According to the latest research, watching cats is beneficial for health.

It seems that due to the insufficient entertainment programs, cat videos on the internet have a special charm that attracts a large audience, and these videos also help alleviate negative emotions.

The study was conducted by Jessica Gall Myrick of Indiana University, with a sample size of nearly 7,000 people. Myrick wrote in the research report, "Some may think that studying cat videos on the internet is not a serious academic subject, but in fact, it is the most popular thing on the internet right now. If we want to better understand the potential impact of the internet on us personally and socially, we cannot ignore cats on the internet."

Last year, YouTube uploaded more than 20,000 cat-themed videos, with views reaching 26 million. This data may seem impressive at first glance, but it's not surprising. Just a 55-second video of a cat being petted has garnered 18 million views since it was uploaded in 2012. Cat videos have the highest number of views in all video categories on YouTube.

In addition, the study also sought to determine whether watching cat videos has a positive impact similar to pet therapy (one of the treatments for depression and anxiety patients).

Among the volunteers surveyed, about 36% identified themselves as "cat lovers," and 60% liked both cats and dogs. Myrick's survey research shows that watching cat videos makes them feel more optimistic, and negative emotions such as sadness and anxiety are also alleviated. The guilt of procrastinating due to watching cat videos is offset by this pleasant mood.

Keeping pets, particularly cats and dogs, has become increasingly popular, with numerous claims about their positive effects on physical and mental health, many backed by scientific research. However, the claim that pet ownership can reduce the risk of heart disease remains controversial and inconclusive.

Despite the uncertainty, many people are eager to embrace such positive news and may even adopt pets based on these potential health benefits.

Mental health experts remind us that claims such as pets enhancing children's intelligence levels and treating mental disorders lack scientific evidence, so don't expect too much from keeping a pet, just enjoy the relief it brings.

Can keeping cats and dogs reduce the risk of death from heart disease?

A study in the United States found that the risk of death within one year for patients who had had a heart attack was 5%, but for people who kept pet dogs, this risk was reduced to 1%, while those who kept pet cats did not have a reduced risk. A survey in Australia found that people who kept cats and dogs visited the doctor less often and had fewer problems with heart disease and insomnia.

Dr. Alex Kober, a neuroscientist at the University of California, Los Angeles, said that having a good mood and social support can increase the survival rate of heart disease patients, which may be related to the action of oxytocin, a neurotransmitter, and hormone that can reduce anxiety and tension. It has various positive effects, such as physiologically reducing blood pressure and heart rate.

Research shows that behaviors such as hugging, kissing, and shaking hands can cause the body to secrete oxytocin. A study in Japan found that owners who have a close relationship with their pet dogs have increased oxytocin secretion when playing with their dogs. Research in South Africa also shows that petting dogs can increase the secretion of oxytocin, dopamine, endorphins, and other hormones.

Can keeping cats and dogs make children smarter readers?

Dr. Gregg Markway, an American psychologist, believes that dogs can improve children's reading skills. Children who are not good at reading need companionship, and pet dogs are a good choice. A study at the University of California, Davis found that with the accompaniment of trained dogs, children's reading fluency increased by 12% to 30%. Parents found that these children read more and enjoyed reading to their dogs at home.

However, the role of cats and dogs in children's intellectual development lacks research support.

Conclusion:

Although research on the health and intellectual development benefits of keeping cats and dogs is ongoing, we cannot deny the positive impact of pets on our lives. From companionship and anxiety relief to improving reading skills, they play an important role in our daily lives.

Whether it's walking with a dog or watching videos with a cat, the time spent with pets brings us joy and satisfaction. Perhaps they are not everything in life, but they do add color and happiness to our lives. In busy daily life, spending time with pets is also a precious relaxation and enjoyment.