Who's healthier, Dog owners or Cat owners?

HAYWARDS HEATH, England — Cat owners are significantly less likely to suffer the physical and emotional symptoms of the “winter blues,” a new study has found.

Findings from the 5-year research project that was carried out for the UK charity Cats Protection show that cats help ease the stress of winter gloom. The study shows that during the dreary months of January and February, cat owners:

· Suffer 60% fewer headaches than non-cat owners

· Are 21% less likely to catch a cold or ‘flu

· Feel significantly less miserable, impatient and tense

Psychologist June McNicholas, PhD, conducted the research and found that cat owners suffer fewer sleep problems, are less likely to feel sad and are more able to relax than those who do not own a cat.

Common complaints associated with “winter blues” can include headaches, colds, sleep problems, feeling sad, tense and miserable and having difficulty in concentrating and relaxing.

The study showed that cat owners experienced significantly fewer physical and emotional problems during the first 2 months of the year.

“The findings are quite spectacular and show that cat owners are much better equipped to deal with the depressing months of January and February,” McNicholas said. “Medical opinion has long held that in times of stress or anxiety one of the most valuable assets is a supportive relationship. This study suggests that cats are just as able to provide that support as humans. The study shows benefits to owners of both genders and across all age groups, but male owners [younger than] 40 seem to especially benefit from the companionship of a cat during the winter.”

Maggie Roberts, director of veterinary services at Cats Protection, added, “There’s nothing quite like having a purring cat on your lap on a cold winter evening to lift your spirits, as this research shows. There are many reasons cats can help. They are not judgmental, they have modest needs that can provide owners with a sense of purpose and they are great fun to play or interact with. As cats tend to spend more time indoors during the winter months, owners will have more contact with them than in the summer, and this can be a real comfort at such a gloomy time of year.

“Research also shows that cats can boost their owner’s immune system, so they are great to have when there are coughs and sneezes going around.”