Are our Furry Feline Friends Beneficial for Our Health and Wellbeing

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Are Cats Good for Our Wellbeing

International 'Cat Day' takes place annually on the 8th of August. It is a day to unite all cat lovers across the globe, sharing a passion and celebrating this fascinating creature. Cats are just great company. They are humorous, playful, fearless, intelligent, inquisitive and sometimes (when they choose to be).....very sociable and loving. Wherever you are living, however old you are, whatever you are doing in your life, a cat is the perfect pet. They are very independent and resourceful.

Owning a cat can be very gratifying. You will not only enjoy their company but also the soothing and relaxing impact a cat will bring to your well-being. 

Unlike dogs, cats do not need a daily walk. They like to roam on their own and seem to enjoy their own form of exercise. There is no need to set aside time to train a cat or even find play-time. A cat can entertain itself day and night. All you have to do is feed your cat and give it plenty of love and kindness.  



The Health Benefits of Owning a Cat

Most cats love to curl up and cuddle their owners on an evening whilst they are watching the TV or working on their computer. This brings a feeling of calm allowing you to release any tension or stress you are holding and ease you into a relaxing evening. Cats are affectionate with their owners and anyone that they feel they can trust.

Cats can lift our mood just by watching their acrobatic stunt manoeuvres or their yoga-like stretching poses. Cats can make our negative thoughts drift away. Even if you are not a cat owner, just watch any cat instagram reel or youtube video and see how positive and content you feel afterwards. There are many health benefits to owning a cat, they are more than just a pet:

Stress

Petting a cat has a very calming effect. This helps to lower any stress levels and reduces the symptoms of anxiety. Studies have shown that this action of comfort can lower cortisol levels (a stress hormone). Cortisol plays an important role in our stress response. Maintaining an adequate balance of cortisol is essential for our health. Too much cortisol can cause high blood pressure and type II diabetes. 

Reduce Anxiety and Depression symptoms

A cat is a wonderful and loyal companion. Owning a cat will reduce the feelings of loneliness especially if you live alone. A cat is calming and soothing and has the ability to sense when an owner needs comfort and support. This reduces the symptoms of anxiety, stress and depression. Cats are good listeners and often observe their owners behaviour. You may find your feline buddy snuggling up close to you on the sofa in your time of sadness or worry, offering their version of love and support.

Therapy from a Cat's Purr

A cat's purr has healing properties. The rhythmic sounds and vibrations of a cat's purr is a form of sound therapy. Purring releases endorphins 'happy hormones' which pass on to us humans. The feeling of happiness and peace is released within our system causing us to feel a sense of calm and joy. Endorphins lower our stress levels and blood pressure. This will improve our well-being both mentally and physically.

Improve Sleep Quality

The term 'Catnaps' actually has a meaning. Cats like to take several naps during the day. This keeps them alert, agile and energised. Allowing your cat to sleep on your bed or in the same room as you will result in a better nights sleep. Cat owners seem to have a better quality of sleep than non-cat owners and appear to wake fewer times during the night aiding a proper restful nights sleep. Cats are light sleepers due to their 'catnaps' and have been known to wake their owners when they smell smoke or for any reason they feel their owners maybe at risk.

Unexpected Benefits of being a Cat Owner

It's easy to see the benefits of owning a cat. They are loving creatures in their own way and offer comfort and support when you feel alone or sad. But there are also a few unexpected benefits too.

Cats keep rodents, reptiles and insects away

We've all watched Tom and Jerry, although a cartoon, this is a fact. Cats love the chase. They may not kill the mouse or necessarily chase it out of the house. They are still hunters at heart and the thrill to kill is there. Domestic cats tend to chase and play but the 'smell' of a cat living in your home can be enough to keep rodents and reptiles at bay.

Cats are ESA's - Emotional Support Animals

Cats are natural ESA's and do not need any special training for this role. We already know the joys of cuddling a soft, warm and purring cat and the amusement of watching this playful creature. This improves the wellbeing of those suffering from trauma, chronic health issues, patients recovering from surgery and the elderly to cope with isolation and neglect. Emotional support cats are now assisting the difficult to heal 'combat' produced PTSD.

Cats decrease your risk of Strokes and Heart Disease

Cats improve cardiovascular health reducing the risk of heart disease and strokes. According to scientific research cat owners have a lower risk of death caused by heart health issues than those who do not own a cat.

Cats are trainable

Although cats are not as obedient as dogs, they are still trainable as long as positive encouraging techniques are used. You can train a cat to do a few playful tricks, to use its litter box and teach some new behaviours. Plenty of loving stimulation and treats will motivate your cat to learn.

Cats are not 'Loners'

Although cats are very independent, they still love to socialise with their owners, people they trust and other cats. To keep a cat indoors or alone for long periods of time will cause depression and unhappiness in your cat. This can lead to behavioural problems and aggression. Cats still need daily love and care such as feeding, grooming, cuddling and playtime. Cats are not needy but as with humans, cats cannot lead a healthy life if they are neglected or isolated.


Cats are truly amazing creatures bringing joy and happiness into our lives. Although they are independent and happy to roam alone, they still offer love and support. A cat enhances our wellbeing both physically and mentally, are low maintenance, loyal and love their owners.


This article is dedicated to 
'Axl' a Cyprus cat owned 
by my good friend and 
cat owner 
Julie 


©HealthyForeverFitnessMotivation

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