Keeping a cat is always great, but did you know that they offer more than just amusing antics? Keeping a cat or two around can actually improve your health in a variety of ways, both subtle and some that have been the subject of studies. Are you interested in the specifics? Read on!
1. Their Purrs Can Heal
While the purring of a cat is quite enjoyable, it also seems to aid the human body in healing. A cat’s purr isn’t going to give you a healing factor, but it’s statistically significant when it comes to recovery from injuries.
The reason has to do with the frequency of their purring. Their purr falls right in the sweet range of 25-50Hz and outliers fall into another significant range in the 100-200Hz frequency.
So, if you’re injured and snuggling up with your feline? It might be just what your body needs to recover in a timely fashion.
2. Lowered Risk of Heart Attack
Cat owners have a lower risk of heart attack.
Indeed, the chance appears to be 40% less over the course of a person’s lifetime. It’s even there when other variables are accounted for. This little quirk of pet ownership has been studied extensively and seems to hold true across the board.
It’s pretty impressive: just having a feline and taking care of them makes your heart healthier.
As a bonus, the long-term risk of both stroke and heart disease, in general, seems to be lower in those who own cats. That’s a great reason to bring one into the home, even if they’ll occasionally make you feel like you’re having a heart attack.
3. Better Sleep
Many people report that sleeping with cats in their bed actually leads to better sleep.
And hey, you get all the benefits of the extra oxytocin of snuggling up without having to deal with an entire person. That alone is enough to recommend cat ownership for many people.
They’re not a cure-all for insomnia, and some people do find their animals disturb their sleep. The majority, however, find that their resting quality is just better when there’s a cat in the bed.
Of course, you may have to deal with kitty morning breath so keep some dental treats on-hand just in case.
4. Reduced Allergies in Children
Cats bring in a load of pollen, dust, and other allergens in small amounts. That’s terrible for those who suffer from allergies, but regular exposure to these will help build an immunity to them. Or rather, prevent the provoked immune response that creates allergies.
When children under a year old had “high pet exposure” they were at a significantly lower risk of lifetime allergies.
Does that sound too good to be true? Another study found that high pet exposure before the age of four years old was associated with a 52% decrease in asthma as well!
Looks like that adorable little fuzz ball might just be one of the keys to respiratory health in children. Besides, now your kid will have an animal to grow up with.
5. Better Mental Health and Stress Resilience
Pet ownership is associated with less anxiety and depression. It appears that just having them around is good for us mentally.
For some reason, pet owners also seem to have a lower response to stress than those who live in a barren, animal-free home. Being able to lower your stress levels is a game-changer for many people.
Cats seem to fulfill a basic human need for companionship, perhaps even better than dogs for some people. There’s also the sense of purpose that comes with having a cat. Even if you’re just waking up, they’re there and need you to take care of them. That sounds stressful, but for many people it’s the last little bit they need to get up in the morning.
Of course, the improvement to mental health and lowered stress pays off in big ways. Thinking clearer, having a healthier heart, and generally enjoying life more.
6. Less Exposure to Pests
Pest animals, like rodents, have an unfortunate way of worming themselves into our homes. In addition to the ick factor, many of these animals can become vectors for a wide variety of parasites and diseases.
Everything from fleas to the bubonic plague can be found in some rats, for instance.
Cats have strong predatory instincts and the original reason they lived among us was to handle rodents. Even the most timid house cat still has some level of prey drive and most cats are prolific hunters when allowed.
While it’s not good for the local lizards and birds if you let your cat outdoors, the fact remains that you’re much less likely to need to deal with most pests. Some cats will even chase down spiders and roaches!
Less exposure to these pests and their possible diseases is a good thing. And taking care of those pests is something a cat was, quite literally, born to do.
More than Just a Pet
Cats have the ability to increase or health and well-being just by being cats. It’s not just cat lady propaganda either, all of the above are backed to one extent or another by cold, hard science. Which is the perfect offset to our warm, fuzzy cats and all of the joy they bring into our lives just by being here!
