Cats have been associated with humans for at least 4,000 years - in ancient
Egypt, their role in controlling rodents in grain was so important that cats
were even worshipped as gods.
These days, over 31% of Australian households own a cat, and this probably has
more to do with their popularity as companions than their ability to answer
prayers. Cat owners receive many benefits from that companionship.
Scientific studies over the last 20 years have shown that pet owners are
generally healthier than non pet owners - they suffer fewer minor illnesses and
complaints, have better phychological health scores, and generally an improved
overall feeling of "wellbeing". The recent National People and Pets survey
showed pet owners also visit the doctor significantly less.
Children who are raised with pets have a higher self esteem, and learn
nurturing and social skills, as well as a sense of responsibility for others.
Pets have been used very successfully as adjuncts to therapy, and the benefits
to an elderly person of sitting with a cat curled up on the bed cannot be
overestimated.
But perhaps the most compelling evidence for the benefits of cats came from a
study of over 5,000 people conducted by the Baker Medical Research Institue in
1992 which found that cat owners (and dog owners) have significantly lower risk
factors for heart disease than non cat owners, and that's despite the fact that
they drink more alcohol.
The key to these benefits is to be found in their unique qualities as
companions.
Cats are extremely tactile, or "touchy" animals, and love to be patted and
stroked, or just lie contentedly in the lap of their owners. Touch is a basic
requirement for humans, as it is for all social species, and the companionship
of a cat can be especially important for people who live alone.
Cats are also very entertaining, retaining a kitten-like playfulness and
curiosity well into adulthood. People gain hours of relaxing pleasure watching
their cats play, or just sitting listening to them purr. This relaxation is
probably one of the major clues to the cat's health effects - cats provide an
easy antidote to the stresses of modern life.
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