ForestWind Siberian Cats

What can you do in 15 to 30 minutes to easily reduce stress and anxiety?

You can play or cuddle with your Siberian cat! In that time your body actually goes through physical changes that make a difference in your mood. The level of cortisol, a hormone associated with stress, is lowered. And the production of serotonin, a chemical associated with well-being, is increased. Reducing stress saves your body wear and tear.

In fact, research has found that the long-term benefits of owning a cat include protection for your heart. In one 20 year study people who never owned a cat were 40% more likely to die of a heart attack than those who had. Another study showed that pet owners had a significantly better survival rate one year after a heart attack. Overall, pet owners have a lower risk of dying from any cardiac disease, including heart failure

It's not just heart attacks that Siberian cats can protect their owners against, but research has also found that a beloved feline in the home lowers the risk of stroke. Researchers aren't sure why, but cat owners have fewer strokes than people who don't own cats. It's partly due to the effects owning a pet can have on a person's circulation. But researchers speculate that cats may have a more calming effect on their owners than other animals do.  Cats can also  become a positive focus of their owner's interest, which diverts them from other stressful worries.