Therapeutic Benefits of Being a Cat Parent
When I sat down this evening to think about what to write, I noticed myself getting anxious as I rapidly cycled through ideas and debated them all in my head. Just as I felt my heartbeat beginning to rise, a familiar little face gently nudged up under my hand as if to quiet my nervously tapping fingers. Almost instinctively, I knew this was my cue to set aside my computer and direct my attention to the loving ball of fur contorting his body for my amusement. I breathed out a sigh of relief as I re-focused my attention to the rhythmic purr bellowing from his chest and felt a sense of calm wash over me. We stayed together in this moment of knowing connection when I realized, ”Duh! I have the perfect anxiety-antidote right here!”
It’s no secret that pets can make a welcome addition to any home, but they also bring many welcome improvements to our own mental health. Here are just a few of the many benefits I’ve noticed as a life-long, self-identified “cat person.”
Helps to develop and maintain a morning routine: There’s no alarm clock more reliable than a hungry cat. Every morning without fail my cat will gleefully pounce onto the bed as if to notify me that I now have the pleasure of attending to his needs. While admittedly this can be a less endearing trait at first, I’ve found that overtime it’s a wonderful way to ensure I not only wake up earlier, but that I wake up and accomplish a task which helps set the tone for the day ahead.
Demonstrates the importance of joy and play in our lives: Cats have a reputation for being curious creatures not only in mind but in behavior. I delight in noticing all of my cat’s idiosyncrasies from his insistence on playing fetch to his insatiable appetite for lettuce, it never ceases to make me laugh. Similarly, cats also teach us that play should be an integral part of everyday life. I notice that if I don’t spend intentional time engaging in play, he’ll become more restless at night and have difficulty sleeping. Humans fall victim to similar consequences without dedicated time for play and daily enjoyment. These experiences are vital in helping us create a sense of balance with our often busy work lives.
Provides a lesson in consent and boundaries: As the old saying goes, “You can never approach a cat, you must wait for the cat to approach you.” Wildly autonomous beings, cats will continuously communicate with us what is and isn’t acceptable in terms of receiving affection. Whether it’s with an agitated tail thump or a more aggressive nibble, cats will show us that these desires can change from day to day and minute by minute and we must freely accept all assertions of boundaries.
In many ways, I believe that we’re kindred with these magical creatures and can learn a lot from them. They provide wisdom in the way they approach the world and can give us insight into how we may approach it better ourselves. Cats teach us how to be reliable and consistent providers, help us build healthy habits, remind us that play is not only enjoyable–it’s vital, and demonstrate how to show others we want to receive love.