“If you put a cat and a bunch of broken bones in a room, the bones will heal,” states an old veterinary saying which is quite true. Our feline friends are not just adorable; they also provide us a good health. Cats not only make cue faces; they also provide us emotional support. Some ancient cultures also used to worship the cat for their contribution to the well-being of human. Various scientific studies suggest that pet owners live longer than those who don’t own a pet. Let’s see how:

What’s the Secret?

The secret is in the cat’s purr. Vibrations of cat’s purr are known to be in the range of 20-140 Hz which is medically proven to be helpful in treating various diseases. Here are the benefits of cat’s purr:

• Petting a purring cat makes your nerves calm and reduces stress levels.
• Cat’s purrs also decrease the symptoms of dysponea in humans.
• Interaction with cat and listening to his purrs also reduces blood pressure.
• Purr vibrations also help in healing swelling and infections.
• These vibrations are also helpful for healing soft tissues. Cat’s purr vibrations help in healing injuries in muscle, tendon and ligament.
• Cat’s purr with vibrations in the range of 25 to 50 Hz is the best for strengthening bones.

 A study conducted at the University of Minnesota’s Stroke Institute in Minneapolis proved that the risk of death from heart attack was 30% less in cat owners as compared to the people who didn’t own a cat. 4000 Americans, which included pet owners and non pet owners, took part in the study. After a follow up period of 10 years, it was observed that cat owners had a lower heart rate, lower blood pressure and lower stress levels.

Also, playing with cats promotes the release of oxytocin in the brain. Oxytocin is a feel good chemical which reduces stress levels in the body. Also, serotonin and dopamine are released in the brain when you play with your cat. These chemicals make immune system stable, and are good for the body.

Study shows That Cats are Even Better than Medicines

A study conducted by Dr. Karen Allen, researcher at the State University of New York at Buffalo shows that cats can lower blood pressure more effectively than ACE (Angiotensin Converting Enzyme) inhibitors.

The study included 48 stockbrokers who were given lisinopril (an ACE inhibitor). Some brokers were randomly selected and given either a dog or a cat. After six months, it was noted that systolic and diastolic blood pressure levels in the brokers without pets was much more increased than those with pets. It concluded that cats are literally more helpful in reducing blood pressure as compared to modern medicine. The study was presented at a meeting of the American Heart Association.

Also, according to WebMD:      

• Cats are allergy fighters
• Cats are good for mind and soul
• If people with AIDS have a pet, they are less likely to be depressed
• Alzheimer’s patients with pets have less chances of suffering from depression

Cats don’t heal physically, but psychologically too:

According to a study which was published in the Frontiers of Psychology, human-animal interactions make human more trustworthy, less aggressive and composed. When we play with pets, oxytocin is released which is a feel good chemical. When we feel good about something, we become more empathic and kind. Since cats or other pets don’t judge you, you can be yourself when you are around them. You are not self or social conscious when you interact with a pet, this makes you better person in all.

Spiritual healing, is indeed, a great gift to us from our feline friend.