According to Igor Purlantov, the following health benefits have been studied and confirmed by researchers and health care professionals around the world who understand the benefits of having the most popular pet in the world, a cat, at home.

Asthma and Allergy Prevention in Children
Studies have shown that early and regular contact with cats can help children avoid developing a number of respiratory problems including asthma.  There is also evidence that living with a cat can also help prevent allergies in children says Igor Purlantov.

Lower Risk of Cardiovascular Disease and Heart Attack
Studies have shown that having cat can make people less likely to die of cardiovascular disease.  According to Igor Purlantov one study even found that those without cats were between 30-40% more likely to die of cardiovascular disease than cat owners. Studies have also shown that people can reduce their chances of a heart attack by having a cat and there is a also reduced chance that someone will die suddenly due to a heart attack if they have a cat.

Improved Immune System
Having a cat has been shown to boost the immune system and also improve how it functions says Igor Purlantov.  It is believed that cats often have a very good sense of when a person is ill and are great at providing comfort to help a person feel better. 

Lower Blood Pressure
According to one study, people with cats are more likely to have lower blood pressure that those without cats.  It is believed that just petting a cat and enjoying their company can help calm a person and lower their blood pressure according to Igor Purlantov.

Lower Cholesterol and Lower Triglycerides
People with cats have been shown to have lower cholesterol than those without.  One study even showed that having a cat was actually more effective at lowering cholesterol than taking certain medications.  Studies have also shown that having a cat can lower your triglycerides, something that is usually only achieved by exercising and eating fewer carbohydrates and processed foods.

Reduced Stress and Anxiety and Risk of Stroke
It has been repeatedly shown that having a cat can help reduce stress as well as provide many other psychological benefits says Igor Purlantov.  Having a cat can also reduce anxiety as simply petting a cat has been shown to be soothing and calming.  Also, caring for a cat can help someone take their mind off their own worries especially as they enjoy the unconditional love a cat provides. Having a cat can also reduce the risk of a stroke as one study found that people with cats cut their risk of stroke by one third according to Igor Purlantov.

Improved Mood and Reduced Depression
Simply interacting with a cat can improve a person's mood and help make them feel better in general.   Also, having a cat can help relieve depression since being around a cat helps take someone's mind off their problems and allows them to focus on something else including the unconditional love a cat offers.

Help with Autism
There have been several studies where cats have been instrumental in therapy for autistic children says Igor Purlantov.  Cats have also been shown to help children with other developmental disorders, especially cases where the child has difficulty with social interactions and communication.

Reduced Loneliness
Having a cat at home has been shown to help people that are feeling lonely, including those who are single or widowed.  Having a cat provides a connection and allows for someone feeling lonely to be able to spend time with another living being.

Fewer Doctor Visits and a Longer Life
It has been shown that people with cats make fewer visits to the doctor and to hospitals in general.  Studies have also shown that when nursing homes allowed cats as part of their therapy, they had lower medication costs than other facilities without cats.

These studies all confirm that there are clearly numerous health benefits associated with having a cat that can lead to a longer life says Igor Purlantov.  At the end of the day, people should go out and adopt a cat from a local animal shelter, it may be the best thing that has ever happened to them and their new cat companion.

Igor Purlantov is an animal rights advocate that follows and writes about animal news and trends to help raise awareness of animal rights and protection. You can read and learn about his work on www.igorpurlantov.com or follow him on twitter @igorpurlantov

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