How cats help to relieve stress

(Unsplash/James Sutton)

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We all know that cats are fiercely independent creatures and many people assume that they are very aloof and provide very little by way of company. However, this is not the case. While cats may not be as reliant on you as their canine counterparts, they are very loving animals and develop a very close bond with their humans. In fact, for many people having a cat around is not only an excellent form of company and entertainment but also helps them to combat day to day stress.

Many people these days suffer from stress, anxiety, depression, and other emotional problems, some suffering more than others. Having an emotional support animal living with you can make all the difference, and having a cat is an excellent choice. There are many ways in which cats can help you emotionally and if you suffer from high stress levels you will find that a cat is the perfect companion to have around.

Some of the ways in which cats can help

You may have heard stories about how cats are taken into residential homes for the elderly in order to help the residents. This is because they not only give the residents something new to focus on but they also offer love and affection as well as helping to relieve stress, boredom, and anxiety. Well, cats are not just great for easing stress in elderly people – no matter how old you are, you can benefit from the bond and closeness that you can form with your cat.

When you come home from work and you live alone, it can be very lonely to be stuck alone all night with nothing for company but your thoughts to dwell on. However, having a cat around to welcome you home can make all the difference. Not only do you have something to focus your attention on but you also have a pet that will lavish you with love and affection after a hard day at work. This can instantly help to lift your mood and relieve stress.

Another way in which you can relieve stress with the help of your cat is simply by stroking and cuddling the animal. The sensation of stroking your cat's soft fur accompanied by the peaceful and relaxing purring that emanates from the animal can make a huge difference. In fact, this is something that has been proven to reduce stress levels and lower blood pressure, so you can enjoy multiple benefits when it comes to your health.

The great thing about having a cat around to help relieve stress is that they are not as reliant on your as other pets such as dogs. You can head off to work all day without worrying about your cat suffering from separation anxiety. However, you can still look forward to snuggling up with your cat in the evening, particularly if you have a lap cat that loves to snuggle. This is an amazing feeling and one that can really lift your mood.