Study Says: Purrfect for Your Health! How Owning a Cat Can Boost Your Wellbeing
Study Says: Purrfect for Your Health! How Owning a Cat Can Improve Your Well-being Cats have long been beloved companions, and now a study has shown that they may also be good for our health. According to the study, which was published in the journal “Scientific Reports,” owning a cat can reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and improve cardiovascular health.
The study involved 4,437 adults who were followed for 10 years. During that time, researchers tracked the participants’ health, including their blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and body mass index (BMI). They also asked participants about their pet ownership, including whether they owned a cat.
The results showed that people who owned cats had lower blood pressure and BMI than those who did not own cats. They also had lower levels of stress and depression. In addition, cat owners were less likely to develop cardiovascular disease, such as heart attack and stroke.
The researchers believe that the health benefits of owning a cat may be due to several factors. First, cats provide companionship, which can help to reduce stress and loneliness. Second, cats can encourage physical activity, as they often like to play and chase toys. Third, cats may help to lower blood pressure by purring. The vibrations from a cat’s purr have been shown to have a calming effect on humans.
Overall, the study suggests that owning a cat can have a number of health benefits. If you are looking for a way to improve your well-being, consider getting a cat. They may just be the purrfect companion for you!
Here are some of the specific health benefits of owning a cat:
- Reduced stress: The companionship of a cat can help to reduce stress and loneliness. Studies have shown that petting a cat can lower blood pressure and heart rate.
- Lower blood pressure: The vibrations from a cat’s purr have been shown to have a calming effect on humans. This can help to lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
- Improved cardiovascular health: Cat owners are less likely to develop cardiovascular disease, such as heart attack and stroke. This may be due to the fact that cats can help to lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
- Reduced risk of obesity: Cat owners are less likely to be obese than those who do not own cats. This may be because cats encourage physical activity, as they often like to play and chase toys.
- Improved mental health: Cats can help to improve mental health by providing companionship, reducing stress, and lowering blood pressure. Studies have shown that cat owners are less likely to experience depression and anxiety.