10 Mental Health Benefits of Owning a Cat

Animals can exert an incredible influence on our mental state. In honor of Bell’s Let’s Talk Day 2023, it’s the perfect time to explore how cats enhance our psychological well-being. From the most grumpy kitties to the friendliest felines, cats have a unique way of offering companionship, love, laughter, and comfort. While they might not always be kind to our furniture, research consistently shows that cats are wonderful for our emotional health.

From lifting our moods and improving sleep quality to soothing us with their healing purrs and stress-relieving presence, here are 10 key ways cats boost our mental health.

1. Cat Purrs Boast Therapeutic Properties

Did you know cat purrs have healing effects? For millennia, cultures worldwide have used sound therapy as a form of holistic healing. Studies confirm that cat purrs range between 25–240 Hz—a frequency known to accelerate the healing of wounds, broken bones, and tendon or joint injuries. Many people also swear that their cat’s purring eases migraines!

Additionally, purring triggers the release of endorphins in cats—and it may do the same for humans. Endorphins lower stress levels and blood pressure, benefiting both our mental and physical health.

2. Elevate Mood and Alleviate Stress

Few things feel better than a warm, soft cat curled snugly on your lap. Research shows that cats have a calming, stress-reducing effect on our bodies, and cat owners are up to 30% less likely to develop heart disease. Even watching cat videos can significantly lift our mood—It’s nearly impossible to feel stressed when looking at a happy cat!

3. Reduce Anxiety Feelings

Anxiety and depression are two of the most prevalent mental health conditions globally, and accessing support services can be challenging for many. Being with our cats helps us feel less isolated, providing a sense of comfort and friendship. Holding, petting, snuggling, or simply sitting beside our cats can ease anxiety by distracting us from overwhelming thoughts—even if just for a moment.

4. Provide Companionship and Ease Loneliness

While dog lovers insist canines make better companions, cat enthusiasts know there’s nothing quite like feline friendship. Cats offer a strong sense of companionship and boost our mood just by being present. They tend to be lower maintenance than dogs yet provide the same love, affection, and camaraderie.

5. Foster Healthier Habits and Remind Us of Self-Care

Caring for another living being can improve how we take care of ourselves. On days when life feels overwhelming and you struggle to get out of bed, your cat gives you a reason to rise. Whether they rouse you with a gentle nudge, persistent meow, or even a well-timed hairball in the middle of your bed, your cat ensures you start your day on track by reminding you to fill their food bowl. Cats have a unique way of keeping us accountable.

6. Support Recovery from Psychological Trauma and Mental Illness

It comes as no surprise to animal lovers that pets have an overwhelmingly positive impact on mental health. Pet therapy has proven particularly effective for recovering from conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety. Cats are often used as therapy animals in hospitals, physical therapy sessions, long-term care facilities, and other medical settings to aid patients’ physical, mental, and emotional recovery.

Cats also benefit children with autism, ADHD, and other cognitive conditions by promoting positive social interactions.

7. Enhance Sleep Quality

There’s a reason for the term “cat naps”! Studies show that having your cat nearby leads to a better night’s sleep. Owners who let their cats sleep in their bed (or in the same room on their own bed) reported finding it easier to fall and stay asleep. What sets cats apart from dogs, though, is that cat owners specifically noted waking fewer times during the night and feeling less restless and fatigued.

8. Offer a Calming Presence

As cat lovers know all too well, felines can be quite aloof. Their carefree, unbothered demeanor helps put life’s stresses into perspective. Their calming influence can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease by up to 30%, and their silly antics never fail to entertain.

In general, cat owners reported feeling less anxious, stressed, and lonely when in their cat’s presence compared to when apart. Beyond physical comforts like purrs, cuddles, and affectionate kneading, cats amuse us with their funny behaviors and give us a reason to get up in the morning (if only to avoid forgetting their breakfast!).

9. Improve Relationship Skills

Contrary to what dog lovers might argue, studies show that cat owners may have better interpersonal skills overall. While dog owners tended to be more dominant, cat owners were more sensitive. They also appeared more open-minded, scored higher on intelligence tests, and were more trusting of others. These traits often carry over from our relationships with our feline friends to our interactions with other people.

10. Boost Self-Esteem

Along with being sensitive and open-minded, cat owners also reported higher self-esteem and self-worth than non-pet owners. Caring for someone other than ourselves fosters a sense of accomplishment, fulfillment, and confidence. The more confident we feel in our abilities, the better we tend to feel about ourselves overall.

Unlike dogs, who tend to like almost everyone, cats are selective about who they show affection to. Knowing a cat likes you and actively seeks your attention is one of the most rewarding feelings around!