October is National Adopt-a-Dog Month, but true to their nature, cats have managed to finagle their way into the spotlight because Wednesday, October 29th is National Cat Day.
Established by animal welfare advocate Colleen Paige in 2005, National Cat Day is meant “to celebrate cats and the unconditional love and companionship they give to their owners”. Paige’s website suggests everyone join the celebration by volunteering at a shelter, donating to shelter & rescue programs but most of all – owning a cat! Adoption is an excellent way to not only ‘honor’ cats but help diminish America’s growing pet overpopulation problem.
Why should you own a cat? Here are five good reasons:
Your Physical Health
Owning a pet is good for your heart – physically & emotionally. Just 15 to 30 minutes of quality time with a cat can boost your production of ‘feel-good’ serotonin while decreasing your cortisol output. High cortisol levels are connected with high stress, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and hypertension.
Studies show that cat owners visit their health care providers doctors 12% less frequently than those without pets while a 20-year study reported in 2009 found that people who owned a cat were 40% less likely to die from a heart attack.
Other health claims include improved immune function, reduced stroke risk, and lowered triglycerides. Anecdotal data on cats detecting seizures has prompted research on cats’ ability to identify changes in their owners’ biochemical “scents.” Cats purr at a frequency that has been shown to promote bone healing in patients with fractures. Studies have also shown that nursing homes allowing cats as part of their patients’ therapy have lower medication costs than facilities without cat pet therapy.
Your Emotional Health
When you are concerned with caring for another creature, it can help you take your mind off your worries. Being able to care for an animal, petting a cat or having a cat snuggle with you can help you feel better while reducing your level of stress. Playing ‘chase the laser pen” with a cat immediately improves anyone’s mood.
http://www.jacksonvilleprogress.com/news/empty-lap-cats-the-purrfect-sidekick/article_1e64c84c-5eb5-11e4-91d1-4fb221ca2773.html
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