A new study shows that cat owners are less likely to die of a heart attack and other cardiovascular diseases than people who have never had a pet cat.

The
findings emerged from an analysis of data on nearly 4,500 men and
women, ages 30 to 75, who participated in the National Health and
Nutrition Examination Study. All were free of cardiovascular disease
when they entered the study in the 1970s.

Over half, 55%, reported having a pet cat at some point in their lives.

Compared with cat owners, people who never had a pet cat were 40% more
likely to die of a heart attack over the 20-year study period. They
were also 30% more likely to die of any cardiovascular disease,
including stroke, and chronic heart disease.