Cat ownership and the Risk of Fatal Cardiovascular Diseases. Results from the Second National Health and Nutrition Examination Study Mortality Follow-up Study.

Qureshi AI, Memon MZ, Vazquez G, Suri MF

Journal of vascular and interventional neurology · January 1, 2009

Background: The presence of pets has been associated with reduction of stress and blood pressure and therefore may reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Results: Previous or present use of cats as domestic pets was reported by 2435 (55%) of the 4435 participants. A significantly lower relative risk for death due to MI was observed in participants with past cat ownership (RR, 0.63; 95% CI, 0.44 to 0.88) compared with those without cats as pet at any time. Conclusions: A decreased risk for death due to MI and all cardiovascular diseases was observed among persons with cats.

PMID: 22518240