International Cat Day

Having a cat has been scientifically proven to have health benefits for us humans

August 8 is International Cat Day. International Cat Day began in 2002 by the International Fund for Animal Welfare and other animal rights groups to celebrate the most popular pet around the world.

International Cat Day is used to celebrate the friendship that humans and cats share and advocate for the safety and well-being of cats. Apart from being furry, cute, and independent, cats are also scientifically proven to be good for your health. So much so that even watching cat videos online can help one feel elated.

Studies have shown that watching cat videos on the internet can boost a person's energy and create positive emotions. In honor of International Cat Day, we'd like to share a few scientifically proven health benefits of having a feline in your home.

Autism

Cats help children with autism to improve their social skills by teaching them empathy and selflessness. Since pets don’t have hidden motives or experience mood changes, they help kids deal with emotions, practice kindness, and tolerate others. Cats teach empathy and compassion, relieve anxiety, help with connections, and provide children with autism self-confidence.

Mental Health

Cats are not just great company, low maintenance, and independent; they are also very good for you. They provide a great source of comfort, companionship, and motivation for their owners and help reduce anxiety and stress. This concept is also known as 'purr therapy.'

Heal bones, Tendons, and Muscles

Who knew? Most cat owners know that a cat purring to be one of the most comforting sounds in the world as it generally means your cat is happy and comfortable. The sound has also been long associated with a therapeutic healing ability on human bones and muscles.

Studies find that the frequency of a cat's purr is between 20 and 150 Hz. This covers the same frequencies that are therapeutic for bone growth and fracture healing, pain relief, swelling reduction, wound healing, muscle growth and repair, tendon repair, and joint mobility.

Cats Lower Risk of Heart Disease

For years we have known that psychological stress and anxiety are related to cardiovascular events, particularly heart attacks, right. Well, owning a cat can reduce your risk of a heart attack by nearly one third! Cat parents share personality characteristics such as low stress and anxiety levels that help protect them against heart disease and stroke.

How are you going to celebrate International Cat Day this year? Do you have a cat? Do you want a cat after we have shared these amazing facts with you? Be sure to check out your local shelter to see if there is a cat in need of a loving home before going to the store. Rescuing an animal from the shelter means another life has been saved.

Be sure to share with us how you are celebrating this fantastic holiday with your feline friend! Tag us at @VitalPetLife and use the hashtags

#internationalcatday #catfriends #catssavelives #lovemycat