For thousands of years people have been looking for the 'Fountain of Youth'. People will stop at nothing to find a way to live longer. Money is no option if a 'break-through' is found that can make us look younger and feel better. The health food and vitamin industry is an every growing billion dollar industry. Fueled by mans need to live longer and feel better people endlessly search for an ever elusive answer. But is the answer really elusive? NO! Studies continually show that owning a pet can extend a person's life and make them happier. This is especially true for older persons who need it the most.

While pets are good for any age, the aging population is particularly affected by pet ownership. When social networks begin to slow down, having a cat jump on your lap and ask for attention causes the owner to feel needed. The responsibility of caring for a pet also provides purpose. Once children have grown and moved away, it can keep the onset of depression at bay.

What can a cat or dog do for you? Well they can scratch your furniture, poop in your yard, cause spills and thrills throughout your house. Well, they're not perfect either. Even in the face of these little mishaps, improvements in areas such as heart disease caused by higher blood pressure and elevated cholesterol levels are consistently experienced. It's not completely understood but cat owner seem to benefit a little more from these life extending benefits than their dog owner counterparts. It's easy to see why a pet can have such effects on us. Instead of a sedentary and isolated existence that many might adopt later in life, a pet adds spice and activity to daily life. The care and requirements of a pet companion keeps one their toes, active and happy as they care for the needs of their friend. Additional actives such as dog walking and getting out of the house with the pets are a big help for many.

The lifespan of the pet should be considered, since it is not unusual for them to live over fifteen years. Finding the right pet for you can depend on your tolerance and patience and there can be additional costs involved for their upkeep. Food, litter, and vet bills can add up quickly, but you have to consider the health benefits you may receive, which can often far offset the costs of rescuing a poor kitten or puppy from a shelter, however.

Pets take time, in order to care for them properly. It is not fair to you or the animal to take on additional responsibilities that you don't have time for. Cats offer an advantage over a dog because they are generally lower maintenance, since it is easier to leave them by themselves overnight and you don't have to walk them or let them out. A clean litter box and full bowl of food is usually all they need for overnight absences but you might want to reconsider if you go away for long trips.

Sometimes, it is more than health reasons that makes you want to take a pet in, it might be what they bring as your constant companion. The joy that an animal can bring comes from knowing you are loved. If you visit a shelter and find an animal that steals your heart, you can save the animal from death and maybe save your own life in the process. Saving two lives at once is something most pet owners don't think of initially, but sometimes that is what happens, when they decide to get a pet.

David is the owner and designer of several pet sites. See his cat care site for more information on Cat Health for your cat.

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	The Whole Pet Diet: Eight Weeks to Great Health for Dogs and Cats List Price: $16.95 Sale Price: $3.62 Used From: $3.45
Despite their promise of a complete and balanced meal, most commercial pet foods are chock-full of dangerous by-products, indigestible fillers, and chemical preservatives. It’s no wonder that owners spends thousands of dollars every year treating their pets’ digestive disorders, tumors, joint and back problems, skin irritations, allergies, and heart, liver, and kidney disease...

	FURminator Waterless deShedding Shampoo and Conditioner for Dogs and Cats, 8 Ounces List Price: $12.95 Sale Price: $9.45
Furminator - Waterless deShedding Shampoo and Conditioner for Dogs and Cats.

Written by Dave Merril using tags: Cats, Dogs, family, Pets