Owning a cat can reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke by more than a third, according to a recent study. Researchers say that a pet cat helps relieve stress and anxiety as it helps in reducing the heart rate and lowering the blood pressure.

Anybody that has a pet wants to do the best to keep them healthy and happy, and this will normally include providing the best pet insurance possible. In return, your pet is actually helping you to be healthier. Studies have shown that that people who have pets are less likely to become depressed, have better heart health and have fewer allergies. Research has shown that pet owners seem to have better resistance to stress; lower blood pressure and also have higher immunity to certain things.

When a person does anything relaxing or enjoyable this boosts the endorphins and other neurochemicals in a person's body. It also lowers stress chemicals such as norepinephrine and cortisol which can cause a person to not be able to sleep and can cause depression. Therefore, when a person strokes or cuddles with their pet, or walks and plays with them, it helps them to relax and be less stress free.

A Belfast study at Queen's University showed that people who were heart attack patients were 8.6% more likely to be alive one year following a heart attack if they were a pet owner, as opposed to those who did not have pets. It also showed that people who had cats are statistically more likely to survive ten years after a heart attack than those who did not have a cat.

This same study also showed that people who have pets are less likely to catch common illnesses like 'flu. It also showed that pet owners tend to have lower blood pressure and lower cholesterol. In men, it showed that owning a pet seemed to reduce cholesterol and triglyceride levels which are key indicators for heart disease.

There have been many different studies and research done that proves that having a pet will help to relieve stress and to help you stay healthier. If you are interested in getting a pet, you should check your local rescue centres first. If unsure of where to start looking, you could try contacting Cats Protection or The Blue Cross. There are many animals that would love to have a home of their own, and you would also be providing yourself with a loyal companion that will help to keep you happier and healthier.