Cats are the new aspirin [prevent heart attacks]

Roanoke Times ^ | 2/22/2008

[bruinbirdman]

According to a study by researchers at the University of Minnesota, having a kitty in your life could make you less likely to die of a cardiovascular disease, but this same protective effect does not extend to those who share their lives only with dogs.

A WebMD news report said, compared with cat owners, people who never had a pet cat were 40 percent more likely to die of a heart attack and 30 percent more likely to die of any cardiovascular disease, including stroke, heart failure, and chronic heart disease.

The study was based on data collected from nearly 4,500 men and women, ages 30 to 75. All were free of cardiovascular disease when they entered the study in the 1970s. The angle of pet ownership was examined on the tail of recent research indicating pets reduce stress. Apparently they did not make the same connection to improved health with the respondents who only had dogs.

The study results were presented this week at the International Stroke Conference in New Orleans.

So should you head to the shelter and adopt a cat as part of a heart-healthy lifestyle?

I would say yes, as long as you like kitties. I would also recommend adopting two cats, because two are always better than one. However, you must remember that you are not the owner of the cats; you are their employees.

Do good work and they will reward you with life-saving purrs and chin-rubbings.

[chicagolady]

LOL!!!

I like you you’re funny!!

[Danae]

WOW!

Now that is PWNT. That poor bugger!

[chicagolady]

You have got to see these pictures, Good for a laugh

[Abathar]

In other words she is chasing the laser light that only she can see. I had one like that once, he played bottlecap hockey in my kitchen loud enough to wake the dead sometimes. Cat had more energy than any creature his size should that was for sure, I miss him dearly.

[Darnright]

Compare me to aspirin, will you?

[skinkinthegrass]

Taste alot better though. A little lemon pepper, and its just like cornish game hen.

LOL! :D....I like Chinese food, too!

[MarkL]

If I were willing to accept the data...then my first reaction would be why? Logic would dictate that it is not merely having a close pet...which a dog would easily accomplish in this logic. The cat has to have some type of bacteria....that would be helping your body in some fashion. So...as the cat owner quietly sleeps at night...that dang cat is licking your face...transmitting lots of friendly bacteria into you...thus saving your life in the end. Logically...this is the only way that this would work.

Or it could also be that having a cat on your lap or chest while petting it could have a calming effect, through the warmth and vibration (as well as the sound) of the purring.

Mark

[peggybac]

This is nice to know since I have 2 kitties, yet, last year I adopted 2 puppies and they’re about to give me a heart attack. I’m sure they’ve already given my female kitty one or two.

[skinkinthegrass]

...and would eat the lawn before eating them...not very efficience, Lamb taste so much better

[skinkinthegrass]

...and would eat the lawn before eating them...not very efficience, Lamb taste so much better.....(I've owned...and vice/verses a...cats/dogs, too. :)

[fso301]

A cat person has quite a bit different disposition than a dog person

[skinkinthegrass]

*joke*

http://www.starterupsteve.com/swf/chowmein.html

*/joke*

[Lady Jag]

[skinkinthegrass]

*joke*

http://www.starterupsteve.com/swf/chowmein.html

*/joke*

[Lady Jag]

One cat will do and two cats are better.

[Texan5]

If this really has any element of truth, I think it must be the cats’ purring when you pet them or when they are lying on you-it is a very soothing sound, and I think it relieves stress.

We have three rescued neutered male cats and a female Siberian Husky who get along very well and play together. Since the newest cat is a 9 month old kitten full of energy, it is not so soothing when he starts a game of chase all over the house with the other two cats and the dog gleefully running after him-things tend to get knocked to the floor and the throw rugs become airborne.

[Arrowhead1952]

MEOW!!!

[SheLion]

Haha!!!! Cute kitty!

[Allegra]

ROFL!!!

Hey, y'all check this out.

[Allegra]