Meowments: 5 Pawsitive Perks of Having a Cat

Throughout history, cats have held a complex and intriguing place in human society. Revered as deities in ancient civilizations such as Egypt, where they were worshiped as symbols of grace and ferocity, cats also bore the weight of superstition and fear during the Middle Ages. Their enigmatic nature often casts them as mysterious creatures associated with witchcraft and the occult.

But now, things have changed. Cats are not just mysterious creatures anymore. They have become a big part of our families and lives. Recently Miss Universe 2015, Pia Wurzbach shared a heartwarming tale of her newfound affection for cats despite her initial apprehensions towards these furry creatures, her encounter with her cousin's adopted cat, Lucas, seems to have warmed her heart. This endearing account of bonding with Lucas echoes the untold joys of living with a cat.

In this article, let's explore some of the surprising benefits of sharing meowments with your feline friend.

1. Having a cat help reduce stress and anxiety:

Having a cat around can trigger the release of calming chemicals in the body. This can lower stress and anxiety levels. Spending just 15-30 minutes a day petting, cuddling, and playing with a cat can boost overall mood. It can also lead to a rise in serotonin (a feel-good hormone) and a decrease in cortisol (a stress hormone).

2. Improved Heart Health

Studies have found that owning a cat is said to lower the risk of cardiovascular diseases due to a reduction in anxiety and blood pressure. Petting a cat has a positive calming effect. Over a 10-year period, cat owners were 30 percent less likely to die of a heart attack or stroke than non-cat owners. The purring of a cat has also been found to help heal bones, tendons, and muscles.

3. Alleviation of Social Isolation and Loneliness

Cats can help reduce loneliness and provide a sense of companionship, which can be especially beneficial for older adults or those who may be feeling a bit lost in life. They can provide companionship and emotional support, and their presence can help people recover more quickly from trauma.

4. Strengthened Immunity

Contact with animals like cats during the first year of life strengthens a child's immune system. In 2002, the National Institutes of Health released a study. It found that children under a year old who were exposed to a cat were 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."

5. Improved Mental Health

Cat ownership can improve overall mental health by reducing stress, anxiety, and depression. A survey by Cats Protection UK and the Mental Health Foundation found that 87 percent of cat owners admitted that their pets had a positive impact on their overall health.