Benefits of Emotional Support Cats

Learn how caring for an affectionate emotional support cat can give seniors and people with disabilities, such as mood disorders or autism, a sense of purpose and reduce feelings of loneliness, depression and anxiety.

How Emotional Support Cats Help

Alleviate stress and anxiety
Enhance sleep quality
Foster a sense of tranquility
Decrease blood pressure
Strengthen the immune system
Encourage physical activity
Elevate mood
Amplify feelings of empathy
Mitigate feelings of loneliness

Improve Mood and Mental Health

Cats reduce feelings of loneliness and lower anxiety and depression:

The sound of a cat purring is a calming sound that emits soothing vibrations.
Touching a cat’s soft, silky fur, calms the mind and soothes the heart
Caring for the wellbeing of another creature, gives one a sense of purpose.

Certain people with disabilities benefit tremendously from an emotional support cat, such as: a senior living with a physical disability, a child with autism who experiences sensory overload, or a teen with a mood disorder that goes through depressive episodes.

Enhance Physical

Well-being

Owning a cat enhances your physical health in various ways, including strengthening your immune system, decreasing the risk of heart attacks, and alleviating symptoms of asthma.

Create Sense of Purpose through Caregiving

Caring for the wellbeing of a cat gives individuals a meaningful sense of purpose. By focusing on the needs of another creature, people find fulfillment and a positive shift in their mental wellbeing, especially beneficial for those feeling isolated or lonely.

Studies

Shelter cats help children with autism

Shelter cats/dogs benefit people with chronic mental illness

Pets impact on quality of life, a case study

Cat ownership and cardiovascular disease

Pet ownership reduces loneliness among older adults

Power of support from companion animals for people living with mental health problems