People who own cats have a 40% less risk of heart disease.
People who own cats are less likely to die of any premature cause, although heart disease is the only category with statistical significance.
Studies of dog owners are inconclusive.
Dogs are great, I love dogs, but they require a lot. Cats don't require too much. They are symbols of relaxation - a reminder to not take things so seriously.
But I feel that owning pets in general is a healthy thing, and I wonder about personalities that gravitate towards dogs or cats. My gut feeling, which does not count for too much, says that type A personalities will gravitate more towards dogs. Perhaps some of these people are already more prone to stress?
Does a person's pet selection contribute to their overall health? Or do certain personalities, along with their health tendencies, gravitate more towards a similar pet selection? Who knows?
My cat is waiting for me to go to bed so he can lay down between my feet......
Ah, that is a great topic to ponder. I love it! As for me, I am totally lost since I am a 50/50 mix of Cats and Dogs. I love excitement and naps! I guess I have dual personalities. As for your theory, I think that someone who would LOVE to have cats but never got to have one would not benefit health wise as much as someone who sort of wanted to have cats and ended up being able to get one. You gotta have the cat in the room to get that health affect. It isn't just what is naturally inside your being. You gotta hold that kitty. that is my gut feeling.
ReplyDeleteJohn,
ReplyDeleteI tend to agree. But, if one is capable of chilling out and enjoying a cat, that may show a certain type of personality. Remember how dad could not enjoy our cats! ;)
But, like I said, I agree that that the presence of the kitty in the lap is a great health benefit. You feel needed, you feel the relaxation, etc.
lemon's bowels make lemon's purrs less relaxing.
ReplyDeleteThis is undoubtedly true. Lemon drops, we call em.
ReplyDeleteI think she still represents a net gain in relaxation though.