How Empathy & Mental Health is Improved by Our Cats
Cats have been our beloved feline companions for thousands of years, stretching all the way back to Ancient Egypt! The heartwarming bond of cats and humans has stood the test of time, with pet parents all over the world caring for their furry friends.ย
But while we care for our kitties, they equally support us in many ways that we may not realize. Itโs been proven that a cat in the family can improve our mental health, helping to reduce stress, cope with loneliness and manage emotions. In this blog, weโll explore more on how cats improve our mental health.ย
Reduce Stress and Anxietyย
One of the many reasons why cats are good for our mental health is that they can boost our emotional well-being. Interacting with cats can help lower cortisol levels and trigger the release of endorphins. Multiple studies show how spending time with cats can activate humansโ prefrontal cortex, which leads to improved moods and the reduction of stress and anxiety.ย ย
The results of a poll conducted by the American Psychiatric Association about the benefits of cats found that 86% of cat parents agreed that their pets have had a mostly positive impact on their mental health1. This shows that our four-legged friends care for us just as much as we do for them!
Support Emotional Regulation
Cats not only help humans regulate their stress, but they also have a positive effect on many other emotions. Pets are known for helping their humans manage feelings by providing emotional regulation, comfort and distraction. A catโs unique personality is also sure to bring plenty of moments of fun and laughter!
A benefit of having pets generally is that they provide a sense of security and companionship. This is especially helpful for those who live alone and feel isolated or lonely because of this. Having a furry friend around the house provides you with a companion to talk to, play with and pet after a long, hard day. That is, of course, if your cat likes to be cuddled! Otherwise, they may not interact with you so closely but instead prefer to support you from their cozy, elevated safe spot.ย
Promotes Responsibility and Routine
Another of the mental health benefits of pets is that it gives humans a sense of responsibility and routine. Following a catโs daily routine can also bring structure to a humanโs day, acting as a motivator for their own self-care. Feeding, grooming, playing and caring for a feline friend instils a sense of purpose and structure.ย
The responsibility of caring for a cat helps humans stay active and creates a daily structure that brings stability. Having a daily purpose is known to support mental health and emotional balance.ย
Enhanced Empathy and Compassion
Caring for a cat also helps humans become more in tune with subtle cues. Understanding a catโs body language and vocalizations can allow humans to become more in tune with emotional signals, helping to develop emotional sensitivity and empathy.ย
This shows that the mental health benefits of cats go beyond just companionship. They can even help us become more in tune with our and other peopleโs feelings. Teaching us to be patient and attentive to understand different ways of communicating.
Improved Social Skills
Along with teaching us empathy, cats can also help improve our social skills. Cat carers are often more attuned to non-verbal forms of communication and have the ability to respond to this calmly. The skill to understand physical signals can translate to better human interactions.ย
Talking to or about pets can also be a great conversation starter and social bridge. Sharing experiences with others can help humans find like-minded people, which can reduce feelings of isolation.
Having a feline companion is emotionally beneficial for all ages. In fact, children that bond with their cat are more likely to be attentive and happier. Itโs amazing how cats improve the mental health of everyone around them!
Now we know how much our cats emotionally support us, itโs important that weโre caring for their emotions everyday too. This includes providing them with structure as well as opportunities to have the freedom to play, scratch, sleep and more. Support from their care giver allows cats to feel comfortable, which helps to build your cat and human bond.ย
Much like us humans, cats can also struggle with emotions such as stress and anxiousness. If you want to ensure that your cat feels safe and secure in their home, plugging in FELIWAYยฎ Optimum can help. The diffuser sends calming messages to your cat for up to 30 days, helping to keep your cat as happy as they make you feel.ย
Would you like to learn more about the mental health benefits of cats? Check out the rest of our blogs online, and donโt forget to sign up to our newsletter to remain up to date with all the latest info!
References:
1: https://www.psychiatry.org/News-room/News-Releases/Positive-Mental-Health-Impact-of-Pets
