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You are here: Home / Life with Cats / 7 Reasons Pets are Good for Your Mental Health

7 Reasons Pets are Good for Your Mental Health

By Pawesome Cats | Updated on 17/02/2023

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The company of a cat or dog is proven to improve life for those with long-term mental health issues. We discuss why pets are good for your mental health | 7 Reasons Pets are Good for Your Mental HealthDo you believe in purr-power?

Purr-power is the ability of cats (and pets generally) to improve our mental health and well-being. If you’re not a believer, then you should be, because the latest research sheds light on the ability of pets to improve life for those with long-term mental health issues. [1]

Indeed, the evidence for the beneficial effects of a feline friend (or canine companion) is so strong that experts are beginning to question why pets aren’t ‘on prescription’ and their company isn’t routinely considered as part of the care plan for those with long-term problems.

Why Pets are Good for Your Mental Health

What’s your cat done for you lately?

It may feel like you’re the cat’s housekeeper, but know that even when she’s at her most aloof your cat is beneficial to your physical health. The companionship of a cat is proven to:

  • reduce blood pressure
  • lower heart rate
  • reduce levels of stress hormones in the blood
  • reduce blood cholesterol levels
  • increase survival times after a heart attack.

But what about our mental health?

Dr Helen Brooks surveyed people with mental health problems about their attitudes to pets. They were asked to assign a ‘level of importance’ from one (of lesser importance) to three (of utmost importance) to the presence of their pet.

The results came back that 60% of patients rated their pet as of utmost importance in their lives, with a further 20% saying pets were ‘important but not crucial’.

What is it about pets that we find so important?

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Dr Brooks wanted to find out more about how pets help our mental health. She chatted to those who took part in the study, to share their insights as to why their pets mattered so much. The answers she got included people that said their pet accepted them without judging, gave unflagging support, and a sense of purpose to their life.

It’s funny, isn’t it, that something we know instinctively – that pets are good for us – is the focus of scientific research. (Who knows, perhaps one day we’ll be able to get chocolate on prescription!) In truth, the science behind the animal-human bond is in its infancy, but let’s take a quick recap about what we know so far. . . who knows, it might be the purr-fect argument for you to get that kitten you’ve been hankering after.

The company of a cat or dog is proven to improve life for those with long-term mental health issues. We discuss why pets are good for your mental health | 7 Reasons Pets are Good for Your Mental Health
Image: Bianca Moraes via Flickr

 

7 Rational Reasons Pets are Good for Your Mental Wellbeing

1. Reduce anxiety

Stroking a cat is soothing and reduces the levels of anxiety hormones in our bloodstream. But more than that, looking at a beloved pet stimulates the release of the love-hormone, oxytocin. This is the same hormone a mother releases when looking at her baby, which promotes bonding and nurtures protective feelings.

Release of oxytocin produces physiological change in the body, which results in lowered feelings of anxiety and other crippling emotions, thus enabling people to function more normally.

2. Encourage Mindfulness

Cats don’t like us dashing around and are more likely to settle on our lap when we are at peace. Cats encourage us to relax and live ‘in the moment’, enjoying the feel of their fur against our fingertips as we stroke them.

RELATED:  Creating an Eco-Friendly and Cat Safe Home

Mindfulness is in vogue at the moment, as shown by the rise in popularity of ‘mindfulness colouring’ and other pursuits. But stroking a cat, relaxing back to feel the vibration of that purr, remains one of the original and best ways of exercising mindfulness.

The company of a cat or dog is proven to improve life for those with long-term mental health issues. We discuss why pets are good for your mental health | 7 Reasons Pets are Good for Your Mental Health
Image: Gustaaf Prins via Flickr

 

3. Reduce Loneliness

A pet such as a cat provides companionship for those who work from home, are house bound, or have a limited social circle. Meeting their needs, such as feeding, grooming, and keeping a clean tray provide a structure to the day and give the carer a sense of worth, a reason to get up in the morning and perhaps even take care of themselves for the sake of the pet.

The cat also provides a topic for conversation and a mutual interest with other pet lovers, which in turn helps to connect people and reduce feelings of social isolation.

4. Diversion Therapy

Depression and other mental illness have a horrible habit of becoming all consuming. When the mind is filled with black thoughts, these seem to squeeze out any moments of brightness, and the sufferer becomes caught in a downward spiral of negative thinking.

For those struggling with mental health issues, caring for a pet and returning their affection is a welcome distraction from the dark gloom of depression. The presence of another living being that is dependent on them, helps to divert attention from their inner turmoil. Even small things such as the cat returning affection with a purr, can throw a lifeline to a mentally distressed person.

The company of a cat or dog is proven to improve life for those with long-term mental health issues. We discuss why pets are good for your mental health | 7 Reasons Pets are Good for Your Mental Health
Image: Ethan R via Flickr

 

5. Smile Therapy

In the grips of depression there may seem very little to smile about. However, dangle a wing-on-a-string in front of a cat and it’s very difficult to keep a straight face. Simple things like playing with a pet promote feeling of calmness and happiness through the release of beneficial neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine. Again, when you enlist Mother Nature and get her armoury of feel-good hormones on your side, this helps lighten the gloom.

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6. Unconditional Love

When you can’t think straight and the world seems distorted, the one thing people can rely on is their pet. Be it a cat, dog, rabbit, or bird, our pets don’t judge and love us regardless of our appearance, wealth (or lack of it), or social status. For those people who feel adrift from society, a pet can be a valuable anchor and a reminder of uplifting emotions such as love.

The company of a cat or dog is proven to improve life for those with long-term mental health issues. We discuss why pets are good for your mental health | 7 Reasons Pets are Good for Your Mental Health
Image: kris krüg via Flickr

 

 7. Mental Attitude

Pet are great listeners and don’t reveal secrets. A pet won’t betray a confidence and is a great conduit through which to tell our innermost fears or feelings of inadequacy. In return, small acts such as opening a can of food or stroking their coat are returned with appreciation which helps to build confidence and maybe even a sense of pride.

So whilst no-one is seriously talking about putting ‘pets on prescription’ there is little doubt they can significantly contribute to the mental well-being of people.

Do you have personal experience of pets as therapy or know of someone whose illness has been turned around by the presence of a fur-friend? Please share your comments below. 

References:

[1] Ontological security and connectivity provided by pets: A study in the self-management of the everyday lives of people diagnosed with a long-term mental health condition. Dr Helen Brooks et al. BMC Psychiatry.

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Filed Under: Life with Cats, New Cat Parent

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Momma Kat and Her Bear Cat says

    29/01/2017 at 5:19 pm

    Bear not only saved my life, but taught me to live too. He’s got this quirky way of always making sure I laugh … and his love gave me the fight I needed to keep going when I wouldn’t have been able to for myself. He does everything with his whole heart … love, play, misbehave … it’s such a pleasure and inspiration to watch. After years and years struggling with the effects of a less than ideal childhood, he healed places I didn’t know required healing, and loved me regardless. Not bad for a tiny homeless kitten I came across one day carrying groceries into the house 🙂

  2. AthenaWiseKitty (@AthenaWiseKitty) says

    24/01/2017 at 6:04 pm

    Great post!

    I help my mum cope with her depression and anxiety by keeping a watchful eye on her, purring, getting her to nap, doing silly things to make her laugh, getting her up to play with me, sitting near her while she works and inspiring her to be creative so that her mind is occupied with good thoughts rather than gloomy ones.

  3. Kama says

    24/01/2017 at 2:03 am

    These are all such great points! Number 3, in particular, I feel makes a big difference….even if our pets can’t talk back to us, it is nice to have someone to talk to…

  4. Beth says

    23/01/2017 at 1:18 pm

    I agree with all of these things. I’ve had pets of some kind all of my life. I think I could live without pets, but I can’t imagine choosing to do that. My husband really isn’t an animal person, but he know as long as we’re married, he is going to live with pets.

  5. christycaplan (@christycaplan) says

    23/01/2017 at 12:59 pm

    Our pack helps me with my mental attitude — honestly, there are many days that I talk to all of them about how I’m feeling and how I feel about them! They have changed my life and made me sane. I think everyone benefits from living with animals – it can make a big difference for people that live alone as I liked your tip of loneliness and all the benefits cats can have!

  6. Robin says

    23/01/2017 at 9:39 am

    Love this! I have been helped a lot by my kitties. Having bipolar depression is horrible at times. The cats are a great diversion and they provide a toned down social experience when things are tough. Kitties don’t have as difficult of a time dealing with me when I can’t stop crying. Petting a cat is very soothing too.

  7. Rebecca at MattieDog says

    23/01/2017 at 9:36 am

    Reduction of anxiety and mindfulness are so key – fuzzy family members are so important to have in our house!!

  8. Tonya Wilhelm says

    23/01/2017 at 8:54 am

    Great article. Well, I started my career training service dogs and not only did these dogs provide mobility services, but most definitely therapy. I went on to teach therapy dog classes and also visit with my own dog. We particularly enjoy working with children. 🙂 It does a heart good.

  9. Ruth Epstein says

    23/01/2017 at 8:52 am

    Layla is my emotional support dog with tags and could not live without her, she keeps me motivated plus

  10. Cathy Armato says

    23/01/2017 at 6:53 am

    As one half of a Therapy Dog team, I totally relate to & agree with this concept. I see it all the time during our visits! Pets actually can be on prescription from a Doctor as Therapy Animals for those with emotional issues. eg Those suffering from PTSDP are one example

  11. Katie Allan says

    23/01/2017 at 5:55 am

    I have an anxiety disorder and I can easily say that my dogs do wonders for my anxiety. Whenever I am having a rough day or feel my anxiety building up, I can go spend some time play with them or just cuddling on the couch and I feel so much better.

  12. The Daily Pip says

    22/01/2017 at 9:54 pm

    I absolutely agree with this. There’s nothing quite so comforting than coming home after a bad day and spending time with Rosie and Ruby! They are my de-stressors.

  13. Cara Imperato says

    22/01/2017 at 2:31 pm

    I can say without a doubt that my two cats helped me survive my divorce. Their loving presence was just what I needed.

  14. DashKitten says

    21/01/2017 at 1:20 pm

    Diversion threapy is much more common than people realise. It play a critical part on the recovery of someone who is mentally ill. People may not realise, or understand, how close to the edge a person can be and how far away this takes them from reality (even when they seem “OK”). Depressives genuinely don’t think about friends and family, they know they suffer and want it to go away.

    Mental illness affects millions who seem ‘normal’ as they go through their day. It is the reason I try to take other people’s stressed remarks on the chin – I have said on Dash’s blog – we see a small oart of a person, and each person is a world in themselves with their lives and experiences.

  15. Lola The Rescued Cat says

    21/01/2017 at 10:42 am

    Mommy couldn’t wait to get home to us tonight so we could make the week go away.

  16. Tenacious Little Terrier says

    21/01/2017 at 9:28 am

    Mr. N will bring me his toys sometimes if he thinks I’m stressed.

  17. thebrokedog says

    21/01/2017 at 8:33 am

    My Henry DEFINITELY reduces my anxiety! It’s so much easier to fall asleep with his warm body snuggled again mine, too. Although he also has anxiety issues, we help each other out. 🙂

  18. The Swiss Cats says

    21/01/2017 at 5:58 am

    We totally agree ! Purrs

  19. Cody-Cat Chat (@CatChatCaren) says

    21/01/2017 at 12:55 am

    I could NOT agree more!!!!

  20. meowmeowmans says

    20/01/2017 at 1:48 pm

    Our mom and dad would be lost without us here. It’s a fact! 🙂 – Gracie and Zoe

  21. pilch92 says

    20/01/2017 at 11:06 am

    Cats are very good for mental health. A cat’s purr is so soothing.

  22. Summer says

    20/01/2017 at 4:48 am

    I know my human would be totally off the deep end without us cats to keep her in check!

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