If you say cats are spawns of the devil, don’t have feelings, and serve no purpose on this planet, then you’re obviously lying and completely wrong! Here’s why:
Yes, cats and kittens are mostly adored for existing and being furry cuties…
What many don’t know is that they can also help us become better people! Owning a cat can provide many health, mental and social, benefits, and this is a scientifically proven fact. They specifically help a lot with anxiety and depression.
Dogs aren’t the only ones who can be “therapy pets”. Cats can too! Any cat can be a therapy cat if they’re raised correctly and develop a calm and loving behavior. Cat’s presence, cuteness, and fluffiness alone can help reduce anxiety levels.
You may be asking yourself: how exactly can cats help with your anxiety?
Well, sometimes, the best way for humans to reduce stress is to get distracted and ignore thoughts about what is causing the stress. Some people like to read or take a walk, others like to listen to music and take a nap. Cats can, basically, give you the same effect these other activities do.
Having a pet (in this case a cat) to care for and pet can help take your mind off of what’s causing you stress. So when having a stressful moment, petting a cat can help reduce it. Snuggling your pet cat also helps to feel comfort and company in that anxiety-filled moment. There’s no denying that a cat’s love can be very soothing. They offer emotional support and boost your serotonin and dopamine levels. For those of you who aren’t biology or chemistry majors, these two chemicals are associated with mood swings and mood disorders, so having these at a high level can improve our bad or stressed mood.
Cats also have a special something that can also help with relaxation. Their purr! If you can get your cat to purr, you’ve unlocked a special and instant way to relieve stress. Purring is a reaction that cats have that makes them produce slow and deep vibrations. Scientists proved that the frequency of these vibrations is very similar to something called “meditation waves”. So, these purring vibrations can also help with anxiety. Not only that but for us girls, we have an extra benefit. If you lay a purring kitty near your abdomen while having period cramps, I guarantee you will feel relief. I’ve done this before with my cat, Max, and it does wonder. You’ll thank me later!
Just when you think the benefits of owning a cat are over, there are much more!
Having cats around can also help:
- with autism
- reduce risks of heart attacks
- prevent asthma and allergies in children
- reduce loneliness
- reduce a risk of strokes
- and overall live a longer life!
So if you wanted a reason to get a cat, other than them being adorable and great pets, these should be enough.
There are many kittens and adult cats up for adoption, looking for forever homes. You never know if owning one can help you unless you try. So if you have the chance, don’t hesitate in adopting a kitty. They can pretty much change your life, in a good way. I know mine has.
Image Credit: Petsitlongisland, Pbh2, Catster & Media.tenor