Are Cats More Beneficial to Our Health than Dogs?
Hey there, all you pet lovers out in cyberspace! While pet "pawrents" are keenly aware about the health benefits received from sharing our homes and hearts with pets, the University of Minnesota Stroke Research Center has been doing a bang up job to scientifically prove what has been heretofore mostly anecdotal in nature. Interestingly, what they are learning is the feline species may be even more helpful in health benefits than their canine counterparts.
There has been a lot of evidence already demonstrated that owning a dog can promote better health by decreasing blood pressure, and giving a boost to the chemical balance in our brains which help us derive pleasure in that special relationship between dog and human.
However, finally through a study of 4, 435 people, followed for ten years, the potential medical benefit of being owned by cats is being actively purrsued. They have so far found that cats apparently are more helpful. They have learned that "People without cats, or who never had cats, had a 40 percent greater risk to die of a heart attack and a 30 percent greater risk to die of any cardiovascular related disease. The study showed no such protective benefits for dog owners"
The lead investigator and executive director of the Minneapolis, Minnesota based Stoke Center, Dr. Adnan-Qureshi reports, "We know that stress and anxiety are factors leading to cardiac disease. If a pet can ameliorate stress and anxiety, clearly having a pet is beneficial. In the past, studies have considered dogs but never cats. This is only one study, but it's a start." While Dr. Qureshi cannot explain why his study, which unlike others, was not able to show any protective value in owning a dog, he says, "Perhaps petting a cat is even more helpful than we thought."
The mystery remains why folks are benefitted by petting a dog. Perhaps it is from the tail-wag response we receive, a canine feedback that is pleasurable to us which can be considered therapeutic. But dogs cannot give us that auditory pleasure we receive from felines . . . that very soothing sound . . . the purr. This study is delving into the "intrinsic medical value not yet discovered."
Dr, Edward Creagan, past president and consultant in medical oncology at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, says, "We never even considered studying benefits of cats as a part of the equation because they're considered aloof, and takers and not givers. Of course, these misconceptions and biases aren't true about cats." An owner of two cats himself, Dr. Creagan continues, "We've never really looked at what cats are capable of. This is what preconceived notions will do. It wouldn't surprise me if we learn that cats have equal healthful values to people as dogs."
Since cats not only purr as a sign of contentment, but often purr when in pain or close to death, which is considered to be a form of self-soothing, is it possible that humans respond to the purring of a cat in a similar manner? Dr. Qureshi is considering this possibility and remarks, "If cats are able to self-soothe through purring, maybe the purring soothes humans in some way we don't understand."
I am looking forward to reading more about this study. If it proves that cats genuinely can contribute to our health and well being, and prevent serious illness, I will of course ask my physician for a prescription. With no nasty side-effects and warnings for this "medication", I wonder if my prescription drug insurance will cover the cost!
What health benefits have you become aware of in being owned by a pet? Leave a comment and share. Of course I will use them as back up when I submit my next insurance form.
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Comments (12)
Vicki June 30, 2009 6:14 PM
Law Honey! I am speechless! All I know is I have seven dogs, 1 cat, and three horses. I should be at total ease because of all these animals, but to tell you the truth, it is stressful. It costs a lot of money to feed this crew, and when the cat purrs, he is not throwing money into the pot for groceries. Oh Lordy, what next?
Donna June 30, 2009 6:24 PM
I know that my cats know when I'm in a bad mood, sad, or just down in the dumps. They will demand to be petted, jump in my lap, curl up next to my pillow, sleep on TOP of me...anything to comfort me.
I've owned several dogs in the past (Dobes and a Golden) but maybe because of their size they couldn't offer the soft purring comfort that a kitty can.
My 5 cats know when I need them...they demand I pay attention to them, and the fur next to my pillow in bed only shows their devotion to me.
Gimme a cat..anyday! Although Missy has to go for her checkup for ocular herpes Friday, I know I can afford her meds. By paying more attention to Wheez, and downing her amitriptyline VERY slowly, her bladder problems seem to be in control. Even when they're not, if she "pees" on a rug on vinyl flooring next to the k/l pan, who cares? Wash it and replace it with another (peepee pads are also a great help here.)
Since I've had Wheez on her Amitriptyline every OTHER day for almost 4 weeks, the accidents have not increased. In another week, she'll go to one every 3 days. Interestingly enough, she's fighting me now on the days she has to take the meds..they just knock her out, and she's not herself. Looking forward to getting her off this med and just watching for bladder issues. Whatcha think?
Diana June 30, 2009 6:31 PM
Why choose? One or two of each sounds good to me!
Iniki June 30, 2009 7:12 PM
Oh boy! THis study is interesting. I have always known that cats are denificial to our health. I honestly thought that all that walking of dogs was good for your health too. That being said I can honestly say that we have a cat that loves to go for walks too so that evens it out. I have to say that not having to take the dog "potty" constantly is a plus and litter scooping pans is good for all the bending and stretching. Cats do not bark and raise your blood pressure either. Yup, I will stick with cats.
jmuhj June 30, 2009 7:35 PM
Even allopathic (western symptom-based) doctors agree that cats' purrs resonate at a vibrational level that helps to strengthen human bones! and that stroking a cat helps calm human stress and lower blood pressure. To me, it's no contest at all, as I don't care for dogs, never have and never will. Cats are unequalled in beauty, cleanliness, unconditional love and loyalty, and OH! those PURRS!!!
Cheryl G July 1, 2009 2:02 AM
Gosh, I do love both, but I have to give the edge to dogs. I suppose it depends what kind of dog you have & also how well he/she is trained/socialized. My cats have a habit of tapping my face during the night if they are hungry - I don't like being woken up! :>)
My dog passed away last year, but he was well trained and very sweet & loving. I can't think of one flaw he had. He didn't even bark very often, unless something bad was happening, which was a good thing for me - to alert me to what was going on. He was an extremely special dog. Dogs get us out for walks, socialize etc... Don't get me wrong, I love cats very much too!
Ruth July 1, 2009 2:40 AM
It's stressful having any pets at all as we worry about their health and happiness but the love and pleasure they give to our lives far outweighs any worries, I think.We always had dogs at home, our late dad used to breed Alsatians and I do love dogs.But having had cats for 35 years now I'd never choose to have a dog.There's nothing like a cat to make you feel life is good,they are so straightforward in their needs and in their love and trust in people if they are properley treated.There are no 'yes men' amongst cats,like there are dogs, and I love them for that too.
In fact I just LOVE cats, all cats !!Cats have saved my reason many times over.
Amy July 1, 2009 5:08 AM
Actually I think all critters have some benefit to our health. I have 7 cats & 3 dogs and they provide love, warmth and humor in my life. I say "Yea" to all pets.
Anonymous July 1, 2009 2:23 PM
I have 2 cats and a dog, and high blood pressure. Altough I love all my animals my comfort comes from my cat Cosmo. Cosmo likes to be held and snuggled. His purring and warmth, the way he smells and the sweet kisses (face rubs) he gives totally relax me. Relaxes me so much that most times I doze off and so does he. Today is Cosmo's 9th Birthday, Happy Birthday Cosmo Kitten your mommy/staff love you!
Reno July 2, 2009 3:10 PM
I have 3 dogs and 5 cats. I would not trade any of them, not even Harley who pees in my house cuz he doesn't like the other animals. :( He lives in a HUGE crate in my dining room and loves it. He is much happier in there. He's much more of a love bug now. Anyway, I find cats to be very comforting by sitting with me, purring, etc. BUT, my dogs encourage me to exercise by walking them, agility training, etc. So, I find them both beneficial.
Clothing September 6, 2009 9:26 PM
Wow! Its imposible... I'm realy shocked :/
Nolan November 1, 2009 9:48 AM
I have always been a dog man. There was a dog in the house before I was in the house. My Dad raised Pointers and a few Setters for Quail Hunting, and I loved them all. Recently a Black cat showed up at the house. I noticed that it wasn't afraid of me, and really wanted to interact with me. So I began to feed it and named it Nubia. Nubia doesn't like to be held for long; but she lets me pick her up. Her Purring is what brought me to this site. I believe that it benefits me also. She is precious to me now. She greets me when I come home, and spends time with me when I'm outside. She tries to talk to me with her Meowing, and I always try to speak to her in the recomended high voice. Can't wait to get home to see her.
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