Dr Deborah Wells in a recent report for BBC News confirmed that pet owners tended to be healthier than the average member of the population. And, Dr. Horst Becker’s astonishing report on research from the Berlin Longevity Institute claimed that having a cat can add as much as 10 years to your life span! And, those are quality of life improvements.

In a formal research study published in "Psychological Health in A Population Of Australian Cat Owners", it was found that cat owners had significantly lower levels of psychiatric disturbance than non-pet owners, and could be considered to have better psychological health.

Why?

Research has shown that pets improve your mood and lower your blood pressure - sometimes better than special medications.

Having a cat can also stave loneliness and improve your sense of self worth. For senior citizens, especially those living alone, having a pet provides structured activities and responsibilities that can make them feel needed.

Pets add purpose to your life. Cats listen to you without criticism and petting that soft fur and hearing that purr can reduce stress sometimes better than human companions. So, helping a cat helps you, too.

Posted by Barbara.