The healthy reason to hug your cat

Every day is a great day to hug a cat! Regardless of whether you already own a fabulous cat or are on the lookout for the right one to adopt, we bet you’ll fully embrace these reasons to make cats your main squeeze (puns intended). Providing a forever home is a great way to help ensure your favorite shelter cat enjoys a healthy life. Shelters like those in the Adopt-a-Pet.com network are providing safe, temporary homes for thousands of cats each year. Before you head to a shelter to choose the cat you’ll hug for the long haul, make sure you’re prepared to offer them the right start by reviewing the American Humane Association’s “Top Ten” checklist for adopting a cat.

Because purrs might be healing

Cats purr at a frequency between 25 and 150 Hertz. Various investigators suggest that sound frequencies in this range may improve bone density and promote healing. Granted, holding a purring cat isn’t going to mend your broken arm, but the research does hint that cats have evolved to use their low rumble as a means of assisting with their own healing. The takeaway? Cats are just cool and deserve an admiring cuddle.

To check for creepy crawlies

Imagine it: you snuggle into your cat, revel in that soft fur, hear a sweet meow and feel the light tickle of fleas?!? Even the cleanest of indoor cats can be a host for fleas. Nasty fleas shouldn’t come between you and your cat. To help prevent fleas on your cat (which is especially important during warmer months), try the monthly topical Advantage® II for cats. If you’re worried about ticks and fleas, try the eight-month collar Seresto® for cats. Both products are made by the cat experts at Bayer HealthCare Animal Health.

Because your heart may be healthier

You do all you can for your cat and, in return, your ticker just might benefit. A 2009 study featured in the Journal of Vascular & Interventional Neurology found that people who previously or currently shared their life with a pet cat may have a decreased risk for fatal cardiovascular diseases. That’s a benefit of feline hugs that surely makes hearts go pitter pat.

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