Scientific studies have recently confirmed what cat owners have known for a long time… that owning a cat is good for your health. In fact, the results are dramatic, showing that people who have had a pet cat at some point in their lives are 40% less likely to die from a heart attack and 30% less likely to suffer from heart disease. These results are a one-up on dog owners, who despite getting more exercise from their pet, show no health benefits to their hearts.
It is thought that the reasons behind this improved heart health is the action of sitting and stroking a cat, which has been proven to lower blood pressure and decrease stress.
And the benefits don’t stop there. Cat owners also have a statistically lower rate of cancer, which researchers believe may be due to the fact that they are exposed to more allergens, and so their immune systems are stronger. Yet another positive side effect may come from your cat’s purr. Tentative studies have shown that the vibration made by a cat’s purr can stimulate healing and growth in bones.
Of course, not all health benefits are physical. Cats can be a source of immense emotional comfort, especially for people living alone or in highly stressful situations. They provide companionship and unconditional comfort and affection which can reduce people’s feelings of isolation and despair. Because of their low level of care requirements, they make ideal pets for elderly people.
