How Presence of a Cat in Our Life Affects Our Mental Health
Apart from being cuddly bundles of joy, cats also share a special bond with humans and impact our lives on many levels. These fluffy companions can significantly improve the overall quality of our lives. Besides having a play buddy who loves to purr, owning a cat has a number of benefits on our mental as well as physical health. Here’s how owning a cat can have a positive influence on our mental state.
They give us a sense of purpose
Owning a pet means catering to their needs and making sure that they are satisfied and happy. Taking care of another living creature gives us a sense of purpose. This can be extremely helpful if we’re troubled with negative thoughts. By directing your attention to another being’s needs, we forget about your troubles and misfortunes and we stop focusing only on ourselves. Being fully dedicated to your pet takes your mind off things and prevents worrying about the past or the future. There’s only the present moment and that’s all that matters. Also, we take great pleasure and comfort in doing something good for another being, and their positive reaction in turn perpetuates the circle of joy and makes us feel better about ourselves and our life.
They help us cope
The loss of loved one causes great pain which is hard to deal with. Cats provide an immense source of love and support. Cats can facilitate the mourning process and help people recover quicker. They are also great listeners to whom we can open your heart and soul without worrying that they will judge us as they can’t respond. This makes it easier for us to talk about our feelings and enables us to get over the pain faster.
They reduce loneliness
Cats can usually sense when we’re feeling blue and at that moment they will refuse to leave us alone. They are great companions who can help in combating loneliness. The presence of a cat makes us feel connected with another being. Having someone to spend time with and who waits for us at home every day provides a sense of comfort and relief. Owning a cat has a number of benefits on our mental and physical health. They take such good care of us and we need to return the favor by taking care of their needs, providing them with all sorts of cat supplies and ensuring them a safe and comfortable home.
They help battle depression
Having a cat can help forget about your problems and keep the negative emotions at bay. The companionship of a cat can help us overcome depression by focusing on something else rather on the hardships we’re going through. Cats are efficient mood-boosters that can lighten up our spirits and get us on the move. The unconditional love they give us has a soothing effect on the mind and it prevents us from feeling down.
They reduce stress and anxiety levels
Petting of a cat has a calming effect on our mind and it removes any kind of tension. It triggers the production of oxytocin, a hormone that lowers the levels of stress and anxiety in our body. Also, the sound of cat purring adds up to the peaceful atmosphere. Cuddling and snuggling with your cat minimizes anxiety and it makes you feel relaxed and stress-free.
They improve our physical health
A mental imbalance also affects our physical condition, therefore owning a cat has a positive influence on physical health. They help us improve our immune systems and lessen the need to go to a doctor. Studies show that cat owners are less likely to develop common allergies than people without cats. Apart from this, the presence of our furry friends minimizes the chances of children getting asthma and other respiratory infections. Having a cat also leads to lower blood pressure and reduced risks of stroke and heart attack.
All images from https://pixabay.com
About the author:
Olivia Williams Jones is psychologist from Brisbane, dedicated to making some changes in the world, starting from her own environment. Together with her husband, she is a proud mum of two silly boxers, Teo and Mia. She is also a passionate writer about pets, parenting and healthy living. Her motto is “Be the change you want to see in the world”.
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Ha, should be posted to every cat hater community. Here, the serious benefits, besides laughter and ‘awwww’.
and every damn landlord who won’t allow you to have a pet.
Point there, indeed!
I absolutely agree! Had I not managed all my human family’s intercontinental moves, they’d be nervous wrecks by now. And of course Zi. Brought their young ones up as well…. Read all about it if you like, in my memoirs: http//bit.ly/AmazonCat
hey just totally make life better.
And they teach us how to leave 🙂 That beauty sleep is necessary and only best food is ok 🙂
Couldn’t agree more with this post! Ever since I got my cats my anxiety has been doing so much better and I just feel so much more positive in general too!
Reblogged this on Rattiesforeverworldpresscom.
Looking at all of the destroyed furniture in my home, I note they also help with building tolerance! LOL! I can’t imagine life without my kitty boys.
And they guide, rule and direct us whenever we’re not quite sure what’s best to do next…
I think any pet can make your life better and turn you into a better human. I have a dog and I can totally relate. ??
My Dylan kept my daughter from going to the ER and requesting a transfer to the mental health facility. Her anxiety was very severe, but we knew it would pass. He also knew, and sat all afternoon on her lap with his paw on her hand. We were all thankful he saved her a trip there.
Although I’m a dog owner… all of this wisdom can be related to having any type of pet. I think I would die a slow, sad death of I couldn’t have pets.
i have anxiety and wish my landlord would allow me to have a cat. i can’t afford to move. 🙁
Exactly! I’ve been missing my mental healthcare provider.
Reblogged this on Hell onWheels/Life One Handed and commented:
Case in point! I’m missing my mental healthcare provider!
This is so true. After my own cat sadly passed away I suffered terrible depression and it’s been so hard to move past it given that I couldn’t get another cat as I had to move house and the new place didn’t allow pets. I know it would have lessened my depression to get another pet but for the last few years I was unable to so I have found it hard to cope. I’m better now but cats and well any pet just makes life more wonderful <3 🙂
Having three middle aged cats (and two old dogs), I totally agree that we are better off having and caring for pets. Like someone else said, however, cats also teach you tolerance, and patience. Like when they yell to go out, and then won’t go once you open the door, because it’s raining. Then five minutes later you go through the whole routine again! 🙂
Yep!
Reblogged this on Espiritu en Fuego/A Fiery Spirit and commented:
Sylvester is my therapy kitty!!
By your post I remarked how much I miss having a cat, since mine died some years ago. But soon I want to have another one. I love cats and have a special bond to them. Thanks for sharing.
Their presence is so healing & they are without a doubt special in so many ways. After losing Spinner I noticed a big difference. Cats are simply amazing!