ARE CATS GOOD FOR OUR HEALTH?

Cats have shared our lives for thousands of years, long before cat memes and viral TikToks became a sensation. They’ve provided comfort with their purrs and entertained us with their quirky behaviors.

But what does the research indicate—are cats beneficial for our well-being?

Living with a cat can have a significant, and sometimes unexpected, impact on our physical and mental health, though it’s not without its challenges.

Part of the Family

You’ve likely heard that cats don’t have owners; they have “staff.” Research supports this notion, showing that humans often view their feline companions as cherished family members.

In a study of 1,800 Dutch cat owners, half reported considering their cat part of the family. One in three saw their cat as akin to a child or best friend, recognizing them as loyal, supportive, and empathetic.

A separate study in the US created a “family bondedness” scale, revealing that cats hold just as much significance in families as dogs do.

Many cats prefer human interaction over food or toys, and they can tell when we’re speaking to them rather than to someone else.

This bond has led to mutual adaptations. For instance, cats are more likely to approach strangers who offer a “kitty kiss” by narrowing their eyes and blinking slowly. Research also indicates that cats have developed unique meows that appeal to our nurturing instincts.

But what does this close relationship mean for our health?

A sense of purpose

Having a pet is linked to reduced social isolation, and many cat owners report that caring for their cat enhances their enjoyment and sense of purpose.

However, the benefits of this relationship can vary based on the nature of the bond with the cat.

A study examining different relationship styles—such as “remote,” “casual,” and “co-dependent”—found that those with a co-dependent or friendship-like relationship had a stronger emotional connection to their pet.

Links to heart health

Cat owners, or those who have owned a cat, tend to have a lower risk of dying from cardiovascular diseases like stroke and heart disease, a finding supported by multiple studies.

However, it’s important to note that population studies only reveal associations. While cat owners show a reduced risk of these diseases, we can’t definitively conclude that cats are the cause.

Cat ownership has been linked to positive changes in gut microbiota, particularly in women, including better blood glucose control and reduced inflammation.

Helping mental health

Having a cat or dog is linked to greater psychological well-being. For individuals with depression, interacting with their cat—such as petting or playing—has been shown to alleviate symptoms, though this effect was observed over a short, two-hour period and may not apply long-term.

Qualitative research can also shed light on the health impact of cats by exploring what they mean to their owners beyond mere statistics. In a survey conducted with veterans, we found that those more attached to their pets reported lower mental health scores. However, their written responses revealed a different narrative; one respondent expressed, “my cats are the reason I get up in the morning.”

It may be that veterans were more attached to their cats because they had worse mental health – and relied on their cats more for comfort – rather than the other way around.

Mental health downsides

Being attached to your cat can have its drawbacks. If your cat falls ill, the responsibilities of caregiving may negatively affect your mental health.

In our study of cat owners dealing with epilepsy in their pets, approximately one-third reported a significant caregiver burden that likely disrupted their daily functioning.

Toxoplasmosis

Cats can carry zoonotic diseases, which are infections that can be transmitted from animals to humans.

One notable example is toxoplasmosis, a parasite found in cat feces that can affect other mammals, including humans. This parasite is more commonly associated with feral cats that hunt for their food than with domestic cats.

Most people experience mild symptoms akin to the flu. However, if a pregnant woman becomes infected, it can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, or serious issues for the baby, such as blindness and seizures.

Pregnant women and individuals with weakened immune systems are particularly at risk. It’s advisable for these groups to avoid changing cat litter or, if necessary, to wear gloves while doing so. Daily litter box maintenance helps prevent the parasite from reaching a stage where it can infect humans.

Allergies

As many as one in five people are allergic to cats, and this number is on the rise.

When cats groom themselves, their saliva spreads allergens onto their fur. When the fur and dander (skin flakes) become airborne, they can trigger allergic reactions.

For those without severe allergies, cohabiting with cats is still possible by regularly washing hands, cleaning surfaces, and vacuuming to remove dander. Additionally, keeping cats out of specific areas, like bedrooms, can help create allergen-free zones.

While cats can provoke allergic reactions, there is also evidence contact with cats can have a protective role in preventing asthma and allergic reactions developing. This is because exposure may modify the immune system, making it less likely allergic reactions will occur.