A study with 11,000 participants pretty much proved what we already knew: the crazy cat lady stereotype is a real thing. Elderly cat-owners were significantly more likely to develop dementia than elderly dog owners.
But, before we start dunking on cats, it’s good to note that people without any pets had about the same chance of developing dementia as cat owners.
The fact that people with dogs did better than those with cats or those without pets shows there’s something about a dog that keeps elderly folks wits about them.
Other studies have shown that socializing and physical exercise keep dementia at bay, and both of those activities are things dog owners have to do to care for their pets.
They take their dogs on walks, to dog parks, and talk to other dog owners while they’re out.
In the present study, regardless of experience with dog ownership, exercise habit and no social isolation had lower OR of incident [of] disabling dementia, which [is] consistent with the above previous studies. We propose that these factors (physical activity, including having an exercise habit, and social participation) underlie the beneficial relationship between dog ownership and incident [of] dementia. Meanwhile, dog owners without daily lifestyle habits related to dog care, such as no exercise habit and social isolation, did not experience positive effects related to dementia prevention.
I’ve seen some cat owners attempt to recreate these dog-like activities with their pets. Just this week, I saw a man taking his cat for a walk in some weird harness/leash contraption.