A Fluffy Blog

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A Fluffy Blog

In light of the terrible, horrible, no-good week we’ve all had, I decided to write a blog that contains no doom and gloom or political hand-wringing. I’ve probably done too much of that since reading the news. So…instead, I’ve researched the benefits of cat ownership to our health and well-being. I’m going to cite the most relevant research on the topic for y’all. There is actually such a thing as the Human Animal Bond Research Institute. Damn, wish I’d known that when I was working. I would have tried to get a job there!

So gather your fuzzy companion and read on!

In the HABRI’s latest survey in 2021, these are their key findings based on a survey of pet owners:76% report that their personal health has improved as a result of owning a pet87% say that they have experienced mental health improvements 22% have had a pet recommended for their health by a doctor or therapist69% would have a more favorable view of a doctor who discussed the health benefits of the human-animal bond 89% agree that doctors should recommend pets to patients for healthier living97% are aware of at least one scientifically documented health benefit of the human-animal bond87% say they would be more likely to buy products or services from pet-friendly businesses92% agree that hospitals, schools, etc., should welcome/have therapy animal programs 92% agree that the government should provide service animals to qualifying veterans suffering from PTSD90% agree that emergency and temporary housing should accommodate pets84% agree that there should be fewer restrictions on pets in rental housing82% agree the government should encourage pet ownership for a healthier societyThe Journal of Vascular and Interventional Neurology did a 20-year study of 4435 participants. It concluded that there was a significantly lower risk for death due to myocardial infarction (MI), and all cardiovascular diseases (including stroke) among persons with cats. In the European Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, a research study found that exposure to cats from the first year of life to school entry was associated with a reduced prevalence of atopic asthma if cats were allowed to be in the child’s bedroom.The American Psychiatric Association (APA) conducted a poll that revealed that cat owners were more likely than dog owners to say their pets offer companionship, provide a calming presence, and help reduce stress and anxiety. I couldn’t find the actual study, and some studies seemed counter to this claim, but many sites included this claim: A primary benefit of owning a cat is stress reduction. Petting a cat has a calming effect, triggering the release of oxytocin, commonly known as the “love hormone.” Studies have shown that cat owners have lower cortisol levels, a hormone associated with stress. Studies have confirmed that purring falls between 25 – 240 Hz, which happens to be the frequency known to speed up the healing process of wounds, broken bones, and tendon and joint injuries.Our cats give us a reason to get up and out of bed. Whether they wake us with a gentle nudge, persistent meow, or coughing up a hairball in the middle of your bed, not a morning goes by that your cat won’t remind you it’s time to get up and fill their bowl. It’s safe to say that cats have a special way of keeping us on track.

I am sure there is much more to explore in defending the belief that owning a cat (or rather, the cat owning you, as is the case for most of us) benefits our health. So…in these stressful times, my advice to you is to rescue or adopt a cat. Your health will thank you! My other advice is to get lost in a good book. The opposites have worked for me…either a book with ass-kicking women prevailing over evil (very satisfying) or a nice fluffy romance to go with your fluffy little companion. Obviously, I’m going to suggest one of my books. I have both varieties to offer, so dig in! Click one of the links below and enter into healthy escapism.