10 Ways That Cats Can Improve Your Mental Health
Cats are renowned for their independent nature, but did you know that they’ve been scientifically proven to help improve your mental health? In honour of Mental Health Day (that fell on 10th October 2024), we are sharing 10 ways that cats can improve your mental health…
Lower stress levels
Having a cuddle with a cat can release those calming chemicals in your brain, which can help to reduce anxiety and stress.
2. Combat loneliness
Cats make great companions with their loyal and loving personalities. They can help to combat the feeling of loneliness, which is essential for mental wellbeing.
3. Boost serotonin
Playing with cats can help increase serotonin and dopamine levels - the hormones responsible for happiness and relaxation.
4. They provide a sense of purpose
Caring for a feline friend helps to create a daily routine with a sense of responsibility, which can be a helpful motivator for those suffering with mental health conditions such as depression.
5. Cats encourage mindfulness
Watching cats play or nap can help encourage living in the moment, practice mindfulness and reduce overthinking.
6. Emotional support
Cats often offer comfort and emotional support simply by being present, making them the best companions for people dealing with emotional struggles
7. Relaxation
The sound of a cat’s purr has been scientifically proven to have a calming effect, creating a sense of relaxation that can help to ease mental tension.
8. Social interaction
Cat ownership can help to encourage social interaction, whether it’s through online platforms (such as social media) or in conversation with fellow cat lovers.
9. Improve sleep quality
Having a cat around can help to create a sense of security and calm, therefore leading to a more restful sleep (until they wake you up at 3AM with the zoomies).
10. They make you laugh
Cats really are characters - they all have such unique personalities, and do a great job at providing hours of entertainment by being silly!
Why not come and see the benefit that cats have on mental health for yourself?
Take advantage of our half-price Happy Hour sessions down at Kiko’s Cat Cafe (every weekday at 10AM) - book your visit now.
