Stressed All the Time? 4 Ways a Cat Could Help Decrease Your Anxiety

If you have dealt with anxiety for most of your life, you’ve probably tried everything. At least, that might be how it seems. You’ve dealt with so many people (including yourself) telling you to calm down. You know it’s not that simple, but you wish it was. However, there might be a furry friend who can help—a cat. Here is what you should know:

Stressed All the Time? 4 Ways a Cat Could Help Decrease Your Anxiety

Companionship

One of the scariest parts of anxiety is how alone it makes you feel. If you live alone, having anxiety can magnify your fears. You might feel as though you are alone not just in your home, but also in the world. A cat is the perfect kind of companionship. Having their presence in your home will help to assuage your anxieties.

The thing about relationships is that it’s always a two-way street and both sides have to meet in the middle. With a cat, though, you don’t have to work as hard. It will love you no matter what and you just need to take care of its basic necessities: food, shelter and regular health checks with a vet like those at Cat Care Clinic. Simple enough, right?

Health

Anxiety is a health concern that can also cause further health concerns. Additionally, health concerns can contribute to further anxiety. If you’re constantly stressed, you’re unlikely to take proper care of your body. Cats as pets have been shown to have numerous health benefits such as reducing the risk of stroke. For those who feel stressed out, cats can also help decrease blood pressure and heart rate.

Stress

If you feel emotionally unwell, a cat can provide your comfort. Anyone who’s petted a cat knows how therapeutic it feels. They can also come up to you and lie by your side. It might come naturally to them, but it will mean a lot to you. It’s also important to make sure you are equally comforting to your cat. Give them scratches behind their ears and treats so that you show them how much you care.

Someone to Talk to

Overcoming or dealing with anxiety largely comes from being able to discuss it. If you’re not willing to talk about your anxiety, it’s likely to manifest inside you. This holding onto anxiety is not healthy. However, if you live alone or don’t have anyone to talk with, it might seem like your only choice. With a cat, you can discuss your problems with a non-judging audience. Even if they don’t understand, you can still feel better for knowing you opened up. This can then make it easier for you to talk to a therapist.

There is no surefire cure for anxiety. It’s a matter of using different methods and being cognizant of yourself. A cat won’t fix everything, but it will very likely make you feel better.