By Rachel Hughes, MBA
If you needed another reason to celebrate your cat or adopt your first one, then you’ve come to the right place. Cats are good for the soul. They make us feel good and give us a reason to get up every day. Our cats not only hold a special place in our hearts, but they also have wonderful benefits of owning a cat. In fact, when looking at the connection between cats and depression, many studies show how their companionship can ease symptoms, improve mood, and reduce loneliness. The benefits of owning a cat go far beyond companionship—they can help us feel more positive, give us a sense of purpose, support better sleep, and lower stress and anxiety.
Who doesn’t smile watching a video of a cat? YouTube is full of them. You get stuck in a loop of cat videos for hours, and you probably can’t stop watching them if you are anything like me. Indiana University Bloomington conducted a study with over 7,000 people, which found that viewers’ energy and positive emotions increased while watching different cat videos on the internet. Takeaway? Watching cats online can boost cats and mental health if you don’t overdo it. Though, is there really such a thing?
Individuals that struggle with mental illness often benefit from having an animal to care for. Cats can be especially low maintenance, but still rely on their humans for food, water, and attention. This responsibility can be motivating, encouraging individuals to get out of bed, start their day, and decrease the chances of isolation. For people facing challenges with cats and depression, this daily routine and emotional connection can strengthen self-esteem and improve overall cats and mental health.
If you talk to your friends, family, or coworkers, I guarantee one of them will tell you they aren’t getting enough sleep or a good night’s rest. Sleep is one of the most crucial factors in self-care, especially if you struggle with mental illness. A study done by the Mayo Clinic Center for Sleep Medicine shows that 41% of people stated they slept better because of their animal. So next time you wonder if all the fur on the bed is really worth it, it absolutely is! Sharing your bed with your cat can help you relax as you drift to sleep and ease nighttime anxiety.
There isn’t anyone that couldn’t benefit from reducing their stress and anxiety. Cats can trigger the release of calming chemicals in your body, which lowers stress levels. According to Melanie Greenberg, Ph.D., licensed clinical psychologist, “The act of petting your cat releases oxytocin, the bonding hormone or ‘cuddle chemical,’ which can make us feel less stressed.” When life gets overwhelming, spending time with your cat is a natural stress reliever that strengthens your bond while protecting your cats and mental health.
The benefits of owning a cat are exceptional. Cats Protection UK and the Mental Health Foundation published a survey in 2011 that questioned 600 cat-owning and non-cat-owning respondents, half of whom had current mental health problems. Results showed that 87% of people who owned a cat felt it had a positive impact on their well-being, and 76% said they coped with everyday life much better due to their cat’s presence. Cats give us security, comfort, and unconditional love—powerful factors that can ease symptoms of cats and depression and support mental resilience.
Increased positivity, purpose, better sleep, and reduced anxiety are only some of the incredible health benefits of owning a cat. If these reasons convinced you that you need your own fur baby, visit your local shelter to adopt one. If you already have a cat, give them some extra cuddles to thank them for helping keep you mentally well and for being your biggest source of support.
1 IU Bloomington Newsroom. (n.d.). Not-so-guilty pleasure: Viewing cat videos boosts energy and positive emotions, IU study finds. IU Bloomington Newsroom. https://archive.news.indiana.edu/releases/iu/2015/06/internet-cat-video-research.shtml.
2 Modkat. (2018, December 30). 7 ways cats can improve your mental health. Modkat. https://modkat.com/blogs/modkat-purrr/7-ways-cats-can-improve-your-mental-health.
3 Krahn, L. E., Tovar, M. D., & Miller, B. (2015). Are Pets in the Bedroom a Problem? Mayo Clinic Proceedings, 90(12), 1663–1665. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mayocp.2015.08.012
4 Heiser, C. (2018, April 11). Forget what you’ve heard. Being a cat lady Is healthy. NBCNews.com. https://www.nbcnews.com/better/health/forget-what-you-ve-heard-being-cat-lady-healthy-ncna789676.
5 What are the mental health benefits of cat ownership? Open Access Government. (2020, January 30). https://www.openaccessgovernment.org/mental-health-benefits/70873/.
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