For thousands of years people have been looking for the 'Fountain of Youth'. People will stop at nothing to find a way to live longer. Money is no option if a 'break-through' is found that can make us look younger and feel better. The health food and vitamine industry is an every growing billion dollar industry. Fueled by mans need to live longer and feel better people endleslly search for an ever elusive answer. But is the answer really elusive? NO! Studies continually show that owning a pet can extend a persons life and make them happier. This is especially true for older persons who need it the most.
The elderly seem to be most affected by pet ownership, although children love them the most. Having a cat that comes and jumps on your lap makes you feel needed, while the cat fulfills its need for attention. A pet can solve empty nest syndrome when children have grown and moved away, and it gives the owner a sense of purpose and keeps depressive thoughts away.
Owning a cat is good for your health. In spite of the annoyances that come along with pet ownership - the scratching of the furniture, the weekly litter box cleaning, and accidents you may have to clean up - studies have consistently shown lowered blood pressure and cholesterol. This is more true for cat owners than dog owners, although no explanation can be found. Pet owners are also more active, since they have to keep up with their animals needs. This provides a less sedentary lifestyle, leading to better health through physical activity.
When considering pet ownership, you are making a commitment to the life of the pet. Keep in mind your personal limitations to find the right pet for you. Before purchasing or rescuing that cute little kitten, keep in mind the cost that will be involved. Food, litter, and vet bills add up over the year. The health benefits may often far offset the cost, however.
You will also want to make sure that you have the time to care for a pet. The great advantage to a cat over a dog is that cats are generally lower maintenance. You don't need to walk them every day, and leaving them for an overnight trip is possible with a clean litter box and full bowl of food. If you go away for long trips, however, it may be best to put off pet ownership.
Sometimes, it is more than health reasons that makes you want to take a pet in, it might be what they bring as your constant companion. The joy that an animal can bring comes from knowing you are loved. If you visit a shelter and find an animal that steals your heart, you can save the animal from death and maybe save your own life in the process. Saving two lives at once is something most pet owners don't think of initially, but sometimes that is what happens, when they decide to get a pet.
The elderly seem to be most affected by pet ownership, although children love them the most. Having a cat that comes and jumps on your lap makes you feel needed, while the cat fulfills its need for attention. A pet can solve empty nest syndrome when children have grown and moved away, and it gives the owner a sense of purpose and keeps depressive thoughts away.
Owning a cat is good for your health. In spite of the annoyances that come along with pet ownership - the scratching of the furniture, the weekly litter box cleaning, and accidents you may have to clean up - studies have consistently shown lowered blood pressure and cholesterol. This is more true for cat owners than dog owners, although no explanation can be found. Pet owners are also more active, since they have to keep up with their animals needs. This provides a less sedentary lifestyle, leading to better health through physical activity.
When considering pet ownership, you are making a commitment to the life of the pet. Keep in mind your personal limitations to find the right pet for you. Before purchasing or rescuing that cute little kitten, keep in mind the cost that will be involved. Food, litter, and vet bills add up over the year. The health benefits may often far offset the cost, however.
You will also want to make sure that you have the time to care for a pet. The great advantage to a cat over a dog is that cats are generally lower maintenance. You don't need to walk them every day, and leaving them for an overnight trip is possible with a clean litter box and full bowl of food. If you go away for long trips, however, it may be best to put off pet ownership.
Sometimes, it is more than health reasons that makes you want to take a pet in, it might be what they bring as your constant companion. The joy that an animal can bring comes from knowing you are loved. If you visit a shelter and find an animal that steals your heart, you can save the animal from death and maybe save your own life in the process. Saving two lives at once is something most pet owners don't think of initially, but sometimes that is what happens, when they decide to get a pet.
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