Numerous studies confirm that watching cat videos can boost your mood, so it’s no surprise that having a cat in the house brings many benefits. Here are some scientifically backed facts about why being a cat owner is good for your health.
Cats are capable of more than just sleeping all day and begging for treats. In fact, these creatures can significantly improve your life!
Cats Help Overcome Breakups
Who among us hasn’t faced difficult separations? Breaking up with a loved one is always a shock, a critical moment that must be endured to learn to live in new circumstances. Each person takes a different amount of time to adapt to a new life; however, oddly enough, cats can speed up this process. Studies show that they improve mood and help cope with grief more easily.
Despite being just animals, cats can provide excellent social support in tough times: many people talk to their pets to express thoughts and feelings, as sometimes it’s easier to talk to someone who won’t react to what is said and won’t judge.
Cat Owners Have Sharper Minds
A British survey of pet owners showed that people who have cats are more likely to have higher education than those who own dogs. Four years later, a researcher from Wisconsin surveyed 600 college students and, analyzing their responses, found that cat owners are indeed smarter. This is related to the fact that cats require less attention, distracting their owners less from their tasks.
Cat Owners Have Healthier Hearts
As mentioned earlier, cats can reduce stress levels. Try petting your cat during moments of high anxiety — it works better than any stress reliever!
One study conducted over 10 years showed that during this period, cat owners had a 30% lower risk of dying from a heart attack or stroke compared to owners of other pets. This is because these animals help relieve stress, which in turn normalizes blood pressure, lowers cholesterol levels, and reduces heart rate.
Cats Promote Better Sleep
According to a study by the Mayo Clinic, the presence of cats in the apartment improves sleep quality. In 40% of cases, the rapid eye movement (REM) sleep phase occurred faster when the pet was in the owner's bedroom.
Chronic Pain Becomes Less Pronounced
Cats purr when they are relaxed. These sound vibrations help reduce pain syndrome. Have you noticed how cats curl up against a painful spot? They can sense pain points in the human body and, through low-frequency vibrations, enhance capillary blood circulation and accelerate pain relief.
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