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You love your sweet kitty like a member of the family, and some benefits of living with a feline are quite obvious: they’re adorable, they make you laugh, they keep you company. But did you know that cat parenthood goes beyond love, and actually has health benefits as well? It turns out that even watching cat videos on the internet can boost positive emotions. So before you get back to your daily YouTubing, check out these additional reasons why being a cat parent is beneficial to your health.
Reduced stress: Cuddling and petting your cat produces a calm, relaxed feeling which is caused by the release of oxytocin in the brain. This feel-good chemical makes your body feel more peaceful and even helps to lower blood pressure. Be sure to make kitty cuddles a part of your daily routine because, hey, it’s good for you!
Decreased risk of heart disease: Perhaps it’s due to the zen-like state (mentioned above) that cat parents enjoy compared to households without pets, but one study found that over a 10-year period, people with cats were 30% less likely to die of a heart attack or stroke than non-cat owners.
Boosted immune system: Sharing a home with a cat exposes you to pet dander which stimulates your immune system to help reduce the risks of allergies and asthma. According to studies, children that grow up with pets are less likely to develop allergies to those pets.
Companionship: It’s a no-brainer that a home with cats is far less lonely than an empty home. With a cat, you have a constant companion. Your furry friend is there when you’re happy or sad, whether you want to chat his ear off or just sit together in silence. Though cats are often perceived as aloof and independent, they tend to develop a special bond and can be quite affectionate with their number one human.
Encourages socialization: Living with a cat provides a natural conversation starter; surely you’ve got a wealth of stories to share about your kitty’s quirks and crazy antics. The shared love for pets is a common topic in which people can delight and become fast friends.
The seven benefits recapped
As a cat lover, I’m sure you can come up with countless benefits of having your sweet feline in your life in addition to:
- They boost positive emotions
- Cats help reduce stress
- Cats help lower blood pressure
- Cat parents have a decreased risk of heart disease
- Cat parents have a boosted immune system
- Cats provide companionship
- They encourage their people to socialize
