Did you know that the sound cats make – the one we all call “cat purr” – has healing properties? For thousands of years, cultures around the world have practiced “sound therapy” as a form of holistic medicine. Studies have confirmed that the sound cats make when they purr falls between 25 – 240 Hz, which happens to be the frequency known to speed up the healing process of wounds, broken bones and tendon and joint injuries. Some people report that their cats also help relieve migraines.

Cat purring also causes the release of endorphins in cats and could do the same for us humans. The release of endorphins reduces stress and blood pressure, which can improve not only our well-being but also our physical health.

It’s no surprise to animal lovers that furry friends can have an extremely positive impact on our mental health. Pet therapy has proven to be particularly helpful when it comes to recovering from conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder, depression and anxiety. Cats are often used as therapy animals in hospitals, physiotherapy sessions, long-term care facilities and other medical institutions to help patients recover physically, mentally and emotionally. It is also known and confirmed that interactions with cats are extremely helpful for children with autism spectrum disorders, ADHD and other cognitive disorders by promoting positive social interactions.

Anxiety and depression are two of the most common mental health conditions worldwide, and access to mental health services can be difficult for many reasons. Spending time with our cats can significantly reduce anxiety by simply providing a distraction from our negative thoughts, giving us a moment of relaxation away from our daily thoughts.

In general, cat owners reported feeling less anxious, stressed and lonely when they are around their cats, as opposed to how they feel when they are away from them. Not only can our cats provide physical comforts such as purring, cuddling and ‘kneading of the muffins’, but they also entertain us with their different and funny natures, giving us an extra reason to get up in the morning.

Caring for another being can improve the ways we care for ourselves. On those days when life knocks us down and we just don’t feel like we can cope, our cats give us a reason to get out of bed. Whether we wake up with them on our chests, with their tails up our noses, or because of a loud meow, not a morning goes by that cats don’t remind us that it’s time to wake up and fill their bowl. Cats have a special way of keeping us afloat.

Caring for a cat requires some responsibility, including feeding, cleaning and giving attention. This can create a routine which, in turn, can contribute to better personal organisation and increased confidence in your ability to manage responsibilities.

Studies have shown that our cats help us rest better. Owners who have allowed pets to sleep in their bed (or in the same room) have said that it was easier for them to fall asleep. Cat owners specifically indicated that wake up fewer times during the night and that including cats in their bedtime routine reduced feelings of restlessness and fatigue.

Did you know that when your cat wakes you up, it’s not always because she’s hungry or needs attention, but because she wants to make sure you’re okay? Cats are not deep sleepers like us humans, so when they notice we haven’t moved for a while, this is their way of checking if we’re okay.

The results of a survey highlighted that cat owners tend to be more sensitive and open-minded compared to those who do not own a pet. They also seemed to have a higher sense of self-esteem and self-worth.

Caring for someone other than ourselves can give us a sense of fulfilment and confidence. The more confident we feel in our abilities, the more confident we become in ourselves.