Research Suggests Cats Possess Healing Powers

Our cats are very special. They shape our lives and make us whole, and once we share our home with a cat, our lives are never the same again. Cats have the ability to understand us without the use of words, and they make us feel special when they show us just how deeply they care for us.

Many cat lovers believe that cats have healing powers, and if you take a look at the science behind it, the facts all point to this being true. Let’s take a closer look at the research that shows cats possess healing powers.

Science Has Shown Us That Owning a Cat Is Healthy for Your Heart

We know that cats make us happy, but research tells us that they even make our hearts happier and healthier, too. A study out of the University of Minnesota shows us that owning a cat can even reduce your risk of a heart attack. Psychology Today shares that,

The findings are based on a 10-year study, carried out by researchers at the Stroke Research Center at the University of Minnesota. The study, which looked at 4,435 Americans aged 30 to 75, showed that those who did not have a cat had a 40% higher risk of having a heart attack and a 30% greater risk of dying from other heart diseases than those who have or have had a cat.

Petting Your Cat Can Reduce Your Stress

It’s hard to feel stressed when your cat is sitting happily purring away on your lap. A cat’s purr is quite powerful, and cats can even use their powerful purrs to heal their bones if they’ve become injured.

When it comes to us, your cat’s purr can create a euphoric, stress-relieving effect, especially if you stroke your cat’s fur gently. Petting your cat is a great way to strengthen the bond that the two of you share.

Cats Can Help To Improve Your Mental Health

While Covid was extremely difficult on all of us, one of the very few benefits was that so many dogs and cats were adopted from animal shelters to keep people company while passing the time at home. And that’s a very good thing because cats—as well as dogs—possess the power to greatly improve our mental health.

And, it goes without saying, that all of us have felt the weight of our mental health like never before in these past few unprecedented years.

As we mentioned above, petting a cat is a big stress reliever, and when doing so, it allows your body to relax and produce less cortisol. Additionally, cats make wonderful companions, and they can help to ease the damaging effects of depression, anxiety, and general loneliness. And this is especially true if your cat lays on your lap, or chest, or shares the bed with you at night.

Keeping a Cat Can Benefit Your Overall Psychological Health

One study out of Australia has proven to us that those who share their lives with cats are known to have better psychological health and well-being. This study measured: “…the survey employed measures of general psychological health, depression, state and trait anxiety, sleep disturbance, nurturance, attitudes toward pets, social desirability, and a life events inventory.”

And, the findings of the study indicated that: “…cat owners had significantly lower scores for general psychological health, indicating a lower level of psychiatric disturbance, and could be considered to have better psychological health than the non-pet subjects.”

Cats Can Comfort Us in Times of Need

Our feline friends possess the ability to comfort us in times when we need them most. This can be when we are grieving or in mourning, anxious, nervous, or even scared. Cats have the ability to sense when we need them the most, and they will come looking for us during these moments and show us their support.

Just sitting with your cat when you’re feeling down can help to ease your mind and make you feel loved and appreciated. It’s these little ways our cats show us affection that makes us feel like our lives wouldn’t be the same without them in them.

Cats Can Sometimes Sense Things That Humans Cannot

There have been countless stories of dogs saving the day or sensing things when humans can’t, but there have also been many cats who have saved the day or been there in moments that seemed almost as if they possessed a sixth sense of knowing. There have been actual stories of cats predicting illness, such as cancer, in their human companions.

And, for one recently deceased feline named Oscar, he possessed a most extraordinary gift that touched the lives of the humans he helped in their final moments. Oscar was a truly remarkable feline, and there’s even a book about the amazing things that he sensed.

For Oscar, he was the resident kitty at the Steere House Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Rhode Island for many years. And, during his time there, he predicted the deaths of dozens of residents in the nursing home. It was said by Dr. David Dosa:

“…as if this were his job, Oscar strides purposely into a patient’s room, curls up on the bed, and begins his vigil. Oscar provides comfort and companionship when people need him most. And his presence lets caregivers and loved ones know that it’s time to say goodbye. Oscar’s gift is a tender mercy.”

One thing is certain, cats utilize their healing powers to make the world a better place. Check out this next article on Cats.com to read about how cats make their owners healthier—and science even proves it!