A new study shows cat owners are less likely to die from heart disease.

The findings come from a National Health and Nutrition Examination Study that looked at 4,500 men and women over 20 years.

"We are finding that individuals with cats, the incidence of hospitalization is much less, the blood pressure is under better control,” said Dr. Mahmoud Ahmed, with Eau Claire’s Marshfield Clinic.

Dr. Ahmed says cats have a calming nature about them, which often leaves their owners with less stress.

"We are asked to give, give, give and sometimes we find those pets, they give us more than we give them."

A new 20 year study shows people who never had a cat were 40% more likely to die of a heart attack. They were also 30% more likely to die from cardiovascular disease, like stroke and heart failure.

Dodie Manor, at the Oakwood Hills Animal Hospital in Eau Claire, says she’s not surprised.

"I think a lot of it has to do with the fact that they like to snuggle,” Manor said. “Their warm bodies and especially their purring."

"Cats are there, they are waiting for us,” Dr. Ahmed said. “And they bring some comfort and more or less a pseudo-friendship with cats."

Researchers say the results held true, even after they factored in other heart disease risk factors, like gender, blood pressure and smoking.