Why cats and dogs really are good for your health

There is certain type of companionship that can only be found with pets. Whether it’s the undivided loyalty and protection that dogs give us, or the elegant playfulness and affection we get from cats, there’s no doubt that owning a cat or a dog has long brought humans great pleasure – and they remain very popular. According to a recent survey on pet ownership in Hong Kong, cited by Statista, 45% of respondents in the city said they had dogs and 43% owned cats, making them among the most sought-after animal companions.

Perhaps it is the joy that comes with playing fetch with a beloved pooch, or it might be the warm, fuzzy feeling we get when a kitty greets when we get home from work each day, yet there’s no doubt that pet ownership has its benefits. But were you also aware that cats and dogs can also be beneficial to our overall health?

Dogs are guaranteed to get you moving, either through their daily walk round the block, playing with them in the park or running alongside them at a beach. The increased physical activity means you are more likely to lose weight and improve your cardiovascular health simply by following your daily routine with your dog.

When it comes to cats, vigorous exercise on your part usually isn’t required. But a long-term study from the United States recently concluded that owning a cat could reduce the risk of heart attack by nearly 30%. Why? Cats can help reduce psychological stress and anxiety – both of which are related to cardiovascular events like heart attacks.

While dogs are often seen as the ultimate loyal companion, cats also form strong bonds with their owners, and this can be good for our mental health. A 2019 survey suggested that owning a cat helped people cope better with everyday life, with 93.7% of respondents reporting that it improved their mental health. Owning a cat or a dog can also reduce stress levels, simply because these furry creatures often provide a much-needed distraction from our busy lives.

For senior citizens, research also points to cats and dogs having a positive impact on their wellbeing. One study suggests that, among certain groups of older people, cat or dog ownership provides companionship, “giving a sense of purpose and meaning, reducing loneliness and increasing socialisation”. Scientific research is also uncovering the benefits of pets on children. An investigation on the impact of pet ownership among young children suggests that cats and dogs can help them develop social skills, including a sense of empathy.

So with all these wonderful things we get from cats and dogs, it’s really important that owners give their beloved pets the care they deserve. One way is to provide them with health insurance. If our pets fall ill, we want them to have the best veterinary care possible. But it is also vital to protect ourselves financially from the burden of expensive treatment or surgery. MSIG’s Happy Tails® Pet Insurance provides a lifetime of coverage for your furry companions, including for major medical expenses, medical and surgical expenses, and coverage for specified hereditary and congenital conditions.

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Read more:
Understanding pet insurance: A journey towards ensuring the health of your beloved companion
Lifelong protection for our furry friends
Protecting your beloved pets against the unforeseen