Cats and People (Cats Protection)

If you already share your life with a cat, you’re probably aware that you get far more than just companionship and affection in return, but did you know that owning a cat has proven health and social benefits? Cat owners are less likely to suffer from stress and are known to relax more and have greater life satisfaction. Cats keep their owners feeling young and active and learning how to care for a cat can do wonders for a child’s self-esteem, social skills and sense of responsibility to others. For many owners, their cat is an integral member of the family – inspiring feelings of peace, joy and happiness and providing fun and laughter. The emotional bond between human and pet can be as rewarding as many human relationships and may offer similar psychological benefits. Cats can make a house a home.

Cats and children

Growing up with a pet can be an extremely rewarding experience for any youngster. Many children regard their cat as their best friend and it is through this friendship that important lessons are learned – in trust and empathy, care and love – which help children become responsible and caring adults. For an only child, their cat may provide a vital source of friendship and opportunity for play – children often prefer to share their feelings with a pet rather than another person. There are many physical benefits for children too and pet ownership can provide a source of comfort during recovery and rehabilitation. A number of studies in the UK and USA report that exposure to pets during infancy may significantly reduce the risk for asthma and allergies in later childhood. Primary school children from pet-owning households are also shown to have lower sickness absenteeism from school.

Cats and babies

Most cats will get on famously with a new arrival in the household but a baby does bring a whole change of routine and lifestyle for your cat. The character of your cat – whether shy or confident – will affect how they react to this new experience. It’s important to remember that even though you have a new baby and all the sleepless nights to contend with, you still have a responsibility to keep your cat healthy and happy. Your cat will have been used to having your undivided attention before the birth and the sudden change in priorities can be unsettling for them.

Cats and health

There is an increasing body of evidence that shows cats can be beneficial to physical and mental health. Many cat owners derive comfort and a renewed sense of well-being by stroking and grooming their cat. Such activities can improve people’s mood, reducing levels of stress hormones and increasing the levels of a variety of feel-good hormones – as well as bringing great enjoyment for the cat. Many people can benefit from interaction with cats – especially those affected by a mental and physical health issues. Cats can be therapeutic for those with depression, dementia or autism. Stroking a feline friend can help reduce high blood pressure and improve the recovery of trauma victims. Caring for pets can also be helpful as part of the rehabilitation of offenders.

Working with cats

There are many opportunities to spend more time with cats, beyond enjoying them as pets in your home. Vets practices, pet-sitters, animal welfare organisations and boarding catteries welcome feline enthusiasts, who find helping cats in need extremely rewarding. For more opportunities for volunteering or working with Cats Protection

Keeping safe

As with all things in life, interaction with animals is not absolutely riskfree, but it is important to balance the positive influence cats can have in people’s lives with any potential risks. Being fully informed can help cat owners minimise the risks.

Cats and allergies

Things that cause allergic reactions are called triggers or allergens. Almost anything can be an allergen including pollen, dust mites or tobacco smoke. Detergents and perfumes can also cause an allergic reaction, as can insect stings, pet hair and feathers.

The severity of an allergic reaction varies dramatically from person to person. Symptoms include:

• sneezing and a runny or blocked nose
• itchy and watery eyes 
• coughing and wheezing
• itchy skin

Asthma and eczema sufferers may find that their symptoms are exacerbated by the presence of an allergen.

Make your house a home

Cats are popular pets and can be great stress-busters for families and people living alone or house sharing. They can provide companionship, emotional support and motivation for young and old – as well as opportunities for play and nurture.