For many years we did not have one not until i moved into my current house.  There was a stray cat that never leave.  After a year, that cat gave birth and after multiple births we just have to excile them.  4 cats were left and of the 4 three were gone and presumed dead.  Only one left, a female, and not long after gave birth to an only baby cat.  i really hate cats but as the little kitty grew, i found out that it brings happy moments to us.  It helps us alter our moods – from grumpy one to a lighter one because you just can’t help but to play with her because the moment you step out of the kitchen door, the mom cat and the baby cat are tehre to greet you with their loud greetings and the baby cat ready to grab your the sole of your foot or maybe your slipper.  If your mood is really bad you can kick the cat away but if you can control it, you end up smiling and playing with the cat.  So i can say, though they bother us at times with their foul shit, they make us laugh even when we don’t feel like smiling.  They are great mood boosters.   We love them.