Never has awareness of mental health been more important than now. The effects of the Covid pandemic, coupled with recent global issues, such as the climate crisis, has undoubtedly taken a toll on mental wellbeing.
So how can you improve your state of mind without seeking professional help? One popular way to boost your mental health on your own is through owning a pet. The benefits of caring for a pet, particularly a cat or a dog, are well documented. Here, we will explore the ways in which owning a cat can be good for your mental wellbeing.
Stress relief
You only have to look at the rise in popularity of support animals to realise that pets are great stress relievers. Any cat owner will tell you that stroking their pet as it purrs happily gives them a lovely sense of calm.
Indeed, a study by the Cats Protection League showed that nine out of 10 owners said that having a cat improved their mental health. Almost three-quarters of owners said that stroking their cat helped them the most, while over half said it was playing with their feline friend that gave them the biggest boost.
Combat loneliness
The covid pandemic and the subsequent lockdowns and social restrictions have undoubtedly brought loneliness to lots of people. As we are social animals by nature, lack of physical interactions can have serious detrimental effects on our mental health. If you live alone, then owning a pet, such as a cat, can alleviate feelings of loneliness and provide you with some much-needed affection. Encourage your cat to sit on your lap and play with it daily to increase interaction.
Being needed
It’s nice to feel needed; it gives you a sense of purpose. Nowhere is this more apparent than when you have responsibility over another being. Looking after a cat not only offers companionship, but it can also give you a purpose to your life by having to take care of it.
Feeding and caring for you cat will give you a reason to keep to a routine and therefore potentially help reduce feelings of worthlessness. Make sure your cat is safe and loved in return, though. Make sure the house is kept clean and tidy, to avoid putting your cat through unnecessary stress. Beyond that, it’s a good idea to secure your garden so that your pet can enjoy the great outdoors in safety. Invest in a top quality pet protector, such as a ‘catio’, cat fence, or other secure outdoor design to give you peace of mind.
Promotes exercise
It’s well known that physical health is vital for mental health, and one way to improve that is through exercise. You might not associate cats with physical exercise but surprisingly, owning one can be beneficial to your fitness. Playing with your cat is not only fun for your pet, but it encourages you to get up from the couch and is a great way to get some gentle exercise, without doing anything too strenuous. It can also help you bond with your cat, which will strengthen your relationship further.
Conclusion
The benefits to mental wellbeing from owning a cat cannot be disputed. They might have a reputation for being solitary and aloof, but cats are social animals and caring for one in your home can be an enriching experience.
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