Is being a 'cat lady' good for your health?
Key Takeaways
Industry Buzz
“In my 2 decades of veterinary practice, I've observed that cat owners often report a heightened sense of well-being and decreased stress levels.” - Kathryn Dench, MA, VetMB
The bond between humans and animals has long been recognized for its therapeutic effects. Emerging research suggests that cat ownership may play a role in supporting heart health and overall well-being.
Studies have shown that being around pets like cats can reduce blood pressure and stress, potentially even reducing a person’s likelihood of developing cardiovascular diseases.[] Research also shows that having a pet could improve a person’s prognosis after myocardial infarction and stroke and reduce the chances of death from cardiovascular diseases.[]
A cat’s purr may even elicit healing powers. Kathryn Dench, MA, VetMB, a holistic and integrative veterinarian and Chief Scientific Advisor at Paw Origins in Chicago, explains that “the rhythmic pattern of a cat's purring can have a bio meditative effect, promoting healing in human bones and muscles.”[] Frequency levels of a cat’s purr may also contribute to this.
Dr. Dench adds that interacting with cats has been shown to support mental health by reducing stress, anxiety, and depression.
“In my 2 decades of veterinary practice, I've observed that cat owners often report a heightened sense of well-being and decreased stress levels,” Dr. Dench says.
Cat owners may also experience the positives of animal companionship, including a decrease in loneliness. Owning a cat can be particularly impactful for older adults and for people who live alone as a cat can “serve as a source of comfort,” Dr. Dench says.
Health considerations for cat owners
The health benefits of owning a cat may appeal to many people, but cat ownership isn’t for everyone. Importantly, people who are allergic to cats may fall prey to more health detriments than perks.
Cats can also carry zoonotic diseases like toxoplasmosis, which may be harmful to owners if they do not prioritize proper home hygiene and veterinary care.[]
Toxoplasmosis is a parasitic disease transmitted through cat feces from cats that consume undercooked meat. While some people who catch the disease will be asymptomatic, it can be particularly dangerous for pregnant or immunocompromised people.
To reduce the risks of catching this disease, Companion Animal Parasite Council (CAPC) recommends that cat owners follow prevention steps such as:[]
Eliminating cat feces (from litter boxes and other contaminated areas) every day
Preventing cats from hunting and eating undercooked meat (by, for example, keeping them indoors)
Cat vs dog health benefits
People who are allergic to cats may still be able to experience the perks of pet ownership from owning a dog or other animal. Dr. Dench explains, however, that while cats and dogs offer health benefits, one animal may align more with your lifestyle.
For people who are unsure which pet to choose, Dr. Dench says that cats are often “ideal for apartment living and less active individuals.”
That’s because “they tend to be lower maintenance, which can be beneficial for people with busy lifestyles or limited mobility,” she adds.
On the other hand—or paw—she says that dogs can be good pets for families or people who live active lifestyles.
“Dogs often encourage more physical activity in their owners and can be better suited for families with young children who can benefit from the more tactile, interactive nature of dogs,” she adds.
Additionally, dogs may be good pets for people who want to increase their physical activity or get in the habit of walking more, which can come with its own set of health benefits.[7]
“Each type of pet brings its unique set of health advantages and challenges, and the choice between them should be tailored to match the owner's lifestyle and health needs,” Dr. Dench says.