Other than our endless love for cats, we’re constantly looking for reasons to justify living with them. So many people don’t like cats so we’re forced to try and reason with said individuals about the benefits of our feline friends. But did you know that having a cat is actually beneficial to your health? Read more to find out how!
1 –
Heart Health
Owning any pet has been found to reduce stress in our lives, but owning a cat in particular seems to be the top pet for stress reduction. The reduced anxiety and stress proves to be beneficial to our heart health. In fact, a study done by the University of Minnesota’s Stroke Institute in Minneapolis followed 4,000 Americans over 10 years to find that cat owners are 30% less likely to die of a stroke or heart attack than others.
2 –
Reduced Risk of Child Allergies
A study published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology found that children exposed to cats before one year of age were less likely to develop allergies later in life than those who lived in much cleaner environments. So parents, fear not! Let your felines hang out with your babies.
3 –
Purring Heals Muscles & Bones
This might sound crazy, but it’s true. Vibration therapy is often used to strengthen bones and muscles that have been injured or are failing in health. A cat’s purring creates vibrations around 20-140 Hz, which is the ideal range for strengthening bones and muscles.
4 –
They’ll Make You Some Friends
A French study published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that cat ownership increased oxytocin production in the brain. Not only does this hormone lower stress, it allowed children and adults suffering from mild autism to feel calmer and socialize more easily.
5 –
They Help You Through Loss
A study done in the United Kingdom found that those who suffered the loss of a loved one had less symptoms of grief if they owned a pet. The presence of a pet offers emotional support and comfort not only by petting, but simply by being around. Plus, we all know that cats are constantly doing silly things to make us laugh and lighten the mood.
6 –
Lower Your Blood Pressure
High blood pressure often comes with stress and anxiety, so it’s no wonder that owning a cat can help keep you healthy. The reduced stress that been shown numerous times to lower blood pressure and in turn promote heart health.
7 –
A Cat a Day Keeps the Doctor Away
Even if specific health issues aren’t being discussed, studies have shown that people who own cats are 12% less likely to visit the doctor every year. This means that they’re healthier and happier than the rest of society overall.
8 –
Animal-Assisted Therapy Works
A study published in 2000 called Animal assisted therapy: Magic or Medicine? found that even visits by pets can greatly improve the well-being of those suffering from illness. Alzheimer’s patients were found to be less angry and depressed and children with ADHD showed improved attention spans.
9 –
Seizure Alerts
While the science behind cats detecting seizures is not understood, the studies are growing every day. Not all cats will alert to oncoming seizures, but there seem to be more and more reports of felines notifying their owners that something is about to happen.
