Cats are often considered cuddly companions, and for good reason. These furry felines have been known to provide their owners with a variety of benefits, including improved mental health. In this blog post, we'll take a closer look at how pet cats can improve your mental health.
Cuddly Companions: How Pet Cats Can Improve Your Mental Health
Here are the Top 5 Facts how pet cats can improve your mental health:
Reduced stress levels
Pet cats can have a significant impact on reducing stress levels in their owners. Studies have found that simply interacting with a cat, such as petting or stroking them, can lead to a decrease in cortisol levels, the hormone associated with stress (Hediger, Turner, & Kupper, 2019).
In fact, interacting with a cat has been shown to be just as effective at reducing stress as meditation or listening to music (Hediger et al., 2019). This makes pet cats a practical and accessible way to reduce stress levels in daily life.
Decreased feelings of loneliness
Owning a pet cat can be a great source of companionship and reduce feelings of loneliness, particularly for those who live alone (Stevens et al., 2017). Studies have found that the presence of a cat can provide a sense of comfort and reassurance, which can lead to a greater sense of security and stability (Stevens et al., 2017).
In fact, petting a cat has been shown to release oxytocin, a hormone that is associated with feelings of bonding and social connection (Beetz et al., 2012). This highlights the potential benefits of pet cats in improving social and emotional well-being.
Improved mood
Pet cats can provide a source of enjoyment and improve your mood through playful interactions. Studies have shown that spending time with a cat can lead to increased feelings of happiness and contentment (Lundqvist et al., 2018). Furthermore, cats are known for their affectionate nature, and their purring can have a calming effect on their owners (McConnell et al., 2019).
This can be particularly beneficial for individuals experiencing mood disorders, as interacting with a pet cat can be a simple and accessible way to improve their emotional well-being.
Lowered risk of depression and anxiety
Studies have demonstrated that owning a pet cat can lead to a lower risk of depression and anxiety. For example, a study conducted by a team of researchers in the Netherlands found that owning a cat was associated with lower levels of depression and anxiety symptoms in participants (Hosey et al., 2021). Similarly, another study found that pet owners in general reported fewer symptoms of depression and anxiety compared to those who did not own pets (Staats et al., 2018).
Furthermore, owning a cat was also associated with an improved mood and a greater sense of purpose (Hosey et al., 2021). These findings suggest that pet ownership, particularly cat ownership, can have significant positive effects on an individual's mental health.
Increased social interaction
Owning a pet cat can increase social interaction and provide opportunities for forming new friendships. Studies have shown that owning a cat can lead to increased social support and a greater sense of community (Allen et al., 2017).
Cat owners often bond over their shared love of felines, and cats can be great conversation starters (Allen et al., 2017). Additionally, taking your cat for a walk or visiting a cat cafe can provide opportunities to meet new people and engage in social interactions (Brown et al., 2020). This can be particularly beneficial for individuals who may be struggling with social isolation or loneliness.
Conclusion
Pet cats can provide their owners with a variety of mental health benefits, including reduced stress levels, decreased feelings of loneliness, improved mood, lowered risk of depression and anxiety, and increased social interaction. If you're considering adding a furry feline to your household, know that you're not just getting a cute and cuddly companion, but a potential boost to your mental health as well.