Are Cats Stress Relievers?

You may have heard, or have even come in contact with a therapy dog. These pups are specifically trained to provide comfort for the people who need it, such as people who are  stressed out (specifically students) and need to relieve some of their stresses. As much of a dog person as I am, I wonder if cats can provide the same comfort and relieve stress much like dogs have been known to do. And if studies show cats do relieve stress, would they be able to provide therapy?

According to Examiner, cats do in fact reduce stress in humans. For one thing, cats are undemanding. Many people who are the most stressed constantly feel like everyone and everything needs something from them, while cats are there for you without expecting anything in return. Secondly, cats can lessen the feeling of loneliness, much like a dog, because they are always there for you to play with, cuddle, and even vent to. Cats can also make you laugh, which is a universal stress reliever. As poised as they come off to be,cats leap at seemingly nothing, make funny noises, and love to play. That will surely bring out a laugh from anyone, and make them forget about the stressful things in life, even if just for a little while. It is also said that rhythmic stroking (which is also beneficial to the cat) is proven to relieve anxiety. This is because the soft feel of the cat’s fur and repetitive motion of petting can sooth seemingly even the worst stress. Lastly, cats always seem to known when something is wrong, and therefore will behave as if they wanted to comfort you. Such an act will relieve stress and strengthen a bond.

Many of that seems very familiar in comparison to a dog, so why are they not trained to be therapy cats? It appears many people believe cats to be not as sociable and more independent than dogs, so that may be the biggest reason why.  Although the Cat Behavior Associates are dissolving the myth that cats are not affectionate and completely independent. Cats show their independence in different ways, and may not always be sitting on your lap to show it. By simply being inches away from you, rubbing up against your leg, or slowly blinking at you, they are showing how much they care. Also cats love to be pet, and while they may not enjoy belly rubs like dogs, a chin scratch will suffice just the same. And while cats are more independent than dogs, in the sense they can be left home for longer periods of time, they still rely on human care and affection. This misconception is what causes many cats to suffer both physically and emotionally, even though they may not show it as clearly as their canine counterparts. And even though cats are known to be solitary creatures, who are not very fond of socializing, that is not an accurate notion. Although this article squashes that and says that is mostly due to the fact they hunt alone in a predatory sense, and are much more territorial than dogs are.

With all of that information I am still left wondering why cats aren’t made as widely for therapy as dogs. While I love both animals, some people are strictly dog people, while others are strictly cat people. That being said, what happens to those who do not like dogs, or are allergic? Maybe one day we will see more therapy cats.

To prove the above points, if you are feeling stressed, take a gander at this funny cat compilation to brighten up your day!

5 thoughts on “Are Cats Stress Relievers?

  1. Shannon Bridget Obrien

    I agree with the Cat Behavior Associates. I think cats are a lot less affectionate than dogs. I personally feel on edge when I am with a cat because they are often sneaky and unpredictable with behavior. Dogs are used do reduce stress because they like to play more than cats. Cats simply want attention rather than a play partner. Although this is just my opinion, this is a study showing that any animal can be a helpful participant in relieving stress and being a tool for therapy! http://hyper.ahajournals.org/content/38/4/815.short

  2. Shannon Elizabeth Kress

    I wrote a similar blog about pets, specifically dogs, relieving anxiety and stress. When I was doing research I found a lot of stuff about other animals like cats and even some on gerbils. I agree that they may do the same thing, and have the same benefits. I love cats, but I think that maybe there is just more information on dogs because they are easier to take out and walk and do physical activities with. However, your blog makes some great points that I can’t disagree with!

  3. Natalia Paternina

    I enjoyed reading your post a lot, since I often find myself looking at pictures of puppies or kittens online to make myself feel better. While it’s true that it’s way more common to find therapy dogs than cats, I did some research and apparently it’s possible to get your cat certified to become a therapy cat! According to this article, older cats often have the right temperament to be therapy cats.

  4. Caitlyn Ark

    I disagree with your point that cats are always playful and enjoy cuddling. Many times I have seen cats run away from people, even if they have lived with them their entire lives. I am also really biased when it comes to this topic. A reason why I like dogs more than cats is because I find them creepy. At night when their eyes glow yellow- it freaks me out. If cats do become therapy animals, I think that it will take a long time because cats are so independent and like their own space. But in the end I do understand your point of cat’s being good stress relievers (for those who like cats and and cats that are playful) but I don’t think they would be consistent enough to call them therapy animals.

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