The benefits of pet therapy with cats

by Lilou Bastet February 23, 2024

Pet therapy, also known as animal-assisted therapy, takes advantage of the beneficial bonds that form between humans and animals to improve people's emotional and physical well-being. Cats, in particular, play a significant role in this form of therapy through their ability to provide companionship, reduce stress and anxiety, and encourage social interaction.

Studies have shown that simply petting a cat can decrease the production of cortisol, the stress hormone, while increasing levels of serotonin and dopamine, neurotransmitters associated with happiness and tranquility. Additionally, the presence of a cat can help lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. For people suffering from loneliness or depression, cats can provide an invaluable sense of companionship, reducing feelings of isolation and promoting an improved state of mind.

Pet therapy with cats is also used in various therapeutic settings, including nursing homes, hospitals, and rehabilitation centers, where it helps improve social interaction, mobility, and even cognitive abilities in patients of all ages.

Sources:

Berget, B., & Braastad, B. O. (2008). Animal-assisted therapy with farm animals for persons with psychiatric disorders. Annals of Ist. Super. Healthcare, 44(2), 205-211.

Friedmann, E., & Son, H. (2009). The human-companion animal bond: How humans benefit. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice, 39(2), 293-326.