How emotional contact with a cat affects the human brain
Cats are present in almost every home. The little fluffy little clubs wake up their owners in the morning to get up and feed their pets. They are one of the animals that will remind you that life goes on. A close emotional bond is established between kitties and owners. Scientific observations show that cat owners have much lower levels of stress and anxiety. When we cuddle our Pet, we realize we are not alone. There is a small affectionate creature that needs our love, attention and companionship. Interaction with a cat sends the human brain to produce the “happiness hormone” oxytocin. It enhances the production of feelings of trust, love and calmness in relationships. There is a whole science: felinotherapy (from the Latin felis – cat) – a methodology that makes it possible to cure diseases with the help of positive emotional contact between a human and a cat.
There are several explanations of how a strong emotional contact with an animal occurs.
If you stroke a cat, brush its fluffy fur, small soothing motor movements occur, which, due to the warmth of the cat’s body, reduce the level of the stress hormone cortisol. The “bliss hormones” serotonin, dopamine and endorphins automatically increase. You’ve probably noticed that your kitty likes to lie down on a sore spot. He senses the increased body temperature, your mood and starts to purr affectionately, and maybe even strongly. Purring has a strong therapeutic effect. Cats coo at a frequency of about 26 hertz. in a range that promotes tissue regeneration. A vibration is created that heals not only the body, but also helps establish a deep peace of mind. Scientists have patented vibration devices, based on the principle of cat purring, for use in therapeutic techniques.
The cat threw his paws up, fell asleep in a jar, stuck his head in the sour cream – you can’t look at cats without laughing. These pets are capable of extraordinary antics. And laughter drives away depression and prolongs life.
The cat sleeps, balled up, in a corner? Even if you only have an eye on the Pet, there is a warm, soulful closeness. Caring for the lesser ones helps to feel a sense of belonging to society, to be more active and kinder.
Studies and examples: how cats save people from loneliness and anxiety
A study published in the Journal of Psychiatric Research proved that feline therapy improves mood and reduces anxiety in people with depression. Another study conducted in the US showed the positive effects of cat-human interaction. The patients’ blood pressure and risk of cardiovascular diseases decreased.
Scientists first set out to prove the profound impact of cat-human interaction in the 1970s. California scientists proved that cats cure humans. Two groups of people who received medication took part in the study. One group spent daily soap time with the cats and the other group did not. At the end of the study, examination revealed that the performance of the patients of the cat people, had a better academic performance. Similar experiments were repeated in the UK, Canada, Germany, Japan, where the results of the study were the same – socializing with animals helps to improve the course of the disease.
In Japan they have created the concept of longevity “Koikoi-san” (Koikoi-san), which is based on communication with kitties. This position describes a culture of elderly people who have healthy psychological longevity because they live with cats.
A striking example of the change in a person’s psychological state as a result of friendship with a cat can be seen in the autobiographical movie A Street Cat Named Bob. One day, one cat and one guy – and the course of one life story is forever changed. Street musician and writer James Bowen turned his back on drugs, found his meaning in life, wrote books, and personally starred with his cat Bob in autobiographical films. In 2020, James’ pet cat died at the age of 14. “Bob saved my life. It’s as simple as that. He gave me so much more than just companionship. With him, I found the direction and purpose I was missing. He met thousands of people, touched millions of lives. There has never been a cat like him. And there never will be again,” the cat’s owner told me.
Why cats and not other animals?
Cats are our little fluffy anti-stress balls. Cats have excellent observation, if the owner is upset, they immediately want to soothe, cuddle their body to the hands of the owner. If a constant emotional and tactile contact is established between the owner and the Pet, this attention of the cat will be even more weighty. Even if we used to think that kitties are more independent and self-reliant like dogs, they are actually very social animals and need human friendship and contact. Depression is caused by thoughts of their loneliness, non-membership in society. The fluffy coo-coo declares: “Here I am! You’re not alone, I’m with you! Soft, fluffy, in need of affection, your best friend”. Cats unlike people do not leave their friends, they are always near, ready to come and purr contentedly on the lap of the owner. It is the purring of cats that has a calming effect, other animals can not afford it. Fluffy warm “cushion” warms with warmth not only hands, chest, but also the heart. It helps to relax all muscles and set a healthy heart rate. Studies have shown that cat owners are 5 times less likely to go to the doctor.
If you’re sad and lonely, it’s time to get a purring friend. It’ll take the edge off your depression.
