Scientists have confirmed: cats reduce stress levels, improve heart function, and help overcome loneliness. Their purring positively affects a person's mental and physical state. Cats are not just pets—they are "therapists" whose healing effect is scientifically substantiated.
Cats are a source of positivity and a powerful factor in human mental and physical well-being. Scientists have proven that these animals reduce stress levels, support the cardiovascular system, and improve emotional states. This was reported by Healthline.
How Cats Help Overcome Loneliness and Reduce Stress Levels
For many people, cats are full-fledged family members; over 80% of pet owners refer to their pets as "children."
This bond, as psychologists note, reduces anxiety levels, helps combat loneliness, and promotes the production of endorphins. The playful behavior of cats and their purring evoke smiles and positive emotions, creating a natural anti-stress effect.
Scientific experiments show that having a cat nearby helps a person recover from stress more quickly. In a study involving 120 couples, the least increase in blood pressure and heart rate was observed in those who had a cat nearby.
Researchers also found that 10 minutes of interaction with a pet can significantly lower cortisol levels—the stress hormone. If a person lives with a cat for a long time, the effect accumulates: they become calmer, more composed, and balanced.
Cats Improve Emotional States
Constant interaction with a cat fosters kindness, care, and empathy. Owners of such animals often demonstrate more stable emotional behavior and find it easier to connect with others.
Psychologists note that cats are especially beneficial for people with anxiety disorders: they create a sense of safety, help focus, and restore inner balance.
Cats Improve Physical Health
Cats also have a positive impact on physical health. Walking with them outdoors improves mood, stimulates physical activity, and reduces the risk of cardiovascular problems.
The purring of cats has a special therapeutic effect. The sound frequency of 25 to 150 hertz, according to research, stabilizes heart rhythm and accelerates recovery from injuries. Some scientists believe that these sounds reduce the likelihood of heart attacks.
