Any cat lover will be able to rave about living with their feline at home and all the advantages that they perceive. Although his speech seems logically biased to us, the truth is that science has explained with data what are the benefits of petting a catand opening the door for it of our home. But, in addition to the benefits for us, the cat will also experience the positive consequences of the relationship.
In this article on our site we focus on sharing those benefits of petting a cat, both for the animal and for us. Don't miss them!
Tips for petting a cat
In the following sections we will explain the benefits of petting a cat both for him and for us, but, first of all, it is important to point out that petting sessions, in order to truly have a positive effect, they must be done at a time of good predisposition by both parties. In other words, it is not that we grab the cat and start petting it. You have to wait for for him to initiate the interaction and, on the other hand, it shouldn't be forcibly prolonged.
The cats that live with us are usually affectionate, but there are individual differences that we have to respect. For example, they often welcome caresses between the ears, the sides of the face or the back, along the spine. But, on the contrary, they are not comfortable if we try to touch their belly or legs It is important to keep this in mind so that the moment of caresses is pleasant for both of us. Similarly, as soon as the cat becomes restless, let it go and not hold or chase it.
For more information about where you should and shouldn't pet your cat, don't miss this article: "How to pet a cat?"
Benefits of our cat caresses
Cats enjoy petting as much as we like petting them. The myth that they are independent is just that, a myth. And although, logically, there are differences in character between cats, most of the cats with whom we live happily accept our caresses, even if they mark their limits.
Cats seek and accept our contact because for them we are like a great mother cat. In their eyes we play the role of that mother figure. To understand it, we have to go back to its stage as a nursing kitten. During this time her mother licks them very often Our caresses remind her of the contact of the mother cat's tongueon her body. Our hand, in other words, would be like a giant tongue. The mother is protection, food and, ultimately, well-being. Bearing this in mind, it is easy to understand the benefits of petting a cat.
Thus, even if a cat is an adult, in his relationship with us he will always be a kitten. It is part of the domestication process, which, in a way, keeps animals in a juvenile stage. That is why the request for caresses and the benefits of that contact last throughout the life of the cat. Notice that, normally, when we caress our cat, it stretches its tail and keeps it rigid upwards. It is the same behavior that is observed in kittens with their mothers and is an invitation to examine the genital area. Our caresses provide him with well-being and take him back to that time of absolute happiness with his mother.
On the other hand, physical contact often triggers the purr. Although this has different meanings, in the middle of a petting session it tells us that the cat feels happy and at ease The purr also dates back to the lactating period, since this begins to register when the kittens are only one week old. The little ones broadcast it to inform their mother that everything is fine.
If you want to know more about the purr, don't miss this video:
Benefits for people of petting a cat
Science has confirmed that living with cats manages to benefit people's he alth to the point that they live longer and with a better quality of life. The following positive psychological, physical and social effects have been shown:
- Prevention of the development of allergies in children and, in general, of respiratory infections.
- Mood enhancement, stress reduction by lowering cortisol levels and relaxation.
- Increased self-esteem.
- Protection of heart he alth, reducing the risk of death by heart attack.
- Blood pressure drop.
- Increase in oxytocin, a hormone related to love and friendship.
- Helps to establish and maintain social relationships, since it promotes rapprochement with other people who also live with cats in the veterinary clinic, the supermarket, etc.
- The feeling of loneliness is dampened.
- Stimulation in the acquisition of responsibilities in the little ones.
In short, the benefits of petting a cat for just a few minutes a day are not just in the imagination of cat keepers. Physical contact with them, in short, reduces the stress to which we are subjected to a greater or lesser degree on a daily basis. Coming home and petting our cat helps us enter a state of relaxation. This intensifies when, in addition, the cat begins to purr. To reciprocate, do not hesitate to consult How to make your cat happy and offer him the best quality of life. And if you have just adopted an adult or baby cat that is a bit distrustful, we can also help you with this other article: "How to gain a cat's trust?"
The verification of this large number of beneficial effects for people has led to cats being included in different therapies that aim to improve the physical and mental state of certain groups of people.
