Having a pet(s) is a significant part of life for most people. Besides giving us companionship, love, and adorable photos to share online, they also provide us with numerous health benefits. According to the American Pet Products Association (APPA), American households have 94 million cats and 89 million dogs. Even though dogs are considered a man’s best friend, the rise in the independence of individuals across the world is making cats the pet of choice. Not that we don’t love dogs, but they require far more supervision than a cat. 

For people who are out of the house 8-12 hours a day, such as a nurse or even a truck driver, having a dog is difficult. Dogs take notice of their pet owners’ absence and become lonelier quicker. A good-natured dog may feel frustrated by the lack of playing or walks and can become destructive around the house. Leaving you with some damaged furniture. Although with cats, they are perfectly fine on their own for even days at a time. As long as there are food and water of course. Going home from work to someone who misses you is always exciting, human or cat. Here are the emotional and physical health benefits of having a cat:

1. Less Risk of a Heart Attack

According to the American Stroke Association, owning a cat could reduce your risk of a heart attack by nearly one third. This was discovered after a 10-year study was conducted and a 30 percent reduction in risk was shown for cat owners in comparison to people without cats. This could be people with dogs or without any pets. While having a dog is also great for your health, they require more training, therefore more stress than having a cat. Either way, having a pet is recommended for a person’s well-being.

2. Lowers Blood Pressure

Nurses work very high-stress jobs with adrenaline constantly pumping. This can make it difficult to wind down after work, when your body may not realize it doesn’t need all that adrenaline. People with cats are shown to have a lower blood pressure than people without pets. This is because sitting on your couch with a cat sleeping peacefully on your lap calms you like nothing else. Also, it’s a great way to bond with your pet when you don’t have the energy to play with them. In comparison to someone who lives alone without pets, you can see how this would be beneficial. 

3. Immunity Booster

You know that excessive fur that comes from your cat and gets everywhere, it is actually good for your immune system. Although bad for your vacuum. Annoying to clean yes, but the exposure does build resistance to allergens within your own immune system. This can lower your risk of experiencing allergies unless you have a severe cat allergy which some people do. As someone working in healthcare, you are constantly exposed to different germs and allergens, making this helpful for you. 

4. Helps You Cope With Loss

With a job that can surround you with sadness and loss, having a pet around can ease your grief. There are moments in life when you want to be alone, and maybe don’t want to answer questions or how you are doing. You simply need solitude with your own thoughts. This is where animals are extremely soothing. Most pets can sense when their owner is upset and many even try to soothe them. Dogs may be more obvious about it, but there have been times where my cat has nuzzled against my arm when I’m distressed. Also, animals listen to you, even if they don’t know what you are saying. 

5. The Emotional Benefit

Some pet owners view their pets as equally important as their children. Meaning that this animal holds a special significance and gives them happiness. So, spending time brushing your cat’s matted fur increases your mood and lowers your anxiety. For nurses who live on their own, having a cat provides them with companionship so they have someone to see after a long shift at the hospital. And cats can be just as affectionate as dogs and fall asleep on your lap. 

Even if you prefer dogs to cats, pet ownership is consistently proven to improve the health and quality of life for the owner. As well as giving an animal a better life. By lowering stress and blood pressure, having a cat is healthier and more natural than taking over the counter medication. In addition to all the other health benefits mentioned, pets really do make you feel happier about life.