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Is there a health benefit of pet ownership? In this article I will demonstrate that there are indeed several benefits of pet ownership and not all of them are immediately apparent.
Exercise
This applies more particularly to dog owners I suppose because every dog, no matter how big or how small, needs some sort of activity to keep it fit and stop it getting bored. Walking a dog is great exercise and as it is usually a daily activity then both pet and owner benefit.
This of course does not apply to cat owners although if you have ever tried to catch a cat to give it a tablet then you will certainly have had a good workout!
Socialising
Sharing a common interest can often increase social interaction which can only be a good thing (unless it is the wrong sort of interaction!). Many people strike up friendships with others while walking their dog and of course thee are online groups dedicated to any pet imaginable. Joining one of these can be very rewarding.
Companionship
It is always nice to have friends. I believe that for most of us it helps us to keep on an even keel. For people living alone then a pet can often fill much of the gap left by lack of human company. A loyal pet that is always there to greet you when you come home is something I enjoy. Our cat ,Gracie, will often be sitting on a neighbours wall when we get home and will accompany one or both of us from the car to the house.
Good Vibes
Recent research from the University of Minnesota carried out over the past ten years has come up with some rather more baffling findings however. This health benefit from pet ownership is lmore related to cats than any other animals and the finding are pretty convincing.
Cat owners would appear to be 40% less likely to suffer from heart attacks than non cat owners and although the next bit of the research is perhaps not as certain it would seem to be related to the cats purr.
It is thought that a cats purr is related to its own comfort of course and is a way for the cat to communicate with its kittens. The soothing affect of the purring however seems not only to settle kittens but also seems to do the same for other mammals, namely we humans.
It would explain also why cat petting sessions are sometimes introduced, and have positive benefits, at retirement or convalescent homes. That is how cats improve health by spreading calm. This in turn lowers the levels of cortisol in the body (associated with stress) and with that a reduction in blood pressure follows.
So you see there is a definite health benefit to pet ownership and particularly in some research that shows cats improve health just by being around.
I have always loved animals because they maintain my good mood, but I never figured it out. Thanks Roger.
Thanks for the comment Josh. The science seems a bit unsure but there really does seem to be a health benefit from pet ownership
I totally agree that pets do put us in a good emotional state when they're around. Even some of the things that they do just puts a smile on our face even after a long day.
It is always nice to be greeted at the door even if sometimes it is just cupboard love :-)
I've always enjoyed being around other animals. I'd have to agree with you on this.
I currently don't have a pet right now and yeah, I'm missing all those benefits you mentioned. I think I really need to have one.
Rarely been without an animal around the house. Dogs can be better company but cats are easier to look after. Thanks for your comment
Yes, Labman, they do tend to "reverse" up. My dad used to say "they were getting a close up shot" as in with a camera!
Labradors I presume. :-) Yes the claws are certainly a downside to cats. Thanks for the comment
Of course there is always the reverse side of Cats. That is when they climb on your chest and well the reverse end, is pointed at your nose. They do relax you when they purr though. I'm afraid I prefer Therapy Dogs to Therapy Cats though, who would have guessed. Labman
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