Scientific Study on Keeping Cats at Home: Are There Any Benefits?
Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia — Several scientific studies around the world have revealed facts about the real benefits of keeping cats at home. Simple interactions such as petting, playing, or listening to a cat’s purring can affect the body’s response, from reducing stress to helping with relaxation.
In fact, these benefits can be felt by both adults and children. Many researchers have linked pet ownership with improved quality of life. Thus, keeping cats is now considered not just a hobby, but also has positive impacts on daily health.
- Lowering High Blood Pressure
A study in Australia involving 5,741 subjects found that pet owners tended to have lower blood pressure compared to those who did not own pets with the same socioeconomic profile and body mass index.
- Reducing Stress
Touching or hugging a cat can stimulate the release of endorphins, natural hormones that reduce pain sensations and improve mood. In addition, caring for cats and playing with them can provide opportunities for physical activity, which can increase energy levels and help reduce physical symptoms of stress.
- Lowering the Risk of Heart Disease
Keeping cats can also lower the risk of heart disease. A study conducted by the University of Minnesota Research Center in the United States found that people who did not own cats had a 30-40% higher risk of dying from heart disease compared to those who owned cats.
This study observed for a decade with a sample size of 4,435 people.
- Helping Children with Autism
A study conducted by the University of Missouri showed that the social interaction of children with autism increased significantly when they were surrounded by pets. Nearly half of the families studied had cats as pets. Parents in these families reported strong emotional bonds between them and their children.
- Healing Bone, Joint, and Muscle Pain
Cats often make a sound like purring. This purring sound has healing properties for human bone and muscle pain. This is related to the frequency of vibrations in a cat’s purr, which ranges from 20-140 Hz.
- Beneficial for Mental Health
Interacting with pets, including cats, can trigger the release of oxytocin hormones in the human body. The oxytocin hormone is often called the love and social connection hormone. Research reveals that when a person interacts with a cat, there is an increase in oxytocin levels in the blood. This can contribute to increased feelings of relaxation and happiness.
A study conducted by Allen et al. (2020) showed that playing with cats during therapy sessions can reduce cortisol levels and stress hormones in the human body. Participants who interacted with cats experienced a significant decrease in anxiety levels and felt more relaxed. This shows that the presence of cats can help lower stress responses and reduce psychological pressure.
- Improving the Immune System
Keeping cats can help protect children from the risk of several diseases, such as infections, allergies, and respiratory problems. Research on dogs and cats shows that children who interact with these two pets from an early age have a stronger immune system, especially in dealing with respiratory problems.
(mkh/mkh)