC News that stroking cats your cat releases oxytocin, the 'bonding hormone' which decreases your stress levels.
Even the sound of a cat purring can ease your stress and benefit your heart health.
And sure, there's likely a host of advantages that dog owners enjoy, but the benefits of living with cats should never be understated.
