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The Health Benefits of Cat Ownership

TanakaHideshi | Jan 22, 2010 |

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We all know that owning a cat is a great way to not only obtain love and companionship. This is especially valuable for seniors or other people who live alone and are for whatever reason unable to get the social interaction they need in order to be happy. But did you know that there are benefits to owning a cat that go far beyond this, and that owning a cat can offer significant health benefits over someone who does not own one?

Cat ownership can actually help prevent or reduce the development of pet allergies and other respiratory problems. If a parent adopts a cat either shortly before or after the child is born, that child develops natural protection against these disorders as he or she grows up. While by no means a guarantee, studies have found that children who have spent their lives in homes that owned cats are significantly less likely to suffer illness or reduced immune function as they grow up.

Children with developmental disorders also see benefits from living in a home with a cat. Autistic children are better able to communicate and interact with animals than they are with people, and interacting with a cat can be an invaluable tool in their treatment.

Of course, the health benefits of cat ownership are not strictly limited to children. Adults see many benefits as well. In a world filled with worries and concerns, stress levels for many adults are quite high, but the ability to return home to the love and acceptance of a cat can go a long way toward helping to deal with those stresses. Stroking a cat has been shown to be very therapeutic in stress reduction and is even able to help reduce blood pressure.

The mental health benefits of cat ownership go beyond simple stress relief. Cat ownership has been linked to increased levels of dopamine and serotonin levels in the brain, which has many wide-reaching effects on the owner's mental state. Since these chemicals are mood balancers, they are an effective against depression, anxiety, and loneliness.

As you can see, there is more to love about your cat than simply the cute things they do or the companionship they have to offer. From their ability to keep you company to the health benefits they impart to their owners, cats should be a welcome addition to any home. Visit your local kitten rescue society today and find a new friend to add to your family. There are always newborn kittens flowing into them that are in need of good homes.