Pet ownership linked to improved heart health and emotional well-being

Scientific studies indicate that owning pets, particularly cats, can provide significant health benefits. Research involving over 4,000 people suggests that cat owners may have a 30% to 40% lower risk of dying from a heart attack or heart disease compared to non-owners. These benefits are attributed to reduced stress and anxiety, better blood pressure control, and the calming effect of a cat's purr on the nervous system.

Beyond physical health, experts note that pets play a crucial role in emotional well-being. Samuel Vásquez, a veterinarian and head of Veterinary Medicine at Universidad Santo Tomás, explains that the bond between humans and pets helps satisfy psychological needs such as connection and autonomy. Interaction with animals can foster positive emotions, decrease negative ones, and reduce feelings of loneliness and depression, particularly in older adults or those living alone.

Experts emphasize that these benefits depend on the quality of the bond and that pets should serve as a complement to, rather than a replacement for, professional medical treatment or human social support.