Cat owners have better psychological health than people who do not have pets. They suffer less stress, experience fewer negative emotions, trust others more and have a lower risk of heart attack.
Cats may wake us up at 4 a.m., tear our couch to shreds and vomit with alarming frequency, but they have our full affection. So why do we choose to bring these ungrateful animals into our homes? The answer is obvious to all cat lovers. For others, it may seem more difficult. So researchers have studied the benefits of these miniature felines on our mental and physical health.
Wellness
According to an Australian study, cat owners have better psychological health than people who do not have pets. According to the results of this work, they would be happier, more confident, less nervous, enjoy better sleep, and have a better ability to concentrate.
Adopting a cat could be good for your kids too. In a survey of more than 2,200 young Scots aged 11 to 15, children who had a close bond with their kittens were found to have a better quality of life. The more attached they are, the more fit, energetic, attentive and less sad and lonely they feel. People with cats report fewer negative emotions and feelings of isolation than people without cats, reports Greater Good Magazine.
Anti-stress
What could be better than a warm cat on your lap, and the soft sound of purring to keep stress at bay? Cat owners seem to enjoy a calmer state of mind when their pet is present. Cats offer a constant presence, free from the cares of the world, that can make all our little worries and anxieties unnecessary.
Relationships
Research has shown that cat owners are more socially sensitive, trusting of others and more loving of their loved ones than non-pet owners. Positive feelings towards cats (or dogs) can lead to positive feelings towards humans, or vice versa.
Health
Despite the fleas, parasites, and all the other not-so-pleasant things that may surround your kitten, there is plenty of evidence that these animals are good for our health. Research has shown that having or having had a cat reduces the risk of heart attack. Another study analyzed the effect of having a cat in a family. After one month, owners had fewer health problems such as headaches, backaches, and colds.