How cats help us physically and mentally.
by Daniela Naydeva.
They reduce stress and anxiety.
Simply being in the presence of a cat causes the release of calming chemicals in our body, which lowers our stress and anxiety.
A study found that interaction with animals (petting and playing) resulted in a release of oxytocin,
Oxytocin is a hormone and neurotransmitter that has numerous effects on the human body.
Oxytocin has anti-stress-like effects and reduces blood pressure and cortisol levels.
Cats help us battle Depression.
A small, 2017 study found cat owners reported significantly lower feelings of depression than dog owners. (Branson et al., 2017)
A 2006 study found single women (compared to those living with a partner or children) who had a pet were less likely to exhibit depressive symptoms. (Tower et al., 2006)
Decrease blood pressure.
Studies have proven that a cat’s purr can help lower blood pressure and relax the nervous system.
Purring helps heal bones, tendons and muscles.
Cats purr within a range of 20-110 Hz, and studies have shown that frequencies in the 18-35 HZ range have a positive effect on joint mobility after injury.
Heart diseases.
They reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke.
They reduce loneliness.
They keep us company and make us feel less lonely.
Cats help us build Healthier Habits and serve as a Reminder of Self-Care.
Taking care of cats reminds us to take better care of ourselves as well.
Help our Sleeping.
A recent study , from the Mayo Clinic Center for Sleep Medicine, has proven that sleeping with cats can help us sleep better. (Holohan, 2015).
Just watching cats, is good for us.
A study https://news.indiana.edu/releases/iu/2015/06/internet-cat-video-research.shtml of over 7,000 people by Indiana University Bloomington found that watching cat videos on the internet decreases negative feelings increases energy and improves positive emotions in us.
Prevent Allergies.
In 2002, the National Institutes of Health released a study that found children under a year old who were exposed to a cat to be less likely to develop all kinds of allergies, According to Marshall Plaut, M.D., chief of the allergic mechanisms section at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, "high pet exposure early in life appears to protect against not only pet allergy but also other types of common allergies, such as allergy to dust mites, ragweed, and grass."
Improved general well-being.
A 2015 study found out that cat owners have significantly lower scores for general psychological health, indicating a lower level of psychiatric disturbance, and could be considered to have better psychological health than the non-pet subjects.
References:
Branson, S., Boss, L., Cron, S., & Turner, D. (2017). Depression, loneliness, and pet attachment in homebound older adult cat and dog owners. Journal of Mind and Medical Sciences, 4(1), 38–48. https://doi.org/10.22543/7674.41.p3848
Tower, R. B., & Nokota, M. (2006). Pet companionship and depression: Results from a United States Internet sample. Anthrozoos, 19(1), 50–64. https://doi.org/10.2752/089279306785593874
Holohan, M. (2015, December 14). Want better sleep? Maybe let your dog in the bedroom after all. TODAY. https://www.today.com/health/should-your-pets-sleep-bed-you-new-studys-surprising-answers-t61266
(N.d.-b). Archive.org. Retrieved September 6, 2023, from https://web.archive.org/web/20021004100013/http://www.nih.gov/news/pr/aug2002/niaid-27.htm
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