From biohacking to nootropics, the world is full of people trying to optimize their physical and mental performance.
People spend a lot of time and money trying to “hack” their way to health. But did you know that as a cat owner, your life is already being enhanced a ton of different ways, just by having a cat around?
If you’re looking for more happiness and a healthier (and longer!) life, here’s why you need to consider letting a cat into your life.
Sleep Better, Stress Less
Because life today is mainly conducted 24/7, increasingly people are finding it hard to get a good night’s sleep.
Between working plenty of hours, having things on their mind, and always feeling the need to check their smartphone for a text message, it’s hard to get a good night’s sleep.
However, if you’ve got a kitty in your life, they can come to the rescue. According to researchers, people curling up with a kitty at bedtime are twice as likely to get a good night’s sleep than to be bothered by their cat.
And once you’re refreshed from a good night’s sleep, try taking some time to pet your kitty. When you do, scientists say you’ll calm down and alleviate stress and anxiety. The combination of physically touching your kitty, along with listening to them purr, adds up to soothe you and lower your stress levels.
Happy Kitty, Happy Heart
If you have a happy kitty in your life, then there’s a good chance you’ll have a happy and healthy heart. In study after study, scientists have found stunning data regarding the effects kitties have in their owner’s hearts.
For example, cat owners have been found to be 30 percent less likely to suffer a heart attack than non-cat owners, as well as have significantly reduced risks of suffering strokes.
Cat owners generally have lower blood pressure, lower cholesterol, and lower levels of triglycerides than non-cat owners.
And if you’re tired of taking medications for these problems, your cat may help with this as well.
Numerous studies show people who bring a cat into their life can sometimes reduce the amount of blood pressure and cholesterol medicine they’re taking. In some cases, they’ve been able to eliminate the medication altogether!
Great Companions
Kitties can also be great companions, helping to ease loneliness and encourage you to live longer.
When studies have been conducted on senior citizens living in long-term care facilities, those who participated in animal-assisted therapy were found to be happier and live longer than those who didn’t attend.
Better For The Environment (Sorry Dog Owners!)
If you want to help protect the environment, have a kitty around the house. When it comes to carbon footprints, cats have dogs beat by a mile.
According to New Zealand researchers, owning a dog leaves a carbon footprint that’s equivalent to a Hummer. However, the carbon footprint (or pawprint, as the case may be) of a kitty is equal to a small, compact car.
Take Time to Smell the Catnip
In case you haven’t noticed, cats always seem to find time to enjoy the little things in life. From chasing a ball to smelling the catnip to sleeping 18 hours every day, kitties know how to relax.
So, if you’re feeling a bit down and are just too busy to take a deep breath and relax, pay attention to your kitty.
According to researchers, cats can improve a person’s mood just as much as would a spouse or best friend.
Studies have also shown people dealing with mild or moderate depression become happier and more optimistic in the presence of a kitty.
One way they accomplish this is by getting their human to get up and play for just a few minutes. Whether it’s chasing a ball around a room or trying to catch that elusive toy mouse, kitties can work wonders with your mood.
Cats Can Play Cupid
If your dating life and social life, in general, are getting a bit dull, the good news is that cats are great at playing Cupid for their owners.
In several studies, people who owned cats were viewed by others as being caring, compassionate, and friendly. This was especially true for men, who were considered by females as being more in touch with their feelings.
As for making new friends, all it will take is standing in the pet food aisle or sitting at the vet’s office with your friendly feline. When you’re in these situations, you’re sure to start talking to others, which can start plenty of new friendships.
Calling Doctor Cat
As stated earlier, cats can play a tremendously beneficial role in helping their owners avoid many common heart ailments. But they can also perform other fantastic feline feats in the world of health.
For example, if children have kitties in the home when they are young, chances are they will have far fewer problems with asthma or allergies as they grow up. According to scientists, by being exposed to dander, dirt, and pollen kitties bring with them from time to time, children’s immune systems are made stronger.
And for children with autism, cats can help them communicate better with those around them. In research studies, autistic children who were around cats were found to be calmer, and also better able to express themselves to others.
Perhaps most surprisingly of all, cats are helping researchers unlock the mysteries of various types of cancers. By studying the findings of cancer treatments done on cats, researchers have been able to adapt certain aspects for use in human clinical trials.
Understanding Yourself
Since cat owners share many of the same personality traits, doing a little research and some soul-searching will help you learn what makes you tick (or purr). Along with this, you’ll be able to relate better to others, since you’ll have a better understanding of your own personality.
See Your Doctor Less
If you’re tired of finding one doctor bill after another in the mail, your kitty can help you save money. Based on worldwide research, cat owners can keep the economy as much as $1 billion annually on medical expenses. By doing so, you’ll be able to take your savings and buy your kitty some extra food or treats, which will no doubt make you even more popular with your feline family member.
By now, we’re sure if you don’t have a kitty, you’ll soon be at the nearest animal shelter ready to sign the adoption papers. Read the original article and learn more here.
By Emily Parker, Catological.com
