Living with a cat
Well-being, companionship and health for the whole family
Cats are one of the most popular pets, and it’s no coincidence. Their combination of independence, calmness and affection makes them ideal companions for both people who spend many hours away from home and families looking for an affectionate and easy-to-care-for animal. They do not require daily walks, are naturally clean and tend to adapt very well to indoor life, tolerating loneliness better than other animals.
But living with a cat is not just a matter of comfort: it also brings real benefits for physical and emotional health.
A companion that improves your well-being
Petting a cat reduces stress and anxiety by lowering levels of cortisol, the stress hormone. Their purring—soft, constant, and deeply relaxing—creates a sense of calm that can even help you fall asleep. That’s why many people find that having a cat at home improves their mood and brings balance in times of stress.
Several studies have shown that living with a cat can help lower blood pressure, boost the immune system and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. In children, living with cats is associated with a lower incidence of allergies and improvements in sociability, communication and emotional management, especially in cases of autism.
On a day-to-day basis, their presence fills the house with vitality: they are curious, playful and capable of bringing a smile to your face even on difficult days. In addition, their natural hunting instinct can help keep your home free of small insects or rodents.
Cat therapy: when wellbeing becomes therapy
The therapeutic power of cats has given rise to cat therapy, a technique that uses interaction with cats to improve mood and mental health. Although the way we view cats has changed throughout history—from sacred animals in ancient Egypt to unjustly persecuted beings in the Middle Ages—today they are fully integrated into assisted therapies.
In hospitals, nursing homes and specialised centres, cats help reduce anxiety, alleviate feelings of loneliness and promote concentration. Their calm movements, warmth and purring create a relaxing environment that contributes to the emotional stability of those who live with them.
Among the main benefits of cat therapy are:
◾️Reduction of stress and anxiety, thanks to physical contact.
◾️Support in cases of depression, providing companionship and routine.
◾️Strengthening of the immune system, especially in children.
◾️Cardiovascular protection, associated with stress reduction.
◾️Improved mood, due to their affectionate and playful nature.
◾️Increased oxytocin, which promotes social interaction in people with autism.
◾️Greater physical activity, through participation in games and daily care.
◾️Constant feeling of calm and emotional stability.
Responsibility and care: a long-term commitment
Although cats bring countless benefits, it is essential to remember that living with one involves responsibility. It requires:
🔸Adequate, high-quality food.
🔸Regular veterinary check-ups.
🔸Up-to-date vaccinations and worming.
🔸An enriched environment with scratching posts, play areas and resting places.
🔸Attention, affection and companionship.
📌Living with a cat means receiving companionship, emotional balance and moments of tenderness every day. Their presence not only fills the home with tranquillity and joy, but also contributes to improving the physical and mental health of the whole family. With proper care and lots of love, a cat can become one of the best companions in life.
