If you love cats, you're in good company – Cleopatra, the Dalai Lama and Taylor Swift have all extolled the virtues of the domestic pussycat. A third of Australians own a cat or two – and with good reason. Cats make great pets – they're independent, affectionate and fun to have around. But could owning a cat improve our lives in ways we may not have thought of? Here, we take a look at a just a few of the emotional and physical benefits of being around your kitty.
Stress busters
"Life can get stressful at times and this can lead to symptoms such as high blood pressure,” says Brenda Rosenfeld, a naturopath who specialises in cardiovascular health. And there’s nothing like a purring cat on your lap to soothe away the trials and tribulations of a stressful day. Stroking a cat can have a wonderful influence on reducing stress, says psychologist Merryn Snare. “The gentle stroking motion slows down one’s movements, countering agitation, while the regular rhythmical purring of a cat has a calming influence,” she explains. “This process can assist in regulating (or slowing) breathing, which can also help to reduce blood pressure.”
Cut your risk of heart attack
Hanging out with your moggy also seems to help reduce your risk of having a heart attack, according to a study by the University of Minnesota’s Stroke Institute. Among the study participants, those who had never owned a cat were 40 per cent more likely to die of a heart attack during the 20-year study than the cat owners. By contrast, those who owned a cat were 30 per cent less likely to die of other cardiovascular conditions such as a stroke, heart failure or chronic heart disease.
May benefit bone density
It’s not known exactly why cats purr, but they do it in many different situations, from relaxing on your lap to giving birth. They've even been known to lie alongside another cat that’s unwell or injured, giving rise to the idea that purring may be a healing mechanism. Cats purr at a frequency of around 25-150 Hertz – a frequency that has been shown to improve bone density in animals and humans. Scientists at the University of California, Davis have hypothesised that a cat’s purr may be used as a healing mechanism to maintain bone density during long periods of rest and sleep. The possible bone benefits for humans are just a theory at the moment, but watch this space.
Help you feel more connected
We have an innate need to nurture or care for someone – or something, says Snare. “Caring for others – family, partners, friends work colleagues or pets – is a significant part of our sense of self,” she says. “Caring only for or about oneself can lead to either a distorted view of one’s importance, and of the world in general, or extreme loneliness and low self-worth. So caring for a cat can be an important link in maintaining a balanced life and realistic sense of self.”
Lift your mood
Even if you don't own a cat, you can still enjoy a psychological boost by watching cat videos, according to research by Indiana University. Participants reported feeling more energetic and more positive after watching cat videos online. Plus, they experienced fewer negative emotions such as anxiety, annoyance and sadness. So, for a burst of the warm and fuzzies, tuning in to the antics of feline internet stars Lil Bub or Grumpy Cat could be just the pep up you need.
READ MORE: Six online cats you should be following