“Until one has loved an animal, a part of one’s soul remains unawakened.” Anatole France.
Studies have shown that people who live with animals live a longer and healthier life then people who don’t.
The Health Benefits of Keeping Pets.
Health benefits include:-
- Reducing blood pressure. In one study, stockbrokers with high blood pressure who adopted a cat or dog, had lower blood pressure readings in stressful situations, then did people without animals.
- Reducing cholesterol levels. Heart attack patients who have pets survive longer than those who haven’t, according to several studies. They have less signs of heart disease because of lower triglyceride and cholesterol levels.
Keeping pets can also:-
- Reduce risk of allergies and asthma for children. Children growing up in households with furry animals, or on a farm, will have less risk of allergies and asthma.
- Improve mental health. Animals who live with humans, have a calming effect on them. Just by stroking, sitting next to or playing with your furry friends, can give you a chance to relax and calm your mind.
- Reduce loneliness. Walking a dog or just caring for an animal, for elderly people who are able, can provide companionship, as well as exercise.
Finally, animals make us feel needed. (I think my cats just humour me!)
I find that my cats do have a calming effect on me. As I’m writing this, Zac is sprawled across my knee. He’s regularly on my knee when I’m writing this blog.
He’s a former stray who claimed squatters rights last year. He’s surprisingly affectionate. And loves eating Jasper’s food!
I’ve had Jasper since he was a kitten. He’s nearly 3 and is totally spoilt. But is such a sweetie. We got him from a friend a few months after I found out that I was perimenopausal so unlikely to have children. Caring for a kitten helped me to use my latent maternal instincts.
There’s nothing better than coming home and seeing their lovely faces. I agree when experts say that they reduce stress. Especially, when I stroke them and pick them up to cuddle them; though Zac protests!
What about you? Do you have a pet? Do they make you feel better when you’re stressed?
Sources webmd.com, newsinhealth.nih.gov, mentalhealth.org.uk, vetknowhow.co.uk, pethealthcouncil.co.uk
Hello everyone, it’s my first visit at this website, and piece of writing is genuinely fruitful designed for me, keep up posting such articles or reviews.
Thank you.
I miss having pets. I grew up with cats and dogs but himself is allergic to all things furry.
I am very allergic to cat that’s why I have a bird. My sister in law LOOOOOVE cats. I wil send her your post!
Thank you 😀
Love having an animal – used to have cats but my wife converted me to dogs – it was great having someone to walk, stroke and who was so loyal!
Unfortunately we lost him last year, but will probably get a new furry friend later on in the year 🐶🐱
I’m so sorry to hear about your dog.
Thank you. He had a good life, but he was a ball of furry goodness 🙂
Nice piece, Rachel. I’m a dog guy, but we’ve had cats in the past as well. Just nice to have company. Thanks for sharing.
They are lovely! No pets at our house, unless you count my daughter’s fish but they’re not very cuddly. My girls would love a cat but they can’t convince their dad to go for it.
Jasper is very handsome. You’re right – pets truly are good for us! 🌞
Thank you. 😀