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Any cat lover can talk about the wonders of living with a feline at home and all the perks it has. Although his speech seems logically biased, the truth is that science has explained with data what are the benefits of stroking a cat and opening the door of our house for him. In addition to the benefits for us, the cat will also experience the positive consequences of the relationship.
In this PeritoAnimal article, we focus on sharing these benefits petting a cat, both for the animal and for us - don't miss it!
Advice for petting a cat
In the following sections, we'll explain the benefits of petting a cat for both him and us. However, first of all, it is important to emphasize, to have a really positive effect, that the nurturing sessions must be done in a moment of good will on both sides. In other words, it's not about holding the cat and starting to pet it. We have to wait for the cat to start the interaction and, on the other hand, it must not be forcibly prolonged.
The cats that live with us are generally affectionate, but there are individual differences that we have to respect. For example, they generally accept caresses between the ears, on the sides of the face or on the back, along the spine. on the other hand, they don't feel comfortable if we try to touch the belly or their paws. It is important to keep this in mind so that the cuddling time is enjoyable for both of you. Likewise, when the cat is restless, you should allow it to leave and not force or trap the cat.
For more information on where you should and shouldn't pet your cat, don't miss this article: "How to Pet Your Cat".
Cat Care Benefits
Cats love to be petted as much as we do. The myth that they are independent is just that, a myth. And although, of course, there are character differences between each other, most cats we live with gladly accept our caresses, even though they mark their limits.
Cats seek and admit our contact because, to them, we are like a great mother cat. In your eyes, we play the role of the mother figure. To understand this, let's go back to the lactating puppy stage. During this period, the mother licks the puppies very often. Human affection reminds cats of the mother cat's mother tongue contact in your body. Our hand, in other words, would be like a giant tongue. The mother represents protection, nourishment and, in short, well-being. With this in mind, it's easy to understand the benefits of petting a cat.
Therefore, even if a cat is an adult, in its relationship with us it will always be a kitten. It's part of the domestication process, which, in a way, keeps animals in a juvenile stage. That's why the request for caresses and the benefits of that contact are prolonged throughout the cat's life. Note that, normally, when we pet our cat, he will stretch his tail and hold it rigid up. This is the same behavior you see in kittens with their mothers and is an invitation to examine the genital area. our caresses you provide well-being and transfer him to that time of absolute happiness with his mother.
On the other hand, physical contact usually triggers the purring. Although this has different meanings, in the middle of a petting session, the purr tells us that the cat feels happy and comfortable. Purring also dates back to lactation, as it begins to register when kittens are only a week old. The little ones purr to inform the mother that all is well.
If you want to know more about purring, don't miss this video:
Benefits of Petting a Cat
Science shows that living with cats can benefit people's health, making them live longer and with a better quality of life. The following positive effects have been demonstrated at a psychological, physical and social level:
- Preventing the development of allergies in children and, in general, from respiratory infections.
- mood improvement and stress reduction by decreasing cortisol levels and relaxation.
- Increased self-esteem.
- Protection of heart health, reducing the risk of death from a heart attack.
- Lowering blood pressure.
- Increased oxytocin, a hormone related to love and friendship.
- It helps to establish and maintain social relationships, as it favors the approximation with other people who also live with cats in the veterinary clinic, supermarket, etc.
- The feeling of loneliness is muffled.
- Stimulation in the acquisition of responsibilities in minors.
In short, the benefits of petting a cat for just a few minutes a day are not just in the imagination of its caregivers. Physical contact with them definitely reduces the stress we are placed on daily, to a greater or lesser degree. Coming home and petting a cat helps us get into a relaxed state. This intensifies when, in addition, the cat starts to purr. In return, don't hesitate to consult How to make your cat happy and offer her the best quality of life. And, if you've just adopted a slightly suspicious adult or baby cat, here's another article to help you: "How to Gain a Cat's Trust."
The confirmation of this large amount of beneficial effects for people has allowed cats to be included in different therapies that try to improve the physical and mental state of certain groups of people.
If you want to read more articles similar to Benefits of Petting a Cat, we recommend that you enter our Curiosities section of the animal world.