The Health Benefits Of Living With A Cat

Are you a pet lover, or perhaps a little wary of the potential health risks they might pose?

The word 'zoonotic' might send a shiver down your spine, referring as it does to diseases that can jump from animals to humans.

But before you shoo away your furry friend, consider this: your pet, particularly if it's a cat, might just be your secret weapon in the battle for better health.

Intrigued? You should be. Recent scientific discoveries have revealed a surprising truth: our feline companions are not just sources of joy and comfort.

They're also powerful allies in maintaining and enhancing our health.

From the purring ball of fur that curls up in your lap to the playful kitten chasing a piece of string, your cat is providing you with a host of health benefits.

Let's journey together into the captivating realm of feline-assisted wellness.

1. Cats Lower Stress Levels

We don't really need research to tell us that, do we? Any cat lover that takes the time to spend a few minutes with his or her cat, just petting and feeling that purr, can feel the effect right away.

It's the ailurophile's version of "stopping to smell the flowers."

Interestingly, research shows that cats can help fight depression: Owning a cat can distinctly help alleviate negative feelings.

In fact, according to one study published, cats had the same positive effect on a person as the presence of a spouse. In other words, why get married when you can get a cat?

2. Cats Lower the Risk of Heart Attacks and Stroke

Researchers at the University of Minnesota's Stroke Research Center showed that cat owners are at a considerably lower risk for cardiovascular disease, heart attacks, and strokes.

A large-scale study showed that people without cats had a 40 percent greater risk of death due to heart attack and a 30 percent higher risk of death caused by any sort of cardiovascular disease.

Nobody knows for sure why cats have that effect on our cardiovascular systems. Very possibly, the lowered blood pressure and the reduced stress have something to do with the results.

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3. Cats' Purr Helps Strengthen Bones

Did you know that the soothing hum of your cat's purr could be a secret recipe for stronger bones?

Studies have unveiled an astonishing fact: the unique frequency of a cat's purr can actually stimulate bone growth.

In the world of medical science, this discovery has sparked a wave of innovative research.

Scientists are now exploring the potential of harnessing these purr-frequencies and vibrations as a novel approach to treating conditions like osteoporosis and aiding in the healing of bone fractures.

While the scientific community is busy unlocking the full potential of this feline secret, you don't have to wait for their findings.

Every time your cat settles down and purrs, remember, it's not just a comforting sound, but a symphony of wellness being played just for you.

4. Cats Help Children Develop Resistance to Asthma

Research shows that living with a cat actually helps build a child's immune system. Some children develop a healthy resistance to asthma following significant exposure to cats.

We link a child's ability or lack thereof to develop immunity to their mother's history of cat allergies.

You may want to get more specific information from your doctor regarding your own family.

Still, if you're concerned about the health implications of a cat interacting with a baby, the odds are that they're highly beneficial. Another good reason to keep the cat when planning a baby.

Concluding with Cat Lore!

As we wrap up, let's take a light-hearted look back at some historical beliefs about cats and health, as shared in the book 'Planet Cat.' Remember, these are old tales and are not to be tried at home!

People in the Middle Ages believed that they could get rid of an eyelid sty by gently stroking a black cat's tail.

To combat fever, people would carry a pouch with a rather unusual mix: the dung of a female cat and an owl's claw.

Here's a bit of lore encouraging kindness to cats: People believed that kicking a cat might result in that leg developing rheumatism.

So, let's appreciate our cats for their companionship, their health benefits, and the interesting stories they've inspired over the centuries.

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How about expanding your knowledge of feline health? Take a look at the informative articles we’ve gathered for you below.

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