Six ways a cat can improve your health and happiness

Once upon a time, cats were synonymous with old ladies hence the term, ‘’cat lady.’’ That however is not the case anymore.

These cute, fluffy creatures are so adorable it is impossible not to fall in love with them.

Whether they’re curled up next to you as you watch a Netflix movie or they’re running around the house at superspeed, these felines always have a way of grabbing your attention. Good or bad, they will one way or the other get you to pay attention to whatever it is they’re doing.

Although your furniture and shoes may bear the brunt of these playful friends, they are absolutely worth having around in your life. Here is why:

They are good companions

One irrefutable fact about cats is they are good companions. So long as they have learnt to trust you, you can always depend on them to be there when you come back home after a long day.

Depending on its breed, each cat has its own unique personality and behavior. There are those that will follow you everywhere you go and those that enjoy being in your presence but with no physical contact.

They help with stress

Do you find yourself always petting your kittens? Well, this is because it helps you to relax and calm down as you do it which in turn reduces your anxiety levels and stress.

For just 15 minutes a day, hanging out with your cat will boost your mood and act as a pick me up.

Research has found that cat owners end up feeling good because of serotonin. This hormone helps with feelings of well-being thus reducing stress related hormones-cortisol, leaving you feeling uplifted and happy.

They can help you deal with trauma

A traumatic event in your life can leave you feeling low and depressed. According to studies, people who have been through such experiences were able to turn their emotions around much faster with the help of cats than those who dealt with them on their own.

The companionship a cat offers may fill certain voids which you may be missing thus helping you feel better especially if you’re not surrounded by family or loved ones during such dark times.

Help you sleep better

Unbelievable as it may sound, some partners actually prefer sleeping with their cats than with their spouses.

Kids too who happen to find it difficult to fall asleep due to fear of darkness or ‘’monsters’’ slept much better in the company of a cat because it provided a sense of comfort and they felt safe.

Help with allergies

Allergies are not fun and they can knock you out for a couple of hours as you recuperate. Despite many people being allergic to cat hair, studies have found that exposing kids to your furry friends early will strengthen their immune systems developing resistance against it and other allergies.

Just make sure the litter box is changed everyday and the cat is clean at all times.

You will have a healthier heart

Cats are stress free pets compared to others like dogs due to their independence. So, since you don’t have to worry much about them, you will have less anxiety.

On top of having a positive calming effect you will find yourself in a general relaxed state every time you’re around them. This will in turn reduce your chances of getting a stroke or heart disease.