Village Voice June July 19

The Benefits of Owning a Cat
A number of academic studies have appeared
in recent years claiming that having a cat
improves our health. These studies provide
many compelling reasons why they are
'purrrfect' for us all.
Here's a selection:
Reduced stress and anxiety: Owning a cat
triggers calming chemicals in the body,
decreasing stress and anxiety levels and
moreover, just the very act of stroking a cat is
known to be relaxing.
Therapeutic benefits: The calming effect of
owning a cat apparently triggers the release of
oxytocin, a hormone known for inducing
feelings of love and trust.
Boosted immunity: Exposure to pet fur in the
house is claimed to boost our resistance to
allergens, and thus decrease the risk of allergies
and asthma.
Lowered blood pressure: According to some
studies, cat owners seem to enjoy lower blood
pressure than non-cat owners, due to the
calming presence that cats provide.
Romance: If you're a single bloke looking for
love, then perhaps a cat is the solution: One
study revealed that women were more
attracted to men who owned cats because cat
ownership "suggests sensitivity and
intelligence".
resources needed to feed a dog creates the
same eco-footprint as that of a big four-wheel
drive Hummer vehicle. Meanwhile, cats only
have the approximate carbon footprint of a
Volkswagen Golf.
So they're more
ecologically
friendly to the
planet.
From all the
research going
on, it's seems
clear that cats are
certainly
beneficial to have
around, and
ownership is
quite easy and
undemanding. The only problem arises when
you want to go off on holiday, because cats are
very territorial, and simply don't like unfamiliar
surroundings at all. If taken out of their routine,
they often get tremendously stressed and even
refuse to eat.
However, there is a simple, local solution to all
that; call Sophie's Cat Care on 01425 262 100.
They will visit your home regularly whenever
you're away, feed the cat, check that they're
well, and – as a free added benefit – pick up the
mail, switch on and off lights, make your house
looked lived in and generally increase security
of your home in your absence.
Companionship: If the above doesn't work,
then having a cat could be the next best thing;
A Swiss study conducted in 2003, revealed that
owning a cat is "similar to having a romantic
partner."
So, if after reading this, you're tempted to get a
cat, you can go right ahead, absolutely secure in
the knowledge that ownership and holidays will
be purrfectly stress-free with Sophie's, the New
Forest's cat care experts.
A Reduced carbon footprint compared to dogs:
A 2009 study found that over its lifetime, the
www.sophiespetcare.com
Please mention The Village Voice when responding to adverts
19