Being a Cat Lady Can Benefit Your Health, According to Science

Jun 19, 2019

Many people love their cats. And what’s not to love about these furry creatures? Their unique personalities set them apart from many other domesticated animals. They’re spunky, independent and cuddly. Although sometimes cats get a bad reputation for being rude or inconsiderate of their owner's feelings, any real cat lover will tell you that these creatures are nothing but adorable and lovable if you raise them correctly

In fact, cat owners often have more than one in the household, only further displaying their love for the species. Owners of cats are particularly known for being obsessed with their pets, so much so that they are often nicknamed “crazy cat people.”

But if you’re one of the people that finds yourselves loving cats more than their canine counterparts, you may be in luck, according to science.

Ever been called crazy for loving your cat too much? Turns out you may not be so crazy after all. Owning a cat and living with them actually has no effect on the process of developing rare cases of psychosis in your later years. So cat lovers are safe for now, but we have even better news for you. A study that was published in 2009 in the Journal of Vascular and Interventional Neurology has interesting information about the life of cat owners.

The scientists that participated in this project found that owning cats can actually be great for your health in a multitude of ways. The most notable was the decreased risk of sudden death due to heart conditions and other cardiovascular diseases (such as strokes) that they found among people who owned these pets.

Scientists have also proven in the past that cuddling with a cat throughout the day can help relieve symptoms of anxiety and depression. Who could resist those little purrs, after all? 

When you bond with your pet, your body releases oxytocin, also known as the bonding chemical of the body. This can help you relax and de-stress after a rough day. So next time someone hates on you for loving your cat too much, you may want to show them this research and remind them that owning cats can be good for your health after all!

What do you think about these studies? Do they make you want to adopt a cat, or are you still a dog person at heart? Let us know in the comments and pass this along to all the crazy cat ladies you know!