Cats are loveable pets that bring their owners physical, mental and emotional health benefits. Beyond providing companionship and unconditional love, modern studies shows that cats are wonderful for your well-being.
MENTAL HEALTH BENEFITS OF HAVING A CAT
Caring for cats offers a world of rewards, from fostering purpose to providing companionship. Numerous health benefits are associated with owning cats such as:
Improves Mood
Cuddling with a furry friend could be the key to reducing stress and improving your mental health. Research have shown that interacting with pets can launch an emotional transformation in even hardened criminals. Extending feelings of tenderness and companionship for the first time like hugging, petting, or stroking animals is also known to rapidly relax individuals who are feeling anxious. The presences of a cat encourages healthy exercise, elevating one’s moods naturally.
Improves Socialization
Possessing cats provide ample opportunities to build meaningful relationships with other pets owners and, in turn, comfort, empathy, and community. Taking care of cat encourages interaction with other pet owners, leading to greater feelings of connectedness and support.
Taking care of another living being provides a sense of purpose and satisfaction that can boost self-esteem.
Reduces Stress
Having a calm companion whose always happy to spend time with you can help reduce muscle tension, lower heart rate and blood pressure, and promote relaxation. Cats are more than fluffy companion- their purring could benefit our physical and mental health.
According to Gray Weitzman, a veterinarian and CEO of the San Diego humane society featured in BBC future, we may be drawn to cats’ calming humming, like we are naturally inclined towards soothing ocean waves.
PHYSICAL HEALTH BENEFIT OF HAVING A CAT
The physical benefits of owning cats are just as significant as the mental and emotional ones. Here are few of the most significant ways cats can improve their owner’s physical health:
Enhance Immune System
Owning a pet can help reduce allergic reactions, improve an individual’s immune system and fight illness. Owning a cat has been linked to lower risk of stroke, potentially due to the calming effects of petting animals.
Studies shows that the presence of pets may help improve cardiovascular health by lowering cholesterol and triglyceride.
Reduces Risks of Heart Disease
Playing with cats or taking them for walks encourages owners to increase their physical activities. Petting animals, including cats, has been linked to the release of oxytocin which can reduce stress levels and lower blood pressure, all factors associated with a reduced risk of heart attack.
Reduces Asthma Symptoms
According to research, exposure to Fel d 1 in the home with cats is much greater than necessary for an allergic reaction, children may build up a tolerance that can last for many years.
Studies has shown that children with cat’s allergies may have less severe asthma symptoms than children without.
