Cat owners around the world, rejoice! It turns out that in addition to being loyal companions, cats can also have a positive effect on your health, which we find absolutely unsurprising.
Here’s a list of health benefits that your fluffy friends provide:
1. Reducing your risk of heart problems.
According to studies, cat owners are much less likely to have a heart attack, and those who had such problem and own a cat are less likely to die soon after.
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2. Lowering your risk of a stroke.
It seems that owning a cat is beneficial for your overall cardiovascular health. People who own a cat have a lower risk of strokes and low cholesterol level, a substance problematic for your heart and vessels.
3. Lowering your blood pressure.
Blood pressure is sometimes called ‘a silent killer’ because it shows no symptoms but contributes to various health problems, including kidney disease, heart disease, and vision loss. It appears that cat owners have a lower blood pressure than people who don’t own a cat.
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4. Decreasing your chances of developing allergy.
People used to think the opposite, but new research shows that children who grew up with a furry pet in their home have a lower risk of allergies (not just to animal dander but allergies in general) and asthma.
5. Cats make you less stressed.
Petting a cat provides a great relief if you’re stressed or anxious. When you interact with a cat, your body releases so-called ‘happy hormones’, which makes you feel more relaxed. It’s beneficial for your overall health because constant stress and anxiety can exacerbate your existing health problems and contribute to the development of new ones.
6. Cats can help you sleep better.
Many people who sleep with their cats report that it helps them sleep better.
7. Owning a cat is beneficial for your mental health.
There is a study that showed that interacting with a cat can help children with autism feel less anxious. Cats are also known to help relieve depression.
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8. Cat’s purrs facilitate the healing process.
The frequency of cat’s purrs is 25–50 Hz, and they can aid relieving aches and pains, thus assisting fractured bones knit faster.
In addition to positive effects on your health, cats can help you feel less lonely, cope with a loss of a loved one, and, according to one study, find a romantic partner (yes, really).
So, if you don’t already own a cat, maybe it’s time to go to your local shelter and bring home a fluffy friend… What do you think?