Note to my catty friends

[debgeisler]

Pet owners live healthier lives, notes a study by a psychologist in Belfast.

But before my friends feel too smug, it's dog owners who get the "lion's share" of those benefits:

However, her research suggested that dog ownership produced more positive influence than cat ownership.

As well as lower blood pressure and cholesterol, she said dog-owners suffered fewer minor ailments and serious medical problems.

There was also the suggestion that dogs could aid recovery from serious illnesses such as heart attacks, and act as 'early warning' to detect an approaching epileptic seizure.

It should be noted that cat owners don't take their pets out for as many "walkies," but any pet ownership (taken in moderation) has the potential to help people feel needed and less alone.