The Power of Cats in Improving Human Health

Written By: Princess See
UTROS in Philippines Inc.

Say hello and thank you to the furry friends, cats. Commonly noticeable attributes of cats include the meows, fuzzy faces, whiskers, and head nudges. But other than those, cats actually bring several benefits to human health. Cat-lovers can not only attest to it but also studies have proved the effects of cats in improving human health. Researches have started to scientifically explore the benefits of the human-animal bond. Let’s learn more about cats to appreciate these dear feline species.

Here are some reasons why cats are amazing and how they have a significant impact and contribution to human life:

Cats provide companionship – 

Having cats creates a feeling of companionship and the friendship established between you and the cat positively affects mental health. The simple and pure way of an animal reacting to you, relying on you and loving you can result in positive mental health. Just by knowing that your cat is waiting at home can make you feel wanted and needed. This gives purpose to your life and the push away loneliness. The relationship built with a pet is one that offers predictability, encouragement, and positivism.
According to U.K. researcher Ferran Marsa-Sambola and his colleagues, “A pet can be accepting, openly affectionate, consistent, loyal, and honest, characteristics that can fulfill a person’s basic need to feel a sense of self-worth and loved.” A great friend anyone could wish for! Thus, we can say that cats are also man’s best friend, right?

Cats boost your energy – 

With a cat’s playfulness, you can strengthen your immune system and increase your vitality. Cats can make you laugh, become lively, and move around as exercise. Cats can make you healthy not only mentally but also physically. So, bring out the spirit! Go and have fun playing and interacting with your cats!

Cats relieve stress – 

Cats just by being themselves and spending some time with them can cause your body to produce stress-reducing hormones. Touch and movement are healthy ways to quickly manage stress. Stroking or petting a cat can lower heart rate and blood pressure which helps you feel calmer and less stressed. Also, cats can offer comfort to help ease anxiety. Now, make sure to shower your cat with a touch of love! Give those warm hugs and kisses!

Cats are therapeutic – 

Cats make effective therapy animals because of their ability to calm people, decrease stress levels, and offer companionship. Cats are valuable from a mental and physical health perspective.

Studies have found the following therapeutic effects of cats:

• People with pets are less probable to suffer from depression.
• Pet owners have lower blood pressure.
• People who play with their pets have elevated levels of serotonin and dopamine which make them calm and relax.
• Pet owners often experience health benefits because pets can help reduce muscle tension and lower pulse rate.
• A cat’s purr can help labored breathing, heal infections, and even heal bones. Moreover, it can lower stress and lower blood pressure. (A cat purrs within a range of 20-140 Hz which is known to be medically therapeutic for illnesses in humans.)

Incredibly, even Internet cats can make us smile. According to surveys, people who watch cat videos or see cat pictures online claim that they feel more positive emotions like hope, happiness, and contentment. Negative feelings like anxiety, annoyance, and sadness become less.

Cats are known to be aloof and headstrong but they are also loving and affectionate animals Every cat has unique personalities but one thing for sure, cats help our mental health just by being themselves. Cats bring delight and joy to our life. Research studies support the claim that cats make our lives happier and healthier.

As cats having such benefits to our lives, we should also be responsible and grateful by showing love and care to cats. Please take note that owning a pet is beneficial only for those who truly love and appreciate animals. You must have the time and money to keep a pet happy and healthy. If you do not have the time, money, and energy to own a pet, there are other ways you can experience being around the animals. There are animal shelters or rescue groups you can visit. They hold activities in which you can volunteer to help care for homeless pets or assist at adoption events. Moreover, several organizations offer specially trained therapy dogs and cats. Even short periods of time spent with the animals will surely give you the health benefits.

Cats and even pets in general, like dogs, hamsters, etc. may contribute to the betterment of one’s quality of life. Let us show concern to the animals by protecting them. We should give importance to animal welfare. Several organizations that cater to animal rights and security which people should support. Let us make a better world for the animals as we all live together on one planet.

Reference:

Newman, K. (2018). The Science-Backed Benefits of Being a Cat Lover. Retrieved from https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/the_science_backed_benefits_of_being_a_cat_lover
Ranard, C. (2020). How Cats Help Improve Mental Health. The Catnip Times. Retrieved from https://www.thecatniptimes.com/learn/cats-help-improve-mental-health/
Robinson, L. and Segal, J. (2019). The Mood-Boosting Power of Pets. Retrieved from http://www.helpguide.org/articles/mental-health/the-mood-boosting-power-of-pets.htm?pdf=13512