From Daily Mail
Cats are cute, cuddly, independent, and a lot less work than a dog. But did you know they can also be good for your health? Our feline friends have been proven to have a positive effect on our mental and physical health. So if you're not a cat person yet, here's some reasons why you should be...
They can reduce stress and anxiety
Cats release calming chemicals which can help lower stress levels in humans. In times of upset or grief, one of the best ways you can cope is to own a pet. Cats have been shown to help people get over their loss more quickly and experience less physical symptoms, such as crying
It can help lower your risk of heart disease
Cats are actually good for your heart. They can help you feel calmer just by petting them, and the chance of developing various types of heart disease, or even suffering a stroke, are up to 30% lower than non-cat owners, studies say
You will sleep better
Cats are better bed companions than humans. Multiple studies found people preferred to sleep with their pets than their partners. Not only did they get a better night’s sleep, but they experienced less disturbances throughout the night
Purring can help heal injuries
It sounds far-fetched, but the purring noise cats make can actually help the human body heal quicker. The frequency a cat purr creates has been proven to have a therapeutic effect on human bones, muscles and joint mobility after injury
Your children will have fewer allergies
Studies have shown that being exposed to cats under the age of one means you are less likely to develop allergies as an adult. High exposure to cats in early life also provides protection from other allergies, such as dust mites and grass
They can help children with autism socialize better
The social interaction of children with autism can dramatically improve around pets, research has shown. So if you have a child with autism, getting a cat could greatly help develop their social skills and assertiveness as an adult
Watching cat videos is good for mental health
A study of more than 7,000 people conducted by Indiana University Bloomington discovered that watching cat videos boosts energy and positive emotions, while cheering up anyone who had been feeling down
Widen your social circle
For both adults and children, owning a cat makes you more likely to make friends with other cat owners as well as connecting you with other people in the community like your local vet or volunteers at the animal shelter
Cats can help you attract a partner
If you're single and wanting to meet a partner, then getting a cat is one way to do it. A recent study showed 90% of single women said men who owned a cat were also 'nicer' than other guys they dated. Meow!
And they can literally save your life
There have been many instances of cats literally saving their owners lives. One cat owner said his feline friend warns him before he is about to have an epileptic fit. Cats have also woken their owners up during a fire – or in one case a gas explosion
