Psychological Benefits of Owning a Cat

12 Mar Psychological Benefits of Owning a Cat

Psychological Article on the Benefits of Cats

A Psychological Article By Boomeryearbook.com

The world has seen an alarming increase in mental health problems. And psychological articles suggest one possible reason for this Global Health scenario could be modern society’s robotic, stressful, super-competitive over ambitious lifestyle.

Psychological articles have reported that worldwide measures are being investigated- by varying organizations and institutions-to gauge the causes and implement initiative programs to tackle emotional health and well being.. And not surprisingly for some of us, (we know who we are), psychological articles have indicated that cat owners show an overall positive personality effect when compared to non-cat owners. Meow!

Just for starters, psychological articles have repeatedly shown that pets provide unconditional love, companionship and acceptability; that leads a person towards being responsible, tender and benevolent. Pet’s increase our self esteem and self efficacy.

And since psychological articles inform us that cats are more childlike, resilient and whimsical in their behavior –by sharing our home with these gorgeous felines- we get the added benefit of learning patience and increased ability to deal with life’s frustrations. Numerous psychological articles and research have confirmed that these remarkable creatures give us privileged owners the a sense of belonging, and feeling needed.

Children With Cats Show More Empathy

Psychological articles show that children who have a pet cat develop an early aged sense of duty and responsibility. The delicious feline is not just an animal for these lucky child cat owners, but a playmate, buddy and confidante. By looking after their adored companion, psychological articles have shown children to light up with delight. Playing with their cat makes a child more relaxed and training their feline buddy (if indeed you can talk about cat training without giggling) makes a child more patient as well as assertive.

Psychological articles have observed that children who have cats, are more popular among their classmates, better understand other people’s body language, and have an easier time comprehending non verbal cues than do their cat-less friends. These lucky children have been rated as scoring higher in overall sense of self worth, importance and connectedness (feeling needed).

Impact of a Cat on an Adult’s Life

Psychological articles and researches have demonstrated that sharing your life with your pet cat has an immensely beneficial affect on reducing mood swings, and can be a constant source of joy and amusement. These psychological articles go on to report that even the cat’s purring has a calming affect, and as any of us know, stroking your cat’s fur is remarkable calming and measurably lowers stress levels.

When you walk into a lonely apartment your cat’s welcoming meow gives you a feeling that somebody is waiting and happy to see you home. Psychological articles go as far as to claim that a cat can be your key to fight off depression and loneliness. And today, many nursing homes, (of non allergic residents) enjoy the company of pet cats as a “‘therapy animal, who with its mere presence can promote positive group and family interaction.

Health Benefits that Lead to Emotional Well Being

Psychological articles reviewing world wide studies show that one can even increase immunity levels by owning these marvelous creatures; and if brought into the home during the infancy stage, cats have been shown to reduce the risk of having animal allergies-asthma!

Additionally, children with pet cats have 13-18% less poor health and incur less “illness” related school absences.

Another study done in China shows that people who own cats visit hospitals 20% less than those who don’t; with elderly cat owners demonstrating lower ranges of normal blood pressure. The mere stroking of a cat can decrease triglycerides levels thus reducing the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases.

Prisoner’s Rehab Program in Switzerland

In Switzerland, at Saxerriet State prison, a Cat rehab program for the prisoners was introduced. A group of volunteer prisoner’s were given cats to look after, and told to follow a strict set of instructions regarding proper cat care and well being.

The study concluded that the prisoners who looked after their cats well were more responsive to other psychological treatments. The cats provided them a chance to be empathic and responsible. Moreover, this psychological article affirms that the prisoners felt they were given irreplaceable, unconditional acceptance from their cat-something they said was missing in other parts of their lives. It is common psychological theory that many offenders have a history of being unloved, and the giving and receiving of their cat’s unconditional love is enhancing their chances of evolving into a better person.

To sum it up your cat could be the most important being in your life. It simply has to stare at you with its wise feline eyes-to let you know “you’ll be alright.” You can talk to it, snuggle it, stroke, and cuddle. Your cat is there for you when many of your friends are not. Ah, but this little furry bundle can also be naughty and mischievous, but as all of us cat lovers know, this only makes them more endearing.

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