What a review of 30 studies reveals about the impact of pets on depression. But what does science say about the ability of a.
Cats Are The Unsung Heroes Of Mental Health The Establishment
Thank you for asking.
Cats help depression. How Cats Help Improve Mental Health The Catnip Times. A sad cat may use their own scent to feel better by urinating in inappropriate places. Cats are creatures of habit.
If you are recovering from a heart attack the process takes a shorter period when you have a pet in your possession. Sad cats may snub foods they previously enjoyed and may even lose interest in their favorite treats. If your cat gets a clean bill of health from the vet its time to think about other reasons your cat might be experiencing stress and as a result signs of depression.
There are many reasons for urinating outside of the litter box but stress depression and sadness are high on this list. Getting a pet is often recommended as a treatment for depression. Scientists and researchers have conducted a number of studies over the years to prove the health benefits of owning cats and some of them are quite surprising.
I have dealt with depression anxiety and panic attacks for over 20 years says Alyssa Heller. Depending on your working commitments and pace of life set up feeding playing and grooming times and teach your kitty to rely on them. Cats make this characteristic sound by pushing air through their vocal chords.
Spraying or changes in bathroom habits. One unique benefit cats offer to depressed owners is the power of their purring. My mental health has improved tremendously since my cat Shadow came into my life.
Finally petting or hanging out with a cat on the couch definitely imparts a sense of calmness and well-being. The whiskers fuzzy faces the meows and the head nudges let us know our cats. These animals can be associated with emotional support animals or dubbed ESAs.
Cat lovers know this behavior is a sign of a calm and happy cat but its also something cats use to find one another navigate their environments and communicate their needs. Both of these hormones can help alleviate depression. Daily routine gives them a sense of security.
Studies have shown it can increase your levels of serotonin and dopamine. A final word on cat depression Depressed cats especially cats who are grieving will need extra compassion and care from their humans King explains. Cats may be often overlooked but whether serving as a critical companion at home an official emotional support animal or a part of the healing process in therapy they can greatly improve our mental health.
To help your cat deal with depression set up a daily schedule you will stick with. Tip If youre introducing a new cat into your home do so slowly over the period of a week or two. A cat taking a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor to treat depression such as fluoxetine should have a yearly blood test to check his liver and kidney functions.
If your cat is acting down in the dumps the very first thing to do is to bring him to the vet for a complete physical examination. For cat people its no question. In fact not only do cats help but they just happen to have extra super healing powers but also other pets can help with those suffering from depression or anxiety.
Ways to Help Cats with Depression. There are so many benefits to owning a cat from providing company when lonely to helping reduce stress by having them sit on your lap. YES cats do in fact help with depression and anxiety.
Research has shown how dogs and cats help with anxiety for example people with pets have lower blood pressure and heart rate when they want to undertake demanding tasks.