The cat is a Belgian’s best friend

6 April 2005

BRUSSELS – Belgians are cat lovers, according to figures released on Wednesday.

Ethologia – a study centre in Belgium which researches the effects of pets on humans – said there are 1,675,000 cats in the country, compared to 1,064,000 dogs.

The association said Belgians liked cats because they are soft, affectionate and clean.

They are also easier than dogs to look after, added La Derniere Heure in its report on the studies.

Ethologia’s research has also found pets have a positive effect on humans’ physical and mental health.

Stroking animals relaxes people and reduces blood pressure.

At St Franciscustehuis, a home for the elderly in Brakel, a cat has been introduced into the ward of residents with senile dementia.
The families of these residents say the cat Molly has helped them to communicate with their relatives.

Ethologia says cats are also being successfully used in hospitals and prisons to help inmates look after and relate to another living being.

Subject: Belgian news