The Health Benefits of Owning a Cat

Hi everyone, Creamsicle here.

Did you know that owning a cat can improve your health? It’s true! In addition to the incredible companionship having a cat can bring to your life, studies have shown that keeping pets has a positive effect on your health and emotional well being, especially when that pet is a cat.

Vital signs taken after a person interacts with a pet often show positive effects on blood pressure, pulse and breathing, similar to a human engaging in deep meditation. Some studies even show a lowered risk of heart disease!

Cats are often used in care facilities like hospitals and nursing homes, as therapy for patients and the elderly. Petting or cuddling a cat can greatly improve one’s state of mind and emotional well being. And for pet owners who are sick, recovery time from an illness is often greatly improved by the unconditional love and companionship that a cat brings to their lives. Studies also show that people who own pets are generally much healthier than non-pet owners.

The benefits to both the young and old are also phenomenal. Children involved in raising a pet generally have a higher level of self esteem, and a greater sense of responsibility. I’m sure many of you humans reading this have fond memories of a childhood pet, and how it changed your young life. And did you know that young kids and even infants who are exposed to cats at a very young age can increase their resistance to allergens and asthma?

Of course the elderly population also benefit greatly from owing a cat. Often many seniors are on their own, and cats provide amazing companionship, and gives them a purpose and the knowledge that someone really needs them. Of course the fact that us felines are much lower maintenance to keep than dogs, also is a help to seniors who may be house-bound and less active in their golden years.

Whether you have a human family of your own, or are a single person living by yourself, the benefits to owning a cat are undeniable. There is nothing quite like the unconditional love of a pet!

If you don’t already have a cat, I hope you will consider opening your home and heart to one. The Forget Me Not Cat Sanctuary has the purrfect feline friend just waiting for you.

Visit our website at www.forgetmenotcats.com and check out our Adoptions page.

So next time you are petting your furry friend, remember that not only does it feel great to your cat, you are also taking care of yourself at the same time.


Purrs,

Creamsicle