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Can Cats Improve Our Lives? Yes They Can!
Feb
Many of us take care of cats because we are looking for a house companion, just like how others do with dogs. After all, who wouldn’t want to bring in a cat for a pet, right? Cats are adorable animals, and they know how to make humans feel loved and comforted almost all the time.
But did you know that owning a cat can also help improve your well-being?
Studies show that cats, just like dogs, can help improve human lives in various aspects, be it physically, emotionally, and mentally. You may not easily notice it at first, but these feline friends give you a better taste of life.
Is this some kind of cat magic? Well, no. But here are some of the many ways cats help improve our overall well-being that you may want to keep in mind:
Cats help you stay relaxed and reduce your chances of stroke.
According to a range of studies, having a cat in your life, whether as a cherished pet or a feral feline, has been linked to a potential reduction in the risk of experiencing a stroke by as much as 30%.
This correlation is thought to stem from cats’ unique ability to offer humans a sense of comfort through their distinct approach and demeanour, which can have a significant impact on well-being.
Interestingly, this positive effect does not seem to be mirrored in the case of owning a dog. This means cats have something special that can help keep us calm and relaxed. This, in turn, can help reduce stress levels and improve overall health.
Boost your short-term memory.
Another perk of owning a cat is that your short-term memory gets better. In particular, the memory boost happens when you spend at least 10 minutes per day laughing with your domestic cat.
The body’s cortisol levels increase significantly, thus improving brain function and short-term memory capacities. It’s no wonder cats are often used in therapy to help patients with Alzheimer’s and dementia.
Also, cats are hilarious. Watching them act goofy or play with toys can significantly brighten up your mood, too!
Fewer occurrences of allergies.
Some people don’t like taking care of cats because of allergies humans may incur from their fur or when they are at risk of asthma attacks. However, when raising kids around cats, their resistance towards allergies also improves, and this may be attributed to their system becoming immune to possible allergies that they may get from their feline friends. That’s great news for all the cat-loving parents out there!
Having a stronger immune system also allows them to resist other allergens as well, thus, fewer occurrences of allergic reactions during their lifetime. So, not only do cats bring joy and love, but they can also help improve your health.
Cats are therapeutic against depression.
Some people are more attuned to caring for cats and would rather be with them than socialise with humans. While this can be weird at first glance, on the contrary, this setup helps improve their mental and emotional health. Being around cats can help lower your blood pressure and reduce stress levels, thus preventing depression from taking its toll.
Come to think of it, cats are not only loyal companions, but they are also charming pets. Once they have become used to their owners, they make it a point to stick with them through thick and thin. They also show off a lot of adorable mannerisms, which in turn make their owners feel more comforted and at ease. This is highly essential for people going through depression and grief, as they find the comfort they need from their pets more than they do with fellow humans.
Get better sleep.
Cats are nocturnal, but that doesn’t mean their owners have to keep up with them. In fact, cats help lull their owners to sleep to the point that they can improve their sleeping habits.
While technically they do not sing lullabies, cats purr and knead on their owners in specific ways that make humans feel sleepy, and they do this at certain times that trigger body clock adjustments.
This is also the reason why people often find themselves falling asleep on the couch while cuddling with their cats. It’s a natural and comforting feeling that can help promote better sleep and overall wellness.
Cats are not just cute, fuzzy creatures we love to have around. They are living beings that offer so much more than just companionship. From improving our physical health to boosting our mental and emotional well-being, it’s no wonder cats are called man’s second best friend. So, if you’re ever having a rough day or feeling under the weather, just cuddle up with your furry feline friend and let them work their magic.
Cats help children with autism.
Another way owning a cat is therapeutic is when they become friends with children under the autism spectrum. These children have a greater propensity to focus on detail, which is then utilised when interacting with cats. It helps build a stronger connection between the child and their cat, improving social skills and communication. Not to mention that cats also offer a sense of comfort and stability to children with autism, promoting better emotional well-being.
Petting a cat helps them become understanding of emotions, as cats show them different forms of empathy that they relate to without feeling under pressure or coerced (which in turn makes them agitated). This type of relationship with cats has been proven to be highly beneficial for children on the autism spectrum as it helps them to improve their social skills and overall well-being.
Cats can detect low blood sugar.
Cats have an incredible sense of smell and can use this to help their owners who suffer from diabetes. Who would have thought that cats are useful to persons with diabetes?
Well, based on research, cats can detect when their owner has low blood sugar, and they do this by smelling their owner’s breath. Once they notice low blood sugar levels, their reactions also change significantly.
Lower risk of heart disease.
Owning a cat might be good for your heart – both literally and metaphorically. Studies suggest that the calming presence of a pet cat can lead to a lower risk of heart disease by decreasing stress and anxiety levels.
The act of petting your cat has a typically soothing effect and is associated with the release of calming chemicals in the brain. These stress-relieving moments, accumulated over time, can help reduce the overall strain on the cardiovascular system.
Enhanced social interactions.
Contrary to the stereotype of the solitary cat lover, cat ownership can actually lead to increased social interactions. Being a part of a community of cat enthusiasts can open up opportunities to connect with like-minded individuals. Pet owners often bond over shared experiences and stories about their feline friends, leading to friendships and social networks that might not otherwise have formed.
Social media platforms and local pet events provide perfect venues for cat owners to mingle and share their passion for their pets.
Positive impact on the environment.
In addition to the numerous health benefits, owning a cat can also have a positive impact on the environment.
Compared to some larger pets that require more resources and have a greater environmental footprint, cats are relatively low-impact. They eat less in general, and the meat they eat is often a byproduct of the human food industry.
Smaller pets mean smaller ecological footprints, making cats a more environmentally friendly companion animal choice for those conscious of sustainability. Additionally, cats can also help control pests in and around the home, reducing the need for harmful pesticides.
Overall, owning a cat not only brings joy and love into our lives but also has many positive effects on our health and well-being. These furry companions are more than just pets – they are therapeutic partners that make life more enjoyable and fulfilling.
So what else is stopping you from owning a cat? With these reasons above, there’s no more stopping you from getting a feline friend!