I wrote a previous post on all the health benefits of having pets and now comes even more evidence of the wonderful benefits of having a cat (I have a couple so hopefully this rules me completely out of the heart attack zone). I showed the following evidence of the health benefits of living with cats to my husband in the hopes that he would be slightly less angry with me the next time I bring home a homeless cat (they always seem to find me). This is also a great study if you are currently trying to convince your spouse that you should adopt a cat so read on!Why Having A Cat Is Good For Your Heart In More Ways Than One
According to a study at the University of Minnesota, researchers tracked 4,435 people ages 30-75 for up to 20 years (that is a long time), they found that cat owners were 40 percent less likely to die of a heart attack than people who lived in homes without cats. The researchers doing the study could not say exactly why this was but thought it probably had something to do with "stress relief". I agree with this because whenever I am upset all I have to do is pet my cat and I can feel the tension literally melt away. Having my cats is better than any pill or chocolate bar (it is a close tie between the chocolate bar and cats-just kidding) that I could have when I feel upset or in turmoil.
Unfortunately, there were not enough dog owners in the study to make the same assumption but I imagine that the results would be similar based on other studies that I have seen. I also think that having a pet adds entertainment as mine do the silliest things and keep me laughing-they say laughter is the best medicine.
Adopting a cat or dog from an animal shelter may be good for your heart too in that you know you saved a valuable life and are loved unconditionally for who you are by them. I really cannot express enough the benefits both for your heart health and your heart happiness in living with a pet.
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Hi Heidi,
ReplyDeleteVery cute picture! I have never heard that. I could see where cats could help take away some stress. My whole family loves our cats and dog. They add so much joy to our lives. I will remember this, the next time I am upset about something. This information was very unique indeed. Thanks so much for sharing & have a wonderful week! :-)
I have to agree with you. Whenever I'm in a funk, I just call one of my adorable kitties and many of my problems melt into the background for the time being.
ReplyDeleteI used to onlyONLY be a dog person...the older I get? the more cat'y (no pun intended! :) ) I become.
ReplyDeletecute cats! i have a small dog, actually it's my daughter's but since she's always in school i'm the one who takes care of him. and you're right, pets are good stress busters ;)
ReplyDeletecheers!
Great post Heidi...such a cute photo...
ReplyDeleteI strongly agree...animals have a calming effect on most people...I do think this would include dogs as well.
In our area as I'm sure yours we have people who take their dogs into hospitals and retirement homes so that the residence can spend time with them...wonderful program...
Cheers
I adore the picture. We rescued our cat (who is now living with my in-laws). I agree with this...noting better than petting/cuddling something when you're in a funk. My dogs are my new cats (but don't tell them that!)
ReplyDeleteSweet. I got my dog and my girlfriends two cats. They are all great and so much fun to pet.
ReplyDeleteMy husband will love this...we have 19 cats! (And a ranch so we always need barn cats). We're gonna live forever. Last night two of the kittens were jumping and attacking my legs and I laughed so hard. They are truly a joy.
ReplyDeleteI knew I had cats for a reason!!
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh - that is the cutest picture of the 2 kitties in the sink. Pets definitely help keep you healthier especially with the humor factor - they're always good for a few laughs every day. And not to mention unconditional love and affection
ReplyDeleteI don't care what the studies say. Ima just have to eat right and exercise 'cause cats are some of the meanest, most arrogant creatures God every created.
ReplyDeleteThat's my word and I'm sticking to it
I am a dog lover.
ReplyDeleteWhen my mother was very young, someone threw a cat on her, badly scratching her face. So she grew up not liking cats, and that somewhat rubbed off on me.
For the most part, however, I am neutral or indifferent when it comes to cats.
hi there! i saw your blog on entrecard and decided to pay you a visit. :)
ReplyDeletewww.deariago.blogspot.com
Hello,,thANKS for dropping by in my liitle page...nice page youve got here...
ReplyDeleteOh yes, cats are really a good stress relief! Although I am not sure about the heart attacks... I sometimes almost get one, especially when the cats sit at the balcony ledge! :-)
ReplyDeleteCats are great company, they are just full of love for us...Thank you for your compliments...I may not have access to a computer for the next 2 weeks so if I don't, stay well...
ReplyDeleteHooray for cats! And as a cat, I have found that having a good owner makes me have less stress, too.
ReplyDeleteHi Heidi, looks like the problem with my access to your site is solved--I'm here and liked this post. Guess I need to get myself a cat.
ReplyDeletepeace,
mike
livelife365
ya gotta be careful. sometimes too many kitties can add to the stress. You need to find just the right number of cats in order to maintain balance in the kitty universe. I have a little girl who probably should've been an only kitty. She was stressed out by the other kitties, had accidents in places other than her cat box, which then began to stress me out. She now lives in her very own kitty condo, and is quite content. And I'm back to being a stress free kitty person.
ReplyDeleteBTW - doggies are pretty cool too!
Petting my cats when I'm angry or upset always calms me down too. It really works! I also agree that cats are entertaining. Mine always make me smile but if your really want a good laugh every day, get a kitten or two.
ReplyDeleteVery interesting Heidi. We used to have 10 cats years ago, but then, unfortunately, I became allergic to cats. No, I wasn't one of those people you see on the news ;)
ReplyDeleteAnimals do have effect on our well being. I have 3 'kids' (little dogs) and they are so much in tune with me and my emotions that it amazes me. I love them like my own kids, which they are!
☼ Rocki
I think it's very true. Cats and also dogs help us to de-stress. Playing with them also help us forget whatever problems we have momentarily . I've a female friend who's just like you. She always bring home homeless cats although her husband is OK with it. I think people like her and you have really caring hearts!
ReplyDeleteI love cats, they are the best! Wish I had one :)
ReplyDeletegreat post!
ReplyDeleteI would love to have a cat, but hubby is allergic!
P.S. Thanks for stopping by to see me
These cats are so cute then why your husband has any problem for living with them?
ReplyDeleteVery cute pics!
ReplyDeleteI'm getting a cat very soon! :D
and may I add.. lovely blog!!
Great post and adorable photo! I love cats and can't imagine not having any. They certainly bring much joy and love into our household. I support adopting kitties from shelters and with this additional health benefit, maybe more will do so too!
ReplyDeletevery cute picture indeed.
ReplyDeleteThat is great news! I have two cats myself and I agree they are a great stress relief. I love petting my little blind female cat and hearing her purr. She has anxiety issues and I am the only one that can get her to purr. I love that. Good to hear that I might be less likely to get heart disease! Great post, Heidi. Thank you for sharing!
ReplyDeleteCascia @ Healthy Moms
Very interesting post. It is very cool to hear about that reasearch. Me too wanna adopt a cat or dog soon
ReplyDelete