BS: Petting cats is heart-healthy

Subject: BS: Petting cats is heart-healthy
From: Genie
Date: 12 Jun 09 - 04:00 AM

Having nothing better to do en route today from San Diego to Portland, I actually read the Southwest Airlines Magazine -- parts of it, at least.
One interesting tidbit I gleaned from a brief article therein was that "medical research has shown" that people who have owned cats at some time in their lives are about 40% less likely to die from heart attacks than those who never have.


Discuss.

Subject: RE: BS: Petting cats is heart-healthy
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 12 Jun 09 - 05:05 AM

No, they're more likely to die from broken necks having tripped over the wretched beast who likes to lie on the second stair down and doesn't like it when you step on him!

My dear departed Shadow cat once contributed to putting me in hospital by tripping me up so that I hit my head on the corner of the wall. The resulting headache meant I wasn't paying full attention later when reversing the car and got whiplash when I hit a post.

The heart troubles I've had I put down to poor genetics.

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: Petting cats is heart-healthy
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 12 Jun 09 - 08:44 AM

Love my felinities dearly and I've always had at least several in the household since 1970, but...

Yes, I've had those who were well conversant with the second stair down trick. Most are also adept at being exactly where you're planning on putting a foot, too. I broke a toe a few years ago trying to avoid stepping on Sabine. (Not that she appreciated it -- the same toe on the other foot was broken many years before when I accidently kicked a pile of books in the middle of the night; sigh.) And Rufus likes to leap from the beam in the bedroom halfway across the room onto the bed -- or ME if I happen to be in it.

When transporting Foolish and Marmalade in the car on my move from Kennebunkport to Portsmouth, Marmalade set up housekeeping under the gas and brake pedals while Foolish curled up between my lower back and the seat. We survived the trip.

It's raining steadily today. I've got about 40 pages to go in a book. Sabine purred contentedly on my lap in bed (and consistently draped her tail over the page) while I stroked her. If only I could have continued that for the rest of the day instead of going to work to face the demanding public at the mall!

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Petting cats is heart-healthy
From: SINSULL
Date: 12 Jun 09 - 09:04 AM

40% less likely to die of a heart attack. 99% more likely to bleed to death from bites and scratches or "accidental" falls.




Only kidding, kitties. Mummie loves the babies especially when they vomit just outside the bedroom door so I skid barefoot into the front door.

Subject: RE: BS: Petting cats is heart-healthy
From: LilyFestre
Date: 12 Jun 09 - 09:46 AM

I had a heart virus several years ago...plenty of pain and congestive heart failure too. My cats seemed to know just where my chest hurt and they'd crawl over top of my heart, settle in just right and purr. The vibrations not only soothed the pain and relaxed the muscle but it put me to sleep, which is what I really needed. I also have PCOS and they know when I hurt, park themselves over the painful spot and purr. It ALWAYS helps. ALWAYS.

And Sins, I've skidded in cat vomit too...on a venture to the bathroom in the middle of the night....stepped in leftover mouse guts too. I love them anyway!!!!! :)

Michelle

Subject: RE: BS: Petting cats is heart-healthy
From: Becca72
Date: 12 Jun 09 - 09:58 AM

My boys definitely know how to make me feel better. With everything that's gone on in the last few months I have spent my fair share of time in tears. The moment my eyes well up I have three beautiful, concerned faces staring at me and within seconds at least one of them is in my lap to provide comfort.

Subject: RE: BS: Petting cats is heart-healthy
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 12 Jun 09 - 12:37 PM

I like to believe mine is doing that this very minute, but I think it's more likely because it's near dinner time....

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: Petting cats is heart-healthy
From: ClaireBear
Date: 12 Jun 09 - 01:23 PM

I once had a cat -- the late, much-lamented Sir Tobias Smallcat -- who, one night when a gentleman friend was breaking up me, stood between us on the couch and wouldn't let my soon-to-be ex within 4 feet of me.

Not only was the chivalry much appreciated, but in addition the breakup talk went much more smoothly once both of us silly humans were focusing on the remarkably perceptive behavior of my cat rather than why our relationship wasn't working out.

C

Subject: RE: BS: Petting cats is heart-healthy
From: SINSULL
Date: 12 Jun 09 - 01:30 PM

Ed pulled his bulimic routine this morning - scarfed down every scrap of dry foor he could manage, jumped on my bed and coughed it all up. He was annoyed at my attentions to Seamus the Wonder Dog.

Subject: RE: BS: Petting cats is heart-healthy
From: John on the Sunset Coast
Date: 12 Jun 09 - 01:59 PM

This may be true, but in my case it is also respiratorially dangerous. Quite allergic to cat dander am I...dogs to a lesser extent.

Subject: RE: BS: Petting cats is heart-healthy
From: Micca
Date: 12 Jun 09 - 02:22 PM

Wugsie damn near GAVE me a heartattack this afternoon by waiting until I had fallen asleep for a nap on the sofa and jumping onto my stomach from the back of the sofa!!! Then sat there purring with that "Aint I a clever Mog" expression on he face!! sometimes I find that I love her just a fraction less than usual'

Subject: RE: BS: Petting cats is heart-healthy
From: Becca72
Date: 12 Jun 09 - 04:34 PM

Having seen Ed, I am afraid to ask exactly how much dry food he could scarf down...I'm betting the better part of a 5 lb bag!

Subject: RE: BS: Petting cats is heart-healthy
From: Micca
Date: 12 Jun 09 - 05:11 PM

Becca, I think Ed IS a 5lb bag of food!!!

Subject: RE: BS: Petting cats is heart-healthy
From: jeddy
Date: 12 Jun 09 - 06:54 PM

we used to have cats. even though i am highly allergic to them, the mrs wanted one so we got one, then two coz the first one got lonely, then three cox we moved into it's old house and he decided he wanted to come home, which was cool, execpt when they know you are alseep and your' toes are poking out of the duvet.   talk about a sharp wake up!!1 the annoying thing was i never knew who to blame, i think they took it in turns..lol.

dog sick is worse to skid in purely on the fact there is LOT more of it. our dogs always lie where you need to step over them, when you are half way over THEY MOVE, say goodbye to whatever you are carrying at the time because it has just gone all over the new carpet.. gggrrr

i think no matter what they do to us we still love them even if we sulk at them for a while.

take care all
jade x x

Subject: RE: BS: Petting cats is heart-healthy
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 12 Jun 09 - 08:15 PM

Oh, yeah...and the cat puke outside the bedroom door trick, too, not to mention the nasty slimy mouse innards that evidently taste less good than the other bits.

Years ago when I was married to husband #1, he would occasionally be on a project that necessitated him working 3rd shift while I worked 9-5 at the local newspaper. Our Siamese Tractor would sleep across the top of my head or drape himself across my neck to keep me company when I was sleeping, then turn around and do the same thing to Ed when he was sleeping during the day.

After Tom's heart surgery, he had feline help to heal.

They always seem to know what they need to do to comfort us or make us feel better, or just vibrate at the right pitch to soothe a weary soul.

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Petting cats is heart-healthy
From: jeddy
Date: 12 Jun 09 - 09:18 PM

aren't there machines that vibrate? i wonder if you set them to cat purr? would this be the same i wonder, oh well have fun finding out eh? purrrrrrrr.........meeeeooow!!!!!

jade x

Subject: RE: BS: Petting cats is heart-healthy
From: SINSULL
Date: 12 Jun 09 - 09:21 PM

I have had cats who knew when I needed attention. But this lot - SIGH! As useless a pile of fur as you could ever hope to stumble over. But I do love them...

Subject: RE: BS: Petting cats is heart-healthy
From: gnu
Date: 13 Jun 09 - 12:59 PM

Maggie, a HUGE calico, used to join me for my after lunch nap every day. She would race to the bedroom when I called her and fall over sideways against my chest under my left arm. We'd both be gone solid in less than a minute. If the phone rang, the shortest route to the door was over me. Ouch.

Subject: RE: BS: Petting cats is heart-healthy
From: Anne Lister
Date: 13 Jun 09 - 12:59 PM

Our Persia is a good'un for the comfort, and does a good line in comedy if she thinks we need to be distracted (latest speciality is under the nest of tables, which are slightly spread out, and she lies on her back and pulls herself around the legs of the tables with manic kitten eyes and loud purrs). She's also extremely good at walking just in front of my feet, especially at the top of the stairs.

I used to be severely allergic to cats - these days you wouldn't guess that, as she lies along my arm and pushes her tail up my nose.

Subject: RE: BS: Petting cats is heart-healthy
From: Stringsinger
Date: 13 Jun 09 - 01:53 PM

Cats are wonderful companions. They are independent, yet considerate. Clean. Affectionate when they want to be. You have to approach them gently and build their trust. Each cat has his/her own personality. Some are very shy and others more social.

I think there is a reasonable explanation as to why building a relationship with them helps to have a healthy heart. They require you to calm down to allow them into your space. They are a great model for relaxation and quiet. Their purring has a great psychological effect on our mental state.It is a calming device.

In most cases, cats get along with one another amicably. Catfights among domesticated ones are rare. They often enjoy one another playfully and are highly entertaining particularly if you play with them and give them catnip.

Cats appear to be heart-healthy and it's contagious for us humans.

Frank

Subject: RE: BS: Petting cats is heart-healthy
From: Peace
Date: 13 Jun 09 - 03:43 PM

They do indeed help the heart. They are a low-fat source of protein.

Subject: RE: BS: Petting cats is heart-healthy
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 13 Jun 09 - 06:41 PM

Yes Peace, but what sauce to serve them with?!

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: Petting cats is heart-healthy
From: Peace
Date: 14 Jun 09 - 01:58 AM

Something light, yet piquante; spicy yet understated. That 'je ne sais pas quois' thing. Tangy yet mild. Something that says, "I am the sauce for this cat."

Take my word for it: cat goes well when accompanied by pickled walnuts.

Subject: RE: BS: Petting cats is heart-healthy
From: Cats
Date: 14 Jun 09 - 05:36 PM

Does this mean I can get my cats vets bills and food on the NHS so it will bring my blood pressure down!

Subject: RE: BS: Petting cats is heart-healthy
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 14 Jun 09 - 06:55 PM

Being petted is probably good for the health of the cats as well, which, after all, is what is really important in this relationship.

Subject: RE: BS: Petting cats is heart-healthy
From: Mr Red
Date: 15 Jun 09 - 09:31 AM

Well established fact, stroking a pet lowers heart rate & blood pressure. It works for the pet too. Pets live longer in a home than in the wild, diet & vets are only part of the story.
I would guess - as long as the pet is not psychotic, or badly trained.
Allowing pets into hospital for certain patients has been policy in some places for a long time.

Subject: RE: BS: Petting cats is heart-healthy
From: Cats
Date: 15 Jun 09 - 09:41 AM

Ten years ago I won the National Cat of the Year competition for using cats to work with Autistic teenagers in a mainstream school. It was publicised widely, even making eminent psychologist journals and the Time Educational Supplement as well as national and local news.

Subject: RE: BS: Petting cats is heart-healthy
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 15 Jun 09 - 07:14 PM

Cats: I wonder if anyone followed through on that. I found it helpful also for children with autism. Dogs also.

Subject: RE: BS: Petting cats is heart-healthy
From: Peace
Date: 16 Jun 09 - 12:05 AM

Pets are important. No question about that. Also, good for you, Cats. That is wonderful.

Subject: RE: BS: Petting cats is heart-healthy
From: LilyFestre
Date: 16 Jun 09 - 09:50 AM

Cats, I'd love to hear more about that! My friend has twins who are autistic (currently age 4)....anything I can pass along to her?

Michelle

Subject: RE: BS: Petting cats is heart-healthy
From: Catherine Jayne
Date: 16 Jun 09 - 11:33 AM

Merlyn is a very cuddley cat and she loves to snuggle up to Harry or curl up on my knee whenever she can. She sleeps in our bed too and thinks Paul is the best thing since sliced bread. She always seems to know when I'm not feeling too great and jumps up for a cuddle. I have PCOS too and she curls up on my tummy or in the base of my back and purrs.

My family has always had cats and I wouldn't be without mine.

Subject: RE: BS: Petting cats is heart-healthy
From: frogprince
Date: 16 Jun 09 - 01:10 PM

My 91 year old father in law still lives independently a few miles away. He lives, looks, and acts much younger than his years. Some months back he took in a cat that had shown up around his neighborhood for some time. She couldn't have been feral, from every indication including being exceptionally social. Unfortunately she died suddenly of apparent heart attack. The vet asked him if wanted another young cat that was in need of a home. The FIL turned him down at the moment, but after no more than a day back at home, he called back and took in the newcomer. He lucked out again in getting a singularly friendly beastie.