You've had a hard day. You come home from school not wanting to talk or text with anyone. You untie your sneakers and slump on the couch, but then you notice that something is watching you.
In fact, you're being stalked by one of the fiercest predators the world has ever known. It's silently tracking your every move, tail twitching. It suddenly attacks…your shoelaces. You laugh and scoop up the family tabby. You scratch her ears and stroke her fur, and soon she's purring in your lap. Your shoulders loosen up, and it feels like you can take a deep breath for the first time all day.
Such scenes show why many people adore cats. They may have a reputation for being aloof, especially compared to some hyper-attentive pooches. But in truth, most cats love getting and giving affection—they just pre-fur it on their own terms. They may ask for attention by meowing or rubbing against your legs, while if they hiss or flatten their ears—well, keep your paws to yourself. As unpredictable as cats may be, research shows that their company brings physical and emotional benefits to their loving owners.
The history of cats as pets dates back some 10,000 years. That's about the time communities in the Middle East were shifting from hunting and gathering to farming and settling. Cats proved to be excellent guardians of grain stores, earning acceptance by hunting mice and other pests.
Their wiles and charms eventually won cats cozier spots indoors, where they offered other, less apparent advantages. Scientific research indicates that many people who welcome cats into their homes experience lower blood pressure, reduced feelings of stress and loneliness, and a greater sense of well-being. Simply sitting and petting a cat releases oxytocin in a person's brain. Oxytocin is known as the "love hormone" because it generates relaxed feelings of connection. Playful interactions with cats and other pets also increase levels of dopamine and serotonin. These two brain chemicals play a role in mood and mental health.
Felines offer feel-good entertainment, too. Their antics range from cute to comical, which is why so many cat video compilations have become internet sensations. That's yet another perk these pets offer, as psychologists say a good laugh is one of the best ways to interrupt troublesome thoughts. For these and other reasons, many people have come to rely on cats for e-meow-tional support.
QUESTION 1
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Based on the article, the reader can infer that __________.
cats are much more affectionate than dogs
cats are not usually welcome on farms
a cat will be more fun than a dog as a household pet
a cat will hiss or flatten its ears if it doesn't want to be petted
a cat will hiss or flatten its ears if it doesn't want to be petted
Based on the article, which of these is true about cats?
Cats do not like to live indoors.
Cats have always been household pets.
Cats' hunting skills made them useful to humans.
Cats' charms helped them guard grain stores.
Cats' hunting skills made them useful to humans.
Which is the closest synonym for the word wile, as it is used in the article?
folly
instinct
ploy
loyalty
ploy
Read this passage from the article:
Their antics range from cute to comical, which is why so many cat video compilations have become internet sensations. That's yet another perk these pets offer, as psychologists say a good laugh is one of the best ways to interrupt troublesome thoughts.
The author's purpose for writing this passage was to __________.
argue that watching cat videos is a waste of time
explain how people make cat videos
show how cats can help people feel better
suggest that cats do not like to be laughed at