Dr Jack presents articles on the world of veterinary medicine, pets care and animal issues. If you have ideas for topics you'd like to see covered, please write Dr Jack. Healthy People in America love pets. You'll be happy to learn that it's as good for us as it is for them.
Some causes are obvious and others surprising.
Before we explore this, I suggest you go pet your cat. Early, much quoted scientific studies took note of the relationship between certain human activities, blood pressure and brain wave measurements. Basically, it was found that the simple act of petting a cat actually lowered a human's blood pressure. Dogs are also effective. It's the petting, not the pet.