The present invention relates to subterranean cementing operations, and more particularly, to cement compositions comprising elastic particles and having improved mechanical properties, and methods of using such compositions in subterranean cementing operations. An example of a method of the present invention comprises the steps of: providing a cement composition comprising a base fluid, a hydraulic cement, and a portion of elastic particles; placing the cement composition in a well bore in a subterranean formation; permitting a portion of the cement composition to enter openings in a region of the subterranean formation in fluid communication with the well bore; and permitting the portion of the cement composition to seal the openings off from the well bore. Another example of a method of the present invention comprises the step of adding a portion of elastic particles to a cement composition.