Owning a cat or dog could help preserve certain brain functions as people age, according to a study published in the journal Scientific Reports. Researchers found that dog owners retained sharper memory, while cat owners showed slower decline in verbal fluency. However, owning fish or birds showed no significant link to slower cognitive decline.
The study, led by Adriana Rostekova of the University of Geneva, analysed data from eight waves of the Survey of Health and Retirement in Europe over an 18-year period among adults aged 50 and older. The findings suggest that the cognitive benefits of pet ownership are driven primarily by cats and dogs rather than pets in general.
Rostekova hypothesised that the short lifespan of fish or birds may limit emotional connection, and bird ownership could negatively affect sleep quality due to noise. She added that interaction with dogs and cats provides unique cognitive stimulation, which may be less pronounced in less demanding pets.
Other research has shown increased prefrontal brain activation and stronger attentional processes when interacting with dogs, and increased activation of the prefrontal cortex when interacting with cats, possibly linked to their unpredictable temperament. Social stimulation facilitated by cats and dogs may also contribute to slower cognitive decline.
Andrew Scott, author of The Longevity Imperative and a cat owner, commented: “We tend to think of health as being about disease and hospitals, but as we live longer we need to focus on preventive measures. Having a pet can be fun and if it keeps you healthy that’s a great bonus.”
