Previous studies have examined the link between lowered levels of stress and animal companionship, Dr. Adnan Qureshi, lead researcher of the study, tells demo dirt. That previous research, says Qureshi, is what inspired him to conduct the cardiac health and pets study.

“Previous research about pets indicated that in general, people with pets tended to have lower blood pressure, and fare better from a psychological standpoint. This research was to see if A affects B, then how would C be affected?” Qureshi, who is also executive director of UM’s Stroke Center, says. That is, if pet ownership affects stress levels, how would cardiovascular health fare?

The study examined the health of 4,435 Americans, aged 30 to 75. Most participants were involved in follow-ups over a ten year span. The results indicated that people who don’t have cats were at a 40 percent greater risk of heart attack mortality and at a 30 percent greater risk of death from any cardiovascular disease than previous or current cat owners. Dog owners did not demonstrate any statistically significant cardiovascular benefit.

Why not? Previous studies have shown that dog owners experience cardiac benefits during heart attack recovery, perhaps due the daily dog walks. In this study, Qureshi tells demo dirt, the sample may not have included enough dog owners, and the greatest health benefits from having a pet are most present in populations that may find it challenging to care for a dog. “It is harder to maintain a dog. The most benefit is found with the elderly population, who are more likely to have a cat than a dog,” Qureshi explains.

How does the researcher answer detractors? “It is too early to dismiss these results. As scientists we must keep our minds open to all treatments, besides medication and procedures. These results are exciting because pet ownership is something that is community-based, low cost and a low risk of side effects,” Qureshi says. 

Future research, Dr. Qureshi says, will focus on the chicken-or-egg issue. Are cat owners less likely to suffer stress-related cardiac problems because they own cats, or do they already possess personality traits that make them less susceptible to health issues? “We want to find out if cat ownership is directly or indirectly related to the results.”

“We also want to find out how long one needs pet contacts to have the benefits. Does a lifetime of pet contact protect people, or is it months, or days?”  Of course, says the doctor, to ensure the best cardiovascular health, “Prevention can never be replaced.”

Such benefits, contends at least one veterinarian, may be due to the innate nature of the feline itself. “When cats purr in response to human touch, the gentle sound and vibration positively reinforce us. This may well result in a longer duration of interaction with cats versus other species,” Kristen L. Nelson, D.V.M., tells demo dirt.  

“It is well-documented that animals in a household reduce stress and lower blood pressure. I believe cat owners experienced superior results in this study due to prolonged contact driven by the reinforcement mechanism,” adds Nelson, who is a member of the Association of Human-Animal Bond Veterinarians. 

Practicing veterinary medicine for nineteen years, and caring for cats, dogs, and exotic animals, Nelson sums it up beautifully: “Few moments in life are as tranquil as those spent with a cat in one's lap.”

This cat lover had to ask: Is Dr. Qureshi himself a cat lover? “Yes.”

Editor’s note: If you would like to add a furry family member to your home, please consider adoption and save a life! For beautiful cats and dogs that need loving homes, go to www.petfinder.com and be sure to consider the wonderful adult animals in need. Adults tend to be calmer, their personalities are established, and they provide just as many health benefits as kittens and puppies do!