Did you know that owning a cat can decrease your chances of having a heart attack by up to 30%? Studies have found that this simple solution can improve your health and decrease the risks of heart attacks and other diseases. Owning a pet can extend your life, so adding a kitten or puppy to your household can help you live longer. There have been reports of amazing feats by dogs and cats, but this is one that bears looking into.
The elderly seem to be most affected by pet ownership, although children love them the most. Having a cat that comes and jumps on your lap makes you feel needed, while the cat fulfills its need for attention. A pet can solve empty nest syndrome when children have grown and moved away, and it gives the owner a sense of purpose and keeps depressive thoughts away.
Owning a cat is good for your health. In spite of the annoyances that come along with pet ownership - the scratching of the furniture, the weekly litter box cleaning, and accidents you may have to clean up - studies have consistently shown lowered blood pressure and cholesterol. This is truer for cat owners than dog owners, although no explanation can be found. Pet owners are also more active, since they have to keep up with their animals needs. This provides a less sedentary lifestyle, leading to better health through physical activity.
When considering pet ownership, you are making a commitment to the life of the pet. Keep in mind your personal limitations to find the right pet for you. Before purchasing or rescuing that cute little kitten, keep in mind the cost that will be involved. Food, litter, and vet bills add up over the year. The health benefits may often far offset the cost, however.
You will also want to make sure that you have the time to care for a pet. The great advantage to a cat over a dog is that cats are generally lower maintenance. You don't need to walk them every day, and leaving them for an overnight trip is possible with a clean litter box and full bowl of food. If you go away for long trips, however, it may be best to put off pet ownership.
Sometimes it's not always the facts that make someone want a pet. Once your heart is ready to let an animal in, you will be able to experience the joy that comes from knowing you are loved. Visit a shelter and find the animal that pulls at your heart strings. You will be helping your health, and saving an animal from ultimate death. There's not a better combination of life saving that you can do - saving two lives at once.
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