It almost didn’t happen; it was that close. If I hadn’t spied her out of the corner of my eye as I sped past, I could never have rescued her from cold and wet. She rescued me right back with her love and companionship. It’s true, as science maintains, being a cat parent improves one’s mental and physical health.
Much research has been done around this phenomenon and the upshot of it is that scientifically your little feline treasure is boosting your physical well-being. To be more specific, results show lowered blood pressure, reduced stress and improved mood amongst other benefits which we’ll take a look at.
Of course, we all know that cats bring companionship, a sense of family and laughter to our everyday lives. We cherish them for it. This comfort and joy that cats give to their parent in turn heighten the parent’s positive emotional experience of life creating a cycle of optimism that enhances their mental health.
The Healing Power of Cats: How Feline Companions Can Boost Your Health
Heart-healthy and stroke-savvy: You Bet, Cats Can Save Your Life!
Published in the Journal of the American Heart Association in 2019, a study followed 2 000 people over 10 years. The resulting conclusion was that being a cat parent was associated with lower blood pressure and risk of death from cardiovascular diseases, including stroke and heart attack. A study published in the Journal of Vascular and Interventional Neurology found that owning a cat can lower the risk of stroke by up to one-third. Science has spoken, please thank your cat for their life-saving power that fuels your good health. Now you know why your cat’s so smug!
Sleeping with Your Cat: The Secret to Better Sleep and More Energy
There’s not much that can beat the cosiness, cuddliness and emotional security that come with sleeping with your cat on the bed. According to a study by the Mayo Clinic, pet owners who slept with their pets reported better sleep quality and greater feelings of comfort and security.
But not every cat parent is the same and some prefer their feline companions to sleep in their own beds or outside of the bedroom. Fair enough but it can only be said that they are missing the soothing warmth of a cat curled up beside them or nestled in the crook of their knee. Could some cats be pillow hoggers? We won’t contest that! But there’s no getting away from scientific fact that surely, a purring companion is a recipe for a great night’s rest.
Agility Training for Pets? Nope, it’s for You-Courtesy of Your Cat!
It may not occur to you at first that playing with your cat and engaging in physical activity raises your heart rate and enhances balance and coordination. When you use toys that call for tracking motions and rapid reactions for perfect timing, playing with your cat becomes exercise that builds hand-eye coordination.
Let’s take a look at how your kitty’s powers extend to the whole family. What a cat! (Your cat would like me to note that the dogs are not included.) If it weren’t for the oodles of science backing it all up, one might be tempted to believe in magic! Here’s how it really works:
Your Cat’s Secret Superpower: Boosting the Family’s Immune System
A resident cat may help to boost the immune system by exposing their family to a variety of bacteria and other microorganisms, which can help to strengthen the immune response and reduce the risk of infections. A study published in the Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery in 2014 found that cat families had higher levels of beneficial bacteria in their gut compared to non-cat owners, which suggests that having a cat may have a positive impact on the microbiome and overall immune health.
Cat Action for the kidsters: How Cats Help Lower Allergies and Asthma
Research has indicated that early exposure to cats may help lower the incidence of allergies and asthma later in life. One study found that children who were exposed to cats in the first year of life had a lower risk of developing allergies to cats as well as a lower risk of developing allergies to other common allergens like dust mites and pollen. Perhaps this could be the allergy solution you are looking for and a perfectly valid reason to bolster the cat population in your home! A fifth cat, anyone? Yes, please!
Back to the science everyone –
A study was published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology in 2002. Particularly with young children there appears to be a relationship between cat parenthood and immune function and, there is evidence to suggest that owning a cat may have some immune-boosting benefits.
Not surprising is the fact that being a cat parent means faster recovery from illness. According to research by the National Institutes of Health, pet owners are more likely to recover from illness more quickly and with fewer complications than non-pet owners. (If you need to take a break to hug your cat even closer, I completely understand, please carry on reading when done.)
Why Owning a Cat Could Be the Best Thing for Your Mental Health and Well-Being
Feline Co-Parents: How Cats Teach Kids Responsibility and Empathy
The true love of a cat goes a long way in building the self-esteem of a child. Children learn all sorts of behaviours from having a cat. They learn responsibility and accountability when they take care of their feline best buddy. They develop valuable life skills like the importance of routine, patience and attention to detail when they learn how and when to feed the cat, groom it and clean the litter box.
On the whole, they learn the joy of caring for another living being who is dependent upon them for their every need. So, when the kids ask for a cat, the only answer can be a resounding Yes!
Cats and Kids: How Interaction with Felines Builds Social Skills
Cats positively influence children’s social development as well. Children learn empathy, gentleness and kindness towards animals as they interact with a cat. They learn to play with the cat at the cat’s speed and capabilities. This sets them up with the skill to adapt to their siblings’ and school friends’ levels of ability and their pace of interaction. Your amazing catto is not just sitting on the back of the couch by the window watching the world go by, they’re co-parenting with you.
Cats as Social Catalysts: How They Help You Connect and Beat the Blues
Being a cat parent staves off feelings of loneliness and isolation. It’s true, it’s hard to feel alone with a cat ‘getting in the way’ also known as relaxing on your keyboard while you work, being a lap-warmer while you watch TV and demanding laser pointer action. This is also true for those who live alone or who have limited social connections.
Cats make great nurses for those who are convalescing; they are loving companions for retirees who find themselves at home with lots of free time. Some believe that cats’ love and their playful nature can encourage their owners to get out there, engage in activities and interact with family and friends. After all, one can never run out of things to say when you have a magnificent catster to chat about!
Hug a Cat, Lower Your Stress: The Ultimate Anxiety Buster
Stress and anxiety can negatively affect our physical and mental health. The answer to this problem is relatively simple. A. Get a cat and, B. hug your cat frequently. Seriously though, a recent study at Cornell University indicated that snuggling your kitty-cat for ten minutes reduces the amount of cortisol in your system. Cortisol is a stress hormone so less of it is better in this circumstance. And, when you find yourself hugging a cat you almost automatically find your spirits lift and your mood brighten. Cat cuddling finds its place in science all to the benefit of cat parents.
Boost Office Vibes: How Cats Reduce Stress and Improve Productivity
Having a cat or two in the workplace is also shown to reduce stress and anxiety. Studies have found that having a cat in the office can help lower stress levels and improve productivity while providing a source of entertainment and positivity for the whole team.
The Science Behind How Cats Combat Depression
Being a cat parent leads to a lowered risk of depression too. Indeed, several studies have found that having a cat can not only lower the risk of depression but also improve overall mood. The companionship and unconditional love that cats provide can be particularly beneficial for individuals who are going through a difficult time or struggling with mental health issues.
Cats have a way of showing up just when you need them most, whether it’s curling up on your lap for warmth or softly purring to ease your mind. Scientifically, interacting with a cat can increase the production of oxytocin, the "feel-good" hormone, which helps reduce stress and boost your mood.
How Caring for a Cat Can Bring Purpose and Calm to Your Day
Taking care of a cat can provide a sense of purposefulness and direction that can be valuable for those looking to restructure their day. This routine and sense of responsibility can be grounding for people struggling with anxiety or depression. They provide emotional support to those grieving, lightening the heartfelt burden one purr at a time. And let’s not forget—studies show that the rhythmic sound of a cat’s purr can even lower blood pressure! Plus, who can resist that adorable face staring up at you? That cuteness, combined with their therapeutic presence, truly makes your cattos some of the best little mood-boosters around.
More Amazing Ways Cats Improve Your Physical and Mental Health
Feline Therapy: How Cats Are Changing the Emotional Support Game
Therapy Cats Have a Rich History: The use of cats for therapeutic purposes dates back to the 1950s, when psychologist Dr. Boris Levinson discovered that his cat, Jingles, had a calming effect on his young patients. This revelation helped pave the way for the formal use of cats in therapeutic settings.
Therapy cats are trained to provide comfort and support to individuals with physical, emotional or cognitive needs. Unlike other therapy animals that may require physical interaction like service dogs, therapy cats can offer comfort in a more low-key, non-intrusive way. Their ability to sit quietly beside a person and provide companionship without overwhelming them makes them a perfect fit for those who need subtle emotional support.
Overall, therapy cats can have a positive impact on physical, emotional and social well-being, making them a valuable resource for those in need of support. Stand aside therapy dogs, the feline therapy crew is in town!
Find Your Zen: Cats as Masters of Mindful Relaxation
- Cats can help with mindfulness by providing a calming and meditative presence. Yip, a cat can be your partner in your pursuit of zen. Who knew? Observing a cat's behaviour, such as its movements, breathing, and purring, can help individuals focus on the present moment and become more mindful. The act of petting a cat can also be a mindful activity, as it requires individuals to be fully present and focused on the sensations of touch and interaction with the cat.
Paws for Inspiration: How Cats Boost Creativity and Ease Stress
- Cats can enhance creativity by providing a source of inspiration and relaxation. The presence of a cat can help individuals feel more relaxed and less stressed, which can free up mental space and allow for more creative thinking. Additionally, cats can be a source of inspiration for art, writing, or other creative endeavours, as they provide unique and interesting subjects to observe and depict. Just ask Hollywood’s feline fab four: Garfield, Tom, Sylvester and Felix!
IQ vs EQ: How Cats Help You Sharpen Your Emotional Intelligence
- Strengthened emotional intelligence: Interacting with cats can help individuals develop greater empathy and emotional intelligence. Studies have shown that spending time with animals can increase levels of emotional awareness and improve social interactions. So next time you're chilling with your cat, remember—you’re not just petting them; you’re also nurturing your own emotional intelligence! That’s right, IQ is out and EQ, courtesy of your cat, is where it’s happening.
Feline Love, Family Style: How Cats Create Positive Memories and Emotional Connections
- The presence of a cat in a family can improve family dynamics by providing a shared responsibility and common interest. Taking care of a cat requires cooperation and communication between family members, which can strengthen relationships and promote teamwork. Additionally, cats can provide a source of joy and entertainment for the whole family, which can create positive memories and strengthen emotional bonds. So, a heads up to all those cat hoggers out there, it’s time to share the feline love family style.
The Environmental Impact of Cats: What Every Cat Parent Should Know
- Having a cat can increase one's awareness of environmental issues, as they may become more conscious of the impact of pet ownership on the environment. According to a study by Dr. Peter Singer, a bioethicist and author, "The environmental impact of pet ownership is significant, with cats contributing to ecological disruption through wildlife predation and the environmental costs of meat-based diets, underscoring the need for more sustainable pet care practices."
Go Cats! How Adopting One Can Improve Your Health and Happiness
In conclusion, having a cat can be a purrfectly wonderful way to improve your physical and mental health, as well as providing a range of other benefits. Not only can cats help lower blood pressure, reduce stress and anxiety, and improve sleep, but they can also inspire creativity, increase family bonding, and even save you from a stroke (feline superheroes, anyone?). And let's not forget the emotional benefits of a cat – their soft fur, cute meows, and playful antics can brighten even the gloomiest of days.
So, if you're looking for a furry friend to improve your health and bring a smile to your face, why not consider adopting a cat? Whether you adopt a kitten or an older cat, a furry friend can provide endless hours of entertainment, companionship, and love. Plus, who doesn't love a pet that can help you lower your blood pressure while simultaneously sitting on your keyboard as you try to work? So go ahead, adopt a cat and let the purring begin. To all the cats secretly reading from over shoulders remember this: Go cats everywhere, your time is now!