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.

[Rennes Templar]

You’re joking right?

[girlangler]

Well, I have a 10 pound black and white panther.

At least HE believes he’s a panther.

Should have seen him the day he tried to sneak up on, and attack, a deer in the yard.

Anyway, he keeps me laughing, so he probably is good for my heart.

[Doctor Phogg]

Ping, in case you missed this.

[Not A Snowbird]

Perfect! Except for the baseball bat, that’s exactly how my cats behave.

Mine brings me gifts all night. I wake up in the morning surrounded by puff balls and feather toys. No live mice yet, thankfully.

[Rennes Templar]

Mine is only 5 pounds, and he seems big. You’ve got a “whopper”.

[Shyla]

Thank you for the ping.

At this time,a litter box is what I do not need.

I would have a kitty but with two tiny house dogs and the wolves....our spare time is not spare : )

Thanks!

[Ditter]

Cats are nice but anything cats can do dogs can do better.

[angcat]

This is one of four deck cats I take care of: This is Dewy

[Lady Jag]

Cats rule!

[Kitty Mittens]

Lol, I Love this Thread, Lady Jag! Thank you for the Ping! : )

[bruinbirdman]

I think I'm going to take an aspirin now. I mean pet my cat, TheLittleGuy.

yitbos

[Lady Jag]

Lol, I Love this Thread

ME TOO!

[Slings and Arrows]

"Conceited? Moi?"

[johnthebaptistmoore]

Is this also true after watching the play “Cats”?

[dixiechick2000]

[dixiechick2000]

ROTFLOL!

[Nowhere Man]

I have 5 cats myself, I ought to be around for a long time. B-) The most I had at one time was 9. My youngest, Rascal, 10 months old, right now is sitting on top of my 1964 B&W Sony TV set.

[Big Horn]

I have four and figure if you have two or less you are about out. I get good exercise letting them in and out.

[Quix]

Great laughs. thanks. Very good to laugh that hard.

[Taffini]

that cat has stage presence