Did you know that owning a cat can decrease your chances of having a heart attack by up to 30%? Studies have found that this simple solution can improve your health and decrease the risks of heart attacks and other diseases. Owning a pet can extend your life, so adding a kitten or puppy to your household can help you live longer. There have been reports of amazing feats by dogs and cats, but this is one that bears looking into.

While pets are good for any age, the aging population is particularly affected by pet ownership. When social networks begin to slow down, having a cat jump on your lap and ask for attention causes the owner to feel needed. The responsibility of caring for a pet also provides purpose. Once children have grown and moved away, it can keep the onset of depression at bay.

Cats might be guilty of scratching the furniture, and demanding more tasks such as cleaning the litter box, but studies have consistently shown health improvements in the elderly, such as lowered blood pressure and cholesterol. Cat owners seem to realize the health benefits more than dog owners, but there is no reasonable explanation for the difference. Keeping up with the needs of a pet keeps the elderly more active, and discourages a sedentary lifestyle, and the additional physical activity leads to a healthier lifestyle.

When considering pet ownership, you are making a commitment to the life of the pet. Keep in mind your personal limitations to find the right pet for you. Before purchasing or rescuing that cute little kitten, keep in mind the cost that will be involved. Food, litter, and vet bills add up over the year. The health benefits may often far offset the cost, however.

Pets take time, in order to care for them properly. It is not fair to you or the animal to take on additional responsibilities that you don’t have time for. Cats offer an advantage over a dog because they are generally lower maintenance, since it is easier to leave them by themselves overnight and you don’t have to walk them or let them out. A clean litter box and full bowl of food is usually all they need for overnight absences but you might want to reconsider if you go away for long trips.

Sometimes, it is more than health reasons that makes you want to take a pet in, it might be what they bring as your constant companion. The joy that an animal can bring comes from knowing you are loved. If you visit a shelter and find an animal that steals your heart, you can save the animal from death and maybe save your own life in the process. Saving two lives at once is something most pet owners don’t think of initially, but sometimes that is what happens, when they decide to get a pet.

David is an expert on pet health and care. Keeping your cat healthy and happy is a responsiblility of each owner. See his site for ideas on Cat Health.