Cats can improve mental health of owners: Studies

Cats can improve mental health of owners: Studies

By Faten Omar

KUWAIT: Many studies have proven that cats can improve the general well-being of their owners. Owning a cat can make its owner have better psychological health by reducing stress and anxiety. Also, a cat’s purring can help lower blood pressure and relax the nervous system, in addition to helping provide anti-anxiety benefits and lower risk of heart disease. A study showed people who own cats are less likely to die from a heart attack than those who do not own pets. Cat owners also tend to be introverted, trustworthy and down-to-earth.

Ali Sami, 29, affirmed to Kuwait Times that he is emotionally attached to his cat, who he considers his best friend. “I refuse to let him sleep at night on the floor or in his pet bed, but rather I share my own bed with him. The blessing of having a friend is in reducing loneliness, as cats are known to be affectionate and kind. They can help reduce feelings of loneliness, and it is almost as good as having a romantic partner. I confirm that having pets gives more feelings of compassion to their owner,” he said.

Aziza Ahmad, 61, grew up in a pet-loving home, and inherited