Cats have a special way of brightening our lives. Our feline friends bring comfort and joy. From the gentle rumble of a purr to an endearing head bump, their ways sometimes feel almost magical.
It turns out that what cat lovers think in their hearts is also backed up by science!
Researchers have been studying the benefits of owning cats. Their findings confirm what we at Second Chance Cats of West Michigan see every day.
Cats truly are the purr-fect companions for a happier, healthier life.
Physical Health Benefits of Cats
Cats don’t just fill our hearts with love. They also help keep those hearts healthy! Here are some science-backed physical health perks of sharing your home with a cat:
- A Healthier Heart: Owning a cat has been linked to a lower risk of heart attacks and strokes. Studies have shown that having cats around can help lower blood pressure. They can also reduce heart rate. This, in turn, reduces stress on the heart.
- In a long-term study of over 4,000 people, researchers found that past cat owners faced a significantly lower risk of dying from a heart attack. They faced a lower risk than those who never owned cats.
- Surprising Allergy Relief: It may sound counterintuitive, but growing up around cats could actually prevent allergies later on. Additionally, cats are associated with fewer minor ailments, such as headaches and hay fever.
- Healing Purrs: Ever notice how soothing a cat’s purr is? Cats purr in a frequency range of about 25 to 150 hertz. Scientists have discovered that sound vibrations in this range can improve bone density and promote healing.
Mental and Emotional Benefits of Cats
One of the greatest gifts cats give us is comfort. Many cat owners will tell you that their kitty is like a tiny, whiskered therapist. Science agrees: cats can work wonders for our mental well-being and happiness.
- Stress Relief and Calm: Simply petting a cat can make a tough day better. When we cuddle or stroke a cat, our brains release Oxytocin. It is known as the “love hormone.” It helps us feel relaxed. At the same time, levels of cortisol (a stress hormone) go down.
- Happiness and Confidence: Cats have a knack for making us smile. An Australian study found that cat owners reported feeling happier, more confident, and less nervous than people without pets. Even watching funny cat videos online can leave people feeling more positive and energized.
- Companionship and Less Loneliness: Cats might appear independent, but they form deep bonds with their humans. For those living alone or feeling down, a cat’s companionship can be life-changing. Research indicates that owning a pet is associated with lower levels of loneliness and social isolation.
- Supporting Special Needs: Cats offer unique assistance to people. They are incredibly intuitive with our feelings. They understand nonverbal cues. This makes them great companions for individuals on the autism spectrum. Therapists have observed that the calmness and predictable affection of a pet can be very soothing for kids with autism. The predictable love of a pet is also relaxing for children with ADHD.
Rescue Cats Enrich Our Lives (A True Story)
Every cat has its own story, and some have overcome enormous challenges. That resilience and capacity for love make us believe cats are pretty much perfect.
Take Van Gogh, for example, a little black-and-white kitten we rescued earlier this year.
Van Gogh was found as the only surviving kitten in a difficult situation. A kind police officer saved him. When he came to Second Chance Cats, he had a serious medical issue. It was a big hernia in his belly that required surgery. Poor Van Gogh hit one obstacle after another during treatment.
At one point, his surgical wound reopened, and he needed emergency care. But thanks to superb veterinarians and our devoted foster volunteers, Van Gogh pulled through against the odds.
Today, Van Gogh is the picture of health and happiness. All his insides are where they belong, and his sweet personality has blossomed.
His foster mom reports that Van Gogh is a fearless little guy. He is cuddly and loves to snuggle up at night. You would never guess from his playful purrs that he had such a rough start. Van Gogh will make an amazing companion for his future adopter. He is just one of many lives saved through caring rescue efforts.
Compassion and Community: The People Who Make It Possible
At Second Chance Cats of WM, we often say it takes a community to save lives. We are incredibly grateful to have over 100 volunteers who give dedicated care to our cats 365 days a year.
Every cat that comes through our doors receives personal attention. They get medical care and plenty of love. This continues until we find them a forever home. To date, with the support of our West Michigan community, over 1,000 cats have found loving families through our rescue.
Each adoption is a celebration, and each one is made possible because of compassionate people working together.
One recent adopter described our volunteer team as feeling “like family in their love for cats.” She described her own adopted kitty as “a beloved addition to the family.” Hearing outcomes like that reminds us why we do what we do.
We also love seeing visitors come by just to hang out with the cats in our lounge. Some folks stop in on the weekends simply to play and cuddle. The cats enjoy the extra social time. Human visitors often walk away with smiles. They might even find a new furry family member.
Cats bring people together. In our cozy cat lounge, strangers chat and laugh over the antics of kittens chasing toys. Volunteers swap stories with visitors about their own pets. These moments of community and connection are another perfect little benefit that cats provide.
Want to meet more adorable cats looking for forever homes? Be sure to follow Second Chance Cats of WM on social media and explore our adoptable kitties!
Every follow, share, and adoption helps us save more lives. Thank you for being part of our community and celebrating how purr-fect cats truly are. 🐾
Second Chance Cats of WM 