Not Gonna Lie, There's a Huge Difference in Health Between People Who 'Own Cats' and Those Who 'Don’t' After a Few Years!

Actually, there’s a big difference between having a cat and not having one, in terms of lifestyle, entertainment, and more. To be honest, a person who owns a cat will have a significantly different physical condition after a few years compared to someone who doesn’t!

The physical differences between someone who owns a cat and someone who doesn’t after a few years:

(1) Cat owners are more likely to be "mentally healthy" than non-cat owners.

Orge Mota Pereira and Daniela Fonte’s recent study found that owning a cat significantly reduces the effects of treatment-resistant severe depression.
Dr. Melanie Greenberg, a clinical psychologist in the U.S., suggested that petting a cat releases oxytocin, a hormone that promotes happiness and stress relief.
Furthermore, having a cat provides companionship that alleviates loneliness, reduces time spent alone, and brings joy.
So, it can be concluded that cat owners are more mentally healthy than those without cats!

(2) Cat owners tend to have a "better physical condition" than non-cat owners.
Studies have shown that when people pet cats, the levels of immunoglobulin A (IgA) in their saliva increase, which boosts their immune function.
A team from the University of Exeter in the UK found that sulfur compounds in pet odors are associated with helping treat diabetes, arthritis, cardiovascular diseases, and neurodegenerative diseases, proving that owning a cat helps prevent major health issues.

Additionally, daily interactions and play with cats increase exercise, which improves overall physical health.
All this shows that cat owners have better physical health after a few years!

(3) Cat owners tend to have "better heart health" than non-cat owners.
A study by the University of Minnesota on 4,000 people over 10 years found that owning a cat reduces the chances of heart attacks and strokes by at least one-third.

Another Australian study showed that cat owners have lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, which is beneficial for heart health.
So, it can be concluded that cat owners have healthier hearts than non-cat owners after a few years!

In addition to the three health benefits above, owning a cat has many other advantages. However, you should never adopt a cat without proper consideration. There are some downsides to owning a cat, so make sure you fully understand them before adopting one.

Here are some downsides that many people find difficult to accept, and these are some of the main reasons cats are abandoned:

Disadvantages of owning a cat:

1）Cats can get sick.
Many purebred cats have genetic health issues. When a cat falls ill, it requires a lot of money for treatment and significant time and effort to care for it. Many people abandon their cats when they fall ill. So, it’s essential to consider your emotions before adopting a cat!

2) Cats have a short lifespan.
Cats live only about 10-15 years, so they won’t be around forever. After spending years with a cat, it’s very painful to face the reality of them leaving. Many people, despite loving cats, choose not to adopt one because they can’t bear to face their eventual loss.

3) Owning a cat is expensive.

Owning a cat means regular expenses: buying food, treats, litter, and other supplies. If your cat gets sick, vet visits can also be costly. If you’re financially strapped, it might not be the best time to adopt a cat.

4) Cats can be mischievous.
Although cats seem well-behaved, they can also be naughty. For example, they might destroy things at home, run around, or even stay awake at night causing mischief.

If you adopt a cat, it’s recommended to train them using treats to improve their obedience.

5) Cats shed fur. 

Unless you have a hairless cat, all cats with fur will shed. After adopting a cat, you’ll find cat hair everywhere, even on your bed and clothes.