Cat therapy: 5 benefits of living with a cat

Cats are wonderful animals. They love independence, but also pampering; Sometimes they seem to hate the world, but other times they are so loving that they are overwhelming. Their ambivalent and confused behavior is tremendously human-like. Perhaps for this reason, techniques such as cat therapy have begun to gain strength in the field of emotional health.

For years, hippotherapy has demonstrated its incredible results with children with autism, self-esteem problems or cerebral palsy. Although there is no scientific basis to prove it, it is true that As a complementary therapy it is capable of improving the motor and emotional skills of patients.

In the same way, cat therapy has shown that the company of a cat promotes physical and psychological improvements. Although it may seem impossible, felines are much more beneficial than most people think.

What is Cat Therapy?

Cat therapy is a treatment against anxiety, stress and depression problems. It improves the quality of life and creates a very special connection between the feline and its owner. Furthermore, according to various studies, people who suffer from some type of heart disease show progressive improvement after living with a cat.

It is quite curious that the same research carried out with dogs reported such completely different results. Dog owners, unlike feline owners, continued to remain average. This means that Those who own cats are less likely to die from a heart attack than those who don’t.

Felines are usually highly recommended for those people who live alone, especially in the case of the elderly. Even those who suffer from some type of dementia such as Alzheimer’s can experience memories when caressing them, delaying the neuronal degeneration they suffer. The animal’s purring, in turn, stimulates some fundamental nerve endings when it comes to evoking past stories.

Brief history of cats

For hundreds of years cats were treated as hellish beings. They were believed to be the faithful companions of witches, bringers of bad luck and messengers of the devil. His indomitable and unpredictable character was feared by both the townspeople and the powerful.

In some civilizations, its presence, on the contrary, was always sacred. In Egypt they were revered for being the protectors of their most important god: Ra. This was born and died with the rise and fall of the sun, and it was during the night when it became easy prey for its enemies. The eyes of felines, associated with the lion, reflected the sun’s rays during this period.

Legends aside, their appearance as domestic animals was also quite striking. Unlike dogs, used as sheep guards and hunters, The cats were initially kept wild.

According to recent studies, it is believed that they themselves decided to approach humans when they saw that they would provide them with food. Their tame appearance led them to be fed by ranchers and farmers, who They were finally accepted thanks to their great work as rodent hunters.

It would not be until several centuries later that cats would be accepted as company. Until the 19th century, it was considered unusual and frowned upon to own pets, since keeping them was an insubstantial waste of money.

5 benefits of Cat Therapy

Improves symptoms of depression and stress

Felines cause a notable improvement in people who suffer from stress, anxiety and depression disorders. Purring is very relaxing, stimulates concentration and creates a very cozy atmosphere.

Provides company

For a person who lives alone, the cat is the best option. He is very independent when he wants to, but also very affectionate. Sometimes it will be so heavy that you will just want it to go to another room!

They are very funny and playful, and you will always be entertained with them. Remember that it is necessary to feed him properly, be aware of his vaccines and cut his nails. (unless you want him to break every single one of your furniture and curtains).

Help for Alzheimer’s, autism and ADHD

As we mentioned previously, cats are used as complementary therapy in cases of autism, Alzheimer’s or ADHD. Although there is no scientific research to support it, Thousands of cases are known where its presence has improved the quality of life of its owners.

Give responsibility to the little ones

Having a cat at home is a great responsibility for children because They will have to take care of him, feed him and educate him, which is not always an easy task. It is important to talk to the little ones about the subject, so that they are aware of the very important work they are going to carry out.

Don’t forget to make it clear to them that An animal is NOT a toy. It is not okay to hit him, throw him to the ground or grab him by the tail. Living beings should be respected and loved, and the new pet will surely be much happier if she is not bothered.

They hardly need care

Unlike other animals, cats hardly need care. Leaving aside vaccines or food, they are quite clean beings. As soon as they learn to use the sandbox, they do not hesitate to always use it; They wash themselves and their young and do not require constant attention.

Now, try to bathe them from time to time, make sure the food is adequate and don’t forget to take them to their veterinary appointments. Remember that a healthy cat is a healthy human.

You might be interested…