I've actually found that cats do lower stress (unless they're clawing the furniture).

I spent nearly two years in bed when I was first diagnosed with this autoimmune disease. During that time, my two cats were my constant companions. Having their little warm, purring bodies snuggled up to me made me happy. And feeding them was one of the few things I got out of bed for (and even that was exhausting). They gave me a reason to keep on going even when things were really bleak - I doubt I would have fared so well if not for them. There's a lot to be said for animal companions.

I miss my cats...

Wife?...cats?...hmmm...Wife! ....but I still really miss having my cats...and dogs...and Ravens...and Snakes...and....

Perhaps God made cats so that man might have the pleasure of fondling the tiger.

ROBERTSON DAVIES, The Diary of Samuel Marchbanks

i've recently been adopted by a feral cat...after months of tuna fish and leftovers he is starting to be a bit more at ease here....he's starting to get fat and happy now, even lets me pet him every once in a while =)

Cats are very agile, jumping my fence with ease.

We had a cat learn that dead rats where currency. He would trade them for food with my mother. He brought dead cottontail rabbits to the house for cooking, but he never touched the tame rabbits in the barnyard.

This very friendly Siamese cat,  was the most athletic creature and most dangerous animal of his size that I have ever seen.