by aminahbee_ for everyone |
Research found unless children already showed symptoms and a family history of allergies such as asthma, eczema or hayfever, they were likely to develop a stronger immune system if they had a feline friend.
Pediatrician Catarina Almqvist has conducted a study of 516 children born in Sydney hospitals from 1997 to 2000.
Tests showed last year 29.3 per cent of the children whose families had acquired cats in the past five years, had atopy, or a positive skin prick test for allergy. This is compared to 47.2 per cent who had atopy but lived in a feline-free household.
"Children who are exposed to pets or children who grow up on a farm have a reduced risk of atopy," Dr Almqvsit said. Australian Veterinary Association state spokeswoman Dr Jenny Weston was not surprised by the study.
"There are widespread benefits of pet ownership," Dr Weston said yesterday.
"Exposure to lots of things when you're young is likely to reduce the allergies."
Cats in the home keep children healthy, so please don't abandon your cat. (captioned by Aminah)
