Beneficial Effects Of Cats On Health

Do you know what are the beneficial effects that cats bring to our health ? In addition to giving a great help on a psychological level, especially in the case of children and the elderly, they are the perfect allies in therapies and in the rehabilitation of people suffering from heart diseases.

Not only that, cats help lower blood pressure and even reduce cholesterol levels.

For all these reasons, medicine has decided to rely on these beautiful animals. And now no one is questioning that having a cat next to you is good for your health.

The healthy purrs

Although it is well known that the great secret of the beneficial effects of cats on health lies in the purr, for their relaxing and soothing effect, you should know that even their mere presence and the possibility of petting them help to lift morale.

Several researches have shown that cats:

• They can make people with depression smile.
• They stimulate the sociability of shy people.
• They control violent impulses.
• They relax nervous people.
• They bring back the playful aspect of life.
• They reduce our blood pressure.
• They help us keep triglyceride levels in check.

Find out what are the beneficial effects of cats on the human heart

A study published in the American Journal of Cardiology  revealed that cat owners show a one-year higher survival rate than people who don’t.

The reason seems to be that being able to caress the feline and listen to its purr have a vasodilating action that contributes to relaxation. 

Additionally, contact with felines accelerates the healing of those who have undergone cardiovascular surgery.

Cats and the elderly – a good combination

Recent research – published in the Journal of the American Geriatric Society –   concluded that older adults living with a dog or cat have greater psychological well-being.

These subjects, first of all, feel less alone and then they are more active because they have to take care of their pet. Being in charge of a pet means that these people have more incentive to carry out normal everyday activities. For instance:

• Go to sleep and get out of bed
• Prepare to eat
• Wash
• Get dressed
• Go out for a walk

The study looked at around 1000 people, men and women, aged between 70 and 75.

Children and cats

Children who are lucky enough to spend their childhood next to a pet are more responsible and will be more sociable adults with more communication skills.

On the other hand, you should know that, contrary to what is commonly thought, the little ones who grow up in the company of cats and dogs, are healthier and more robust.

Various studies have shown that infants who spend the first year of life in contact with a pet:

• They have the strongest immune systems.
• They are less likely to develop allergies and asthma.
• They are less likely to have infections,  especially affecting the respiratory tract or hearing
• They heal faster and resort less to the use of antibiotics.

Therapy with cats

Specialists define the benefits that living with cats brings to people’s lives as “positive effects”. For this reason it is increasingly common to see these animals used in pet therapy  in hospitals, schools, prisons or homes for the elderly.

A research team from the University of Southern California at Los Angeles has shown that when a dog or cat visits a hospitalized patient with heart disease, the convalescent’s heart and lung function improves dramatically. The beneficial effects are registered immediately: after only twelve minutes! 

Furthermore, the therapeutic use of these animals is particularly effective in the case of people suffering from psychiatric disorders, such as depression, schizophrenia, anxiety and some forms of neurosis.

They have also been successfully used in therapies aimed at people affected by neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease. And they offer invaluable help in improving the communication of autistic children.

Do yourself good: adopt a cat

If you want to know more and learn about the other health benefits cats have, below we talk about the “balsamic” effects that come from stroking a purring cat.

• It makes you forget for a moment the physical or psychological pain.
• Speeds up healing.
• It reduces stress and anxiety. 
• Moderate the symptoms of dyspnea.
• Helps heal infections and inflammations.
• Helps heal injuries to muscles, tendons and ligaments.
• It reduces the risks of being affected by cerebral ischemia.

If you haven’t adopted a cat yet, now is the time! Take care of it with love and respect. You will surely become healthier and happier people.