6 Surprising Health Benefits of Having a Cat at Home

Having a dog or cat at home means having company at all times and living happier. You have someone special to talk to, someone to play with, and someone to take care of no matter what. And, the best part is that our furry friends can always make us feel better, no matter how hard life is. Cats actually have some pretty interesting benefits for their owners, as well! As it turns out, not only do cats need us to take care of them, but we also need them for our health and well-being! If you are curious, what are the surprising benefits of having a cat at home, just keep on reading!

Let’s see which are the coolest health benefits of having a cat at home

Surprising Health Benefits of Having a Cat

#Faster recovery

When you hear your cat purring, you are filled with warmth and tenderness, and you calm down. But according to Dr. Leslie Lyons, professor of veterinary medicine at the University of California, cats can actually speed up healing. They purr in a certain frequency range – from 25 to 150 hertz. For tissues, this range has been shown to be healing, and it supposedly increases bone density as well. If you are recovering from an injury or after surgery and have a cat on your lap, you will get back on your feet faster!

Cat’s purring has been shown to be healing, as well as relaxing for people

#Lower blood pressure

Cats and dogs lower daily stress and bring your blood pressure down with it. A study of 240 married couples showed that cat or dog owners not only had lower blood pressure, but their resting heart rate was calmer. Even when exposed to a stressor, their heart rate remained lower and calmer than other people. So, if you struggle with high blood pressure, a cute cat might be able to help you!

Cats and dogs lower daily stress and bring your blood pressure down with it

#The heart loves them

A cat is looked after out of a good and kind heart. However, it turns out that cats are actually great for your heart! A study found that people who have never looked at a cat are more at risk of having a fatal heart attack compared to people who have or have ever had a pet kitten. The risk is actually 30% higher. The statistics are clear – pet owners suffer less often from heart attacks than people who do not own a pet.

Cat owners suffer less often from heart attacks than people who do not own a pet

#Helpful for children’s health

Not only do cats make children friendlier and more attentive in interacting with people, but they are also good for children’s health in the long run. In a 2014 article, a team from the Pediatric Allergy and Immunology Clinic at the Johns Hopkins Institute wrote that a pet cat reduces a child’s risk of becoming allergic to something. The more allergens (like cat hair) a child is exposed to, the less likely they are to develop allergies at a later age. About 41% of children without allergies grow up in homes with cats and dogs. But only 8% of allergic children had contact with domestic animals (and their allergens) as young children.

A pet cat actually reduces a child’s risk of becoming allergic to something

Just remember not to let your cat roam outside if you have kids at home

#Help with anxiety and stress

Cats do miracles when it comes to lowering stress and anxiety in humans. Not only is their purring extremely relaxing to us, but their presence is enough to turn a bad day around. What’s more, cats are independent enough to be able to take care of themselves, without you constantly having to do things. They understand personal space, but they can also be a reason for you to get out of bed on a bad morning!

Cats do miracles when it comes to lowering stress and anxiety in humans

#Reduce feelings of loneliness

Cats make great companion animals for more independent people. They give you unconditional love, which is sometimes better than human friends and connections. Cats are also known as spiritual therapists because they are able to calm your mind and body. Having a cat to listen to all your troubles, is one of the best ways to get things off your chest and reduce feelings of loneliness.

Cats make great companion animals for more independent people

No matter what you decide to do, your cat will always be there to watch you do it

These were the most interesting health benefits of having a cat at home! Remember that the connection between a pet and an owner is a strong mutual bond that can help you live longer and feel better!

Now you know the most amazing health benefits of having a cat at home

And, at the end of the day, a cat is all you need!

Related Articles

• What Do Cats Actually Like? Here are 9 Cat-Favorite Activities
• Why Does My Cat Knead Me? 6 Common Reasons
• Hypoallergenic Cats: 7 Best Cat Breeds For People With Allergies
• The 7 Best Kid-Friendly Cat Breeds: Loving and Calm
• How to Stop Cats From Scratching Your Furniture & Peeing Everywhere

Sources

• Catonsville Cat Clinic ©
• Greater Good Magazine ©
• The Spruce Pets ©
• Healthline ©
• Danbury Animal Welfare Society ©
• Shape ©

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