The Power of Pets – How they keep you healthy

August is National Wellness Month, reminding us that self-care, managing stress, and creating healthy routines is paramount to living a long and healthy life. For pet owners, your pet is probably already helping you with all of those! Most owners know what a joy it is to have a pet in their life, but many don’t know that their pet is attuned to their emotional and mental state and can help improve it just by being present.

Did you know that your pet can help you live your best life, improving your mental, emotional, and physical health?

Physical Health Benefits

The animal-human bond has been studied in depth over the past few decades and researchers have found conclusively that pets improve our physical health:

  • Pet owners tend to have a lower blood pressure, both in general and in stressful situations than people without pets. Pets can often help control spikes in blood pressure due to stress more effectively than ACE inhibiting drugs. One study found that when people with borderline hypertension adopted a dog, their blood pressure decreased significantly within five months.
  • Pet owners have a decreased risk of coronary disease with lower triglyceride and cholesterol levels (indicators of heart disease) than those without pets.
  • Pet owners have a higher survival rate after a heart attack than people without pets.
  • Pet owners who exercise with their pet regularly have a reduced risk of obesity and are able to lose weight and keep it off more consistently.
  • Pet owners over the age of 65 make 30% fewer visits to their doctors than those without pets, according to another recent study.

Cats have an extra health superpower – their purr! Cats purr within a range of 20-140 Hz, which studies have shown to be medically therapeutic for us humans. A cat’s purr can not only lower stress it can also help labored breathing, lower blood pressure, help heal infections, and even heal bones. So the next time you think you feel better with your furry space heater purring on your lap, you know it’s not just in your head!

Mental and Emotional Health Benefits

Pets fulfill that basic human need for touch and a sense of togetherness. Studies have shown that spending time with your pets, talking to them, and petting them can help reduce stress and stave off loneliness. This is in part a result of your body’s release of Oxytocin, a “feel good” hormone, when you spend time with your pets. Interacting with your pets has also been shown to decrease your body’s levels of Cortisol, a stress-related hormone as well as elevate levels of serotonin and dopamine, which help you to relax.

Your furry friend may also be able to help break anxiety cycles by encouraging you to focus on their needs or entertainment rather than whatever is producing your anxiety. Your pet is your responsibility and caring for their needs can establish structure and routine in your day that not only keeps your pet calm and balanced, but can also help you in the same way.

Therapy pets often serve as a source of comfort to patients in hospitals or nursing homes and victims of trauma. Their warm presence, undivided attention, and innate compassion provide support for many people going through a wide range of physical, mental, or emotional problems. A recent survey found that 84% of post-traumatic stress disorder patients who were paired with a service dog reported a significant reduction in symptoms, and 40% of them were able to decrease their medications.

Our pets can us humans maintain healthy habits, stay connected, and find a meaning or purpose in our lives.

So give your pet a few extra minutes of cuddle time today to say thank you while improving your health!

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Cat Vaccinations 101

August is Immunization Awareness Month! Most, but not all pet owners believe that vaccinating your pet is essential to their health. Some pet owners consider vaccination unnecessary. Others agree that the core shots are crucial but ignore the need for boosters. The following information can help you make sound decisions about vaccinating your cat and which vaccines your vet considers essential. 

tabby cat with green eyes staring at camera while lounging on back of red sofa

Photo by Caleb Woods on Unsplash

Why you should vaccinate 

  1. Vaccination is one way to show that you love your cat and want the best for her. Failing to vaccinate puts her at risk of contracting dangerous infectious diseases. They could threaten her life and even potentially harm you. 
  2. Vets recommend it. There are many rumors about pet vaccines. Your rule of thumb should be: if it is not from a qualified expert, dump it. Animal health experts from the American Association of Feline Practitioners and the American Animal Hospital Association affirm that vaccinations are necessary for your pet.
  3. Vaccinating your pet is the law. Although the details of animal laws may differ from state to state, all states have statutes compelling pet owners to vaccinate their pets. Failure to vaccinate your cat could land you in trouble with the authorities.

When should you vaccinate your cat?

Newborn kittens depend on their mother for nourishment, warmth, security, and good health. Mummy cat’s milk contains colostrum – a complex compound that builds immunity in the kitten’s body. However, each kitten responds differently to the colostrum. Some quickly develop a robust immune system, while others remain weak and vulnerable to diseases for weeks. 

 

To reduce the uncertainty, the American Association of Feline Practitioners recommends that kittens start getting vaccinations when they are 6 to 8 weeks old. The shots should continue until they are about 16 weeks old. Cats older than 16 weeks should receive booster shots as recommended by the vet. 

5 orange kittens sitting together in fuzzy cat bed

Photo by Kym Ellis on Unsplash

What vaccines should your cat receive?

According to guidelines provided by the American Association of Feline Practitioners, there are two categories of cat vaccines:

  • Core vaccines
  • Non-core vaccines

 

Core vaccines are mandatory and often a legal requirement. Non-core vaccines, on the other hand, are not a necessity. They are administered depending on the circumstances of the cat. These may include:

  • Age – The vet could recommend certain non-core shots to help a kitten build immunity while young. 
  • Geographic location – Some diseases are more prevalent in specific locations. For example, Lyme disease is common in heavily wooded areas. 
  • Lifestyle – A cat that often interacts with the outside world, other pets, and different environments has a higher risk of contracting infectious diseases. It may require several non-core shots and boosters. However, an indoor cat that lies in bed all day has little or no exposure. It is at a lower risk and may require fewer shots. 

 

Core vaccinations

Rabies shot: This protects against rabies, a dangerous infectious disease that affects both animals and humans. According to the CDC, cases of rabies in cats have been on a downward trend. However, different state laws require rabies shots for all cats. The vaccine is given as a single shot when the kitten is between 8 and 12 weeks old. The cat will take a booster shot one year later. 

 

FPV Shot – Protects against feline panleukopenia or feline parvovirus. It is a highly infectious disease that often affects kittens. It attacks the immune system and is often fatal. The kitten gets the initial vaccine as early as six weeks and subsequent shots every 3-4 weeks until the kitten is 16 weeks old. 

 

FHV1 Shot – Protects against feline herpesvirus and feline rhinotracheitis virus disease. The virus causes severe upper respiratory infection, oral ulceration, and pneumonia. Like the FPV shot, the kitten gets the FHV1 shot as early as six weeks old. Subsequent jabs come every 3-4 weeks until the kitten is 16 weeks old. 

 

FCV Shot – This is a combined shot that protects against several viruses that cause upper respiratory infections. The FCV shot is also given as early as six weeks. Boosters come every 3-4 weeks until the kitten is 16 weeks old. 

 

Non-core vaccinations

Your vet will advise which of these non-core vaccinations are suitable for your kitty:

  • Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) vaccine – Given when the kitty is 8-12 weeks old 
  • Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) – Given when the cat is eight weeks old
  • Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) – Given when the cat is 16 weeks of age
  • Chlamydophila felis – Given when the kitten is nine weeks old 
  • Bordetella bronchiseptica – Given when the cat is eight weeks old 

A final word on cat vaccinations

The benefits of vaccinating far outweigh the negatives. Talk to your veterinarian if you have any concerns about specific vaccines. A disease-free cat is healthier and happier.

 

Guest Author-

Emila is a freelance journalist and blogger with a love for those with four legs! She has grown up around animals and pets and wants to use her knowledge on pet behavior, training and lifestyle tips to help other pet parents live the best possible life with their furry friend. 

 

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