You love your fluffy friend, don't you? You love stroking them and listening to their purr. But did you know they might be doing more for you than you think?
The purr - a quiet kind of "therapy"
A cat's purr vibrates at around 25-150 Hz. Frequencies in this range are studied in medicine in connection with tissue healing and relief from pain and inflammation. One hypothesis suggests these vibrations are part of why we feel better next to a purring cat - something people need specialised equipment for, a cat seems to do all by herself. So far the evidence in humans is thin, but it's a lovely idea.
Petting melts stress away
While you stroke a cat, your body probably releases oxytocin, the bonding hormone. Calm and lower tension tend to follow. Studies on pets show that spending time with them helps against stress and may ease blood pressure.
They sense you before you say a word
Cats notice our moods better than we think - from our voice, our movements, the way we sit. They may even pick up on the change in our scent when we're tense. Whether a cat truly senses your worry before you do hasn't been proven. But anyone who has shared a home with a cat knows how she turns up exactly when things feel heavy. Perhaps she hears your heartbeat too, which may be why cats so often settle on our chests.
Kids and cats
Some studies suggest children who grow up with a cat from an early age have a lower risk of allergies and asthma. The results are mixed, though, so it's not a rule. If allergies run in your family, talk to your doctor.
Your heart says "thank you"
A large University of Minnesota study of more than 4,400 Americans found that people who own or have owned a cat had about a 30% lower risk of dying from a heart attack. This is an observation, not proof that the cat is the cause. Still, it's hard not to smile.
A cat is no replacement for your doctor - but she may be the softest addition to one.
So tell us: does your cat curl up next to you when you feel unwell?
This article is meant to inspire, not to give medical advice. If you have health concerns, please see a doctor.
