Scientific studies have recently confirmed what cat owners have known for a long time... that owning a cat is good for your health. In fact, the results are dramatic, showing that people who have had a pet cat at some point in their lives are 40% less likely to die from a heart attack and 30% less likely to suffer from heart disease. These results are a one-up on dog owners, who despite getting more exercise from their pet, show no health benefits to their hearts.
It is thought that the reasons behind this improved heart health is the action of sitting and stroking a cat, which has been proven to lower blood pressure and decrease stress.
Cat Health
And the benefits don't stop there. Cat owners also have a statistically lower rate of cancer, which researchers believe may be due to the fact that they are exposed to more allergens, and so their immune systems are stronger. Yet another positive side effect may come from your cat's purr. Tentative studies have shown that the vibration made by a cat's purr can stimulate healing and growth in bones.
Of course, not all health benefits are physical. Cats can be a source of immense emotional comfort, especially for people living alone or in highly stressful situations. They provide companionship and unconditional comfort and affection which can reduce people's feelings of isolation and despair. Because of their low level of care requirements, they make ideal pets for elderly people.
As well as offering comfort to elderly and terminally ill patients, cats have also been shown to have a positive effect on people suffering from mental illness. Spending time with cats can help people to learn boundaries, social skills and even communication as they learn to interact with the animal. Since cats don't speak (at least not in a language that humans are fluent in) this communication hurdle is bypassed, letting cat and human get to know each other on a more basic, instinctual level. Some mentally ill patients have even said that they feel their feline companion understands their condition, helping them to feel less alone and frustrated, and studies have shown that those who own a cat have better coping mechanisms and are more likely to stick to their treatment regime.
In fact, cats can have such a positive impact on people's well being that for some cats it is their full time job. Therapy cats are specially trained cats that visit ill and elderly patients in hospitals and care homes. Cats can be almost as effective as medications for decreasing stress, lowering heart rate and minimizing anxiety - all useful traits for patients who are struggling with a difficult disease or a long term illness. Therapy cats can also be a blessing to children who have to spend a long time in hospital, giving them enjoyment and something positive in their day. They are are a calming and comforting presence to patients, and provide a break in their daily routine as well as something to look forward to.
Therapy cats need to have extremely laid back personalities, and enjoy the affection of just about anyone they come in contact with. They should not be easily frightened by unusual noises or circumstances, and they must be good travellers. Most therapy cats are trained to be comfortable on a leash, and they should be quite happy to get in and out of their carrier without a fuss. Above all, a therapy cat should be affectionate, and love nothing more than to sit in a lap and purr, or rub up against a new human. If your cat fits all of these requirements, perhaps you and he could spread some cat love at your local nursing home or hospice?
Start by visiting as many of your friends and family as possible, to get your cat used to the process. If your cat is a little shy, encourage him to sit in someone's lap by having the "patient" offer him treats. You will need to test your cat's response to noises such as a door banging, to ensure that his automatic reaction isn't to dig his claws in or jump and hide, and ask your test patients to stroke and handle him in different ways, getting him used to a variety of touches. If he does well in these trials, contact your local home and offer to bring the cat by for anyone who would like to spend some time with him.
Before your visit, make sure that your cat has been thoroughly brushed to remove any excess hair and dander, and that his nails are trimmed. You should also have him checked over by your vet to make sure that he is 100% healthy for visits.
With all of the health benefits of cats, perhaps it's time for them to be prescribe by the NHS?
Therapy Felines - Felines Are Great For Your Wellbeing!
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