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Researchers Discover Improved Owner Health Linked to Presence of Cats

Domestic cat owners are less likely to experience stress and have a diminished risk of heart attack, according to researchers from the University of Minnesota in the United States.

Researchers Discover Improved Owner Health Linked to Presence of Cats

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Hang out with a feline friend, and you might just boost your health, scientists say! A study published in the Journal of Vascular and Interventional Neurology (JVIN) sheds some light on the ways cats can improve your wellbeing.

These researchers monitored cat owners participating in the study and found that spending time with a cat can lower stress levels, which is linked to a decreased risk of cardiovascular diseases like strokes. Stroke, a major concern for many folks, is a condition where blood flow to the brain is interrupted, potentially causing brain damage or even death.

What's more, cuddling up to your cat and having an ol' play sesh can stimulate the release of serotonin, a hormone that improves mood. Going for walks with your furry friend in the great outdoors also raises the bar on daily physical activity, promoting overall good health.

So, what about those meow-vious facial expressions cats are known for? Well, previous studies have revealed that cats use hundreds of facial expressions to communicate. This research showed that individual expressions usually involve roughly four of the 26 unique movements, like lip-smacking, pupil dilation, blinking, grinning, and nose-licking along with various ear positions.

Now, interestingly, the JVIN study didn't delve too deeply into the significance of ear positions in cats' expressions. However, general information about ear positions and their role in cat communication is out there:

  • Erect ears often indicate that your cat is alert or engaged.
  • Flattened ears might mean that your cat is feeling aggressive or fearful.
  • Ears that swivel or rotate could indicate curiosity or mild interest.

All in all, while the specific study might not cover ear positions extensively, the benefits of owning a cat for your health are nothing to sneeze at!

  1. The science of health-and-wellness suggests that spending time with cats can lower stress levels, which may decrease the risk of cardiovascular diseases like strokes.
  2. By cuddling or playing with your pet cat, you can stimulate the release of serotonin, a hormone linked to improved mood and mental health.
  3. Regular physical activities with your furry companion, such as walks, can contribute to fitness-and-exercise and thus promote overall health.
  4. Pets, particularly cats, display a variety of facial expressions through around 26 unique movements, including lip-smacking, blinking, and nose-licking, which provide insight into their emotions.
  5. Although the JVIN study did not focus on ear positions in cats' expressions, it is known in general that the positioning of a cat's ears can convey feelings such as alertness, aggression, or curiosity.
  6. Caring for a cat offers numerous benefits for your health, making pet ownership an important component of a balanced lifestyle.
Cat owners tend to experience lower stress levels and lower risk of heart-related issues, as suggested by researchers from the University of Minnesota in the United States.

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