Health Benefits of Pets

I'm pretty sure that each week I am just going to write about something different, and completely random. In keeping with that "theme," my roommates and I bought an 8-week old kitten today. We had been talking about getting a cat for our house after we started caring for a stray cat in the middle of the summer. But then that cat, who still went outside frequently, was stolen by a spinster neighbor and we were left with a litter box and tons of other cat supplies. So after talking about it for the last few weeks, we finally went online and found a way to get a cat (from someone who did not want to come look at our house first...because I live with five other guys and it is never really in a state to receive visitors). Surprisingly, it was relatively easy to find and now we have a cute female kitten whose name is still to-be-determined.

Even though it didn't factor into our reasoning to buy a cat at all, I was sure that there had to be some research on the health benefits of owning pets. I was surprised at the scope of different benefits that have been found. First of all, most people (including my two unfortunate roommates) think of pets as causing allergies, and try and avoid them or at least their hair. But research has shown that children growing up with pets are less likely to have allergies and tend to have stronger immune systems than those who do not grow up with a pet at home. I guess it is similar to the idea that children should be exposed to other children, so that they can exchange germs and build their immune systems as well.

A lot of research points out health benefits in the elderly. Pets are often described as companions, which can have a calming effect as well as provide a routine for physical exercise (i.e. walking a dog). Lower heart rates and blood pressure have also been associated with pet owners, as well as longer survival after a heart attack.

While I hope that my roommates and I won't have any of these problems any time soon, pets also can help reduce stress (which we will be experiencing plenty of in the next few months). So maybe taking some time to play with our kitten will make finals week a little more fun. Finally, one last "health" benefit (that might be relevant for my roommates and I) involves using pets to get dates.  Apparently pets are often conversation starters, and help overcome shyness or awkwardness in social situations. I'm not sure how much I believe this last one, but I guess I'll have to see how it works...either way I'm glad we finally got a kitten and look forward to having it around.