Should I get a cat? 7 science-backed reasons to say yes

1. Cat owners may have better mental health

This study of cat owners suggests that having a cat might be good for mental health. Researchers found that people with cats showed signs of better overall psychological health than those without pets. They also had more positive views about pets in general. However, the study didn't find any clear differences in depression, anxiety, or sleep quality between cat owners and non-pet owners.

2. Cats improve emotional wellbeing

Research shows that cat owners also feel emotionally healthier and less lonely compared to people without pets. Cats provide constant, non-judgemental companionship, which helps reduce stress and loneliness. Even though cat owners might visit psychiatrists more frequently, they report better emotional health overall, suggesting that the presence of a cat has a calming and supportive effect.

3. Cats help reduce minor health problems

A study found that owning a cat can lead to fewer minor health problems like headaches, colds, and general tiredness. These improvements were most noticeable in the first month after getting a cat, but some benefits lasted up to six months. This shows that having a cat can positively affect your overall health and wellbeing.

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4. Cats help reduce the risk of heart disease

Owning a cat significantly lowers the risk of dying from heart disease. A long-term study found that people who had cats as pets had a much lower risk of death due to heart attacks and other cardiovascular issues. This protective effect might be because having a cat helps reduce stress and blood pressure, both of which are linked to better heart health.

5. Cats’ purring can promote healing

Cats' purrs produce strong frequencies between 25 and 150 Hz, which are known to aid in the treatment of various physical ailments. These frequencies can promote bone growth, heal fractures, reduce pain and swelling, and improve muscle and joint health. This study found that domestic cats, along with other felids like servals and ocelots, produce purr frequencies that are especially effective at promoting bone healing and reducing pain. This suggests that a cat’s purr can act as a natural healing mechanism, providing significant health benefits to their owners.

6. Cats may help reduce children's allergy risk

Another study found that children who grow up with two or more cats or dogs during their first year of life are much less likely to develop allergies. These children had a 66 to 77% lower chance of having allergic antibodies to common allergens like dust mites, ragweed, and grass. The study suggests that bacteria carried by pets might help the immune system to shift away from allergic responses. This suggests that having cats early in life can protect children from developing various allergic diseases.

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Read more: How to groom your cat

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7. Cats can boost empathy and trust

Research shows that pet ownership can increase empathy and interpersonal trust. A study comparing college-age pet owners with non-pet owners found that those with pets, including cats, scored higher on measures of empathy and trust. While the difference in self-esteem between the two groups was not significant, the results suggest that having a cat can enhance one's ability to empathise with others and foster trust in interpersonal relationships. This supports the idea that pets provide unconditional affection and a sense of responsibility, which can positively influence social sensitivity.

Need advice on getting a cat?

For expert advice on getting a cat, speak to your local vet using our find a vet page, or online using our video vets service.