Cat therapy: how the company of cats benefits us

Cats have been loved by man since time immemorial, but today we also discover that they can bring us multiple benefits in terms of physical and mental health.

Thanks to cat therapy, these animals can improve our well-being just by enjoying their company.

Cat therapy: feline companionship as a treatment

It is not in vain that cat videos triumph on the networks. These animals are well loved and have legions of fans. And now the enthusiasts of these little felines can be in luck, because in addition to being funny, we know that cats can help as therapy. Scientifically proven!

The so-called cat therapy is based simply on the interactions between the person and the cat, and the way in which they relate to each other. This form of treatment is very simple, but it has been proven that effectively helps combat the symptoms of stress and anxiety.

In addition, cats are very autonomous animals and require relatively little care, which makes them perfect companion animals for people who live alone or who have more difficulties to be able to take care of from them.

But something as simple as their company or having them close not only helps to combat loneliness, but also helps create a feeling of relaxation and it also lifts the mood.

Therapeutic benefits

Both the activity of stroking a cat and the sounds they make, especially the purr, have relaxing effects that help reduce stress levels. They also significantly lower blood pressure and heart rate, making them great allies for people with heart problems.

In fact, a study conducted in the United States proved that patients with heart problems who lived with cats improved their condition more quickly. In other research, they concluded that people who keep cats as pets have a lower risk of dying from a heart attack.

The purr of a cat is found at a very low frequency, between 20 and 140 Hz, and it is proven that low frequency sounds contribute to the regeneration and strengthening of bones, as well as are beneficial for injuries to muscles or tendons with injuries.

They also positively affect the mood of people, favoring a good mood and providing a sense of security to those who are close. They are also very useful for fighting insomnia, as their soothing sound helps you fall asleep.

• Related article: "12 ways to fight insomnia effectively”

Mental health applications

The use of cat therapy has proven to be very useful in nursing homes or hospitals, and in some it is already used as any other therapeutic form.

Several studies have shown that treating the elderly with cats helps them express emotions and to stimulate memory, an exercise that turns out to be very beneficial in cases of people with dementia. This type of activity favors the delay of neuronal degeneration and is especially beneficial in cases of people with dementias.

Cat therapy is also especially useful in cases of people with mental disorders or some type of disability, either physical or mental. Its effects are especially notable in cases of autism, Down syndrome, Alzheimer's and other types of associated dementias.

Nor is any cat worth

For cat therapy to be effective, not just any cat will do. This must meet a series of characteristics and there are even those who are trained to fulfill this therapeutic function.

For a cat to help us in this task, it must be sociable, affectionate and calm.. Some cats can become too nervous or aggressive, with which their effect would be the opposite of what is desired.

Nor should we forget that cats are not toys or tools for our well-being, and like all pets they require our care and attention. But do not worry. If you cannot take care of one but you are interested in what we have said, there are apps that can help.

What if I can't have one?

If for some reason you cannot have a cat as a pet but you want to benefit from its therapeutic action, you should know thatthere is a website and different mobile applications that imitate purrs and more soothing sounds of a cat.

Purrli is a web that simulates the purrs of a cat, modeled from real sounds. It was created so that the relaxing and influential power of purrs could be enjoyed anywhere and without the need for a pet. Ideal for cat lovers who cannot have one, either because they are allergic or because they cannot afford to care for them.

In addition to adjusting the volume and activating a timer, the web allows you to choose the type of purr and customize it. You can adjust if you want the cat to sound relaxed or lively, if you want it to be sleepy or cheerful, that sounds distant or close... Up to 6 options that you can adapt to each of your preferences of the moment.

It is not yet available in app format, but there are many others that have the same function, so you can enjoy them wherever you go.

Do you dare to try?