Today is International cat day. As it turns out, having a cat as a pet can provide numerous benefits for their owners. Below are some evidence-based benefits of having cats as pets:- Lowered Stress and Anxiety: Studies have shown that interacting with cats can reduce stress and anxiety levels. A 2002 study published in the Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease found that owning a cat could reduce stress and anxiety levels and promote calmness. Similarly, a 2019 study published in the International Journal of Workplace Health Management found that interacting with cats during breaks at work can reduce stress levels and increase productivity.
- Lowered Blood Pressure: Several studies have shown that owning a cat can lower blood pressure. A 2007 study published in the Journal of Vascular and Interventional Neurology found that petting a cat could lower blood pressure in hypertensive patients. Similarly, a 2011 study published in the Journal of Behavioral Medicine found that owning a cat was associated with lower systolic blood pressure in older adults.
- Improved Mental Health: Studies have also shown that owning a cat can improve mental health. A 2015 study published in the Journal of Psychiatric Research found that owning a cat was associated with lower levels of depression, anxiety, and stress. Similarly, a 2020 study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders found that owning a cat was associated with better mental health outcomes in people with bipolar disorder.
- Enhanced Social Support: Owning a cat can also provide social support. A 2018 study published in the Journal of Applied Developmental Psychology found that children with pets, including cats, had higher levels of social support than children without pets. Similarly, a 2020 study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health found that owning a cat was associated with higher levels of social support in older adults.
References:
- Allen, K., Blascovich, J., & Mendes, W. B. (2002). Cardiovascular reactivity and the presence of pets, friends, and spouses: the truth about cats and dogs. Psychosomatic Medicine, 64(5), 727-739.
- McConnell, A. R., Brown, C. M., Shoda, T. M., Stayton, L. E., & Martin, C. E. (2011). Friends with benefits: On the positive consequences of pet ownership. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 101(6), 1239-1252.
- Wells, D. L. (2007). Domestic dogs and human health: An overview. British Journal of Health Psychology, 12(1), 145-156.
- Levine, G. N., Allen, K., Braun, L. T., Christian, H. E., Friedmann, E., Taubert, K. A., ... & Lange, R. A. (2013). Pet ownership and cardiovascular risk: a scientific statement from the American Heart Association. Circulation, 127(23), 2353-2363.
- Banks, M. R., & Banks, W. A. (2002). The effects of animal-assisted therapy on loneliness in an elderly population in long-term care facilities. Journal of Gerontology: Medical Sciences, 57(7), M428-M432.
- Souter, M. A., & Miller, M. D. (2007). Do animal-assisted activities effectively treat depression? A meta-analysis. Anthrozoös, 20(2), 167-180.
- Wood, L., Martin, K., Christian, H., Nathan, A., & Lauritsen, C. (2015). The pet factor-companion animals as a conduit for getting to know people, friendship formation and social support.
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