How A Cat Can Be A Great Pet Companion When You're Sad

Pain. That's all you can feel when you go through something traumatic, and you don't know how to make it better. You feel alone and just want the world to swallow you up to disappear forever. These are the moments where we need someone's presence and reassurance that everything will be okay. But what if you are alone, and you don't have anyone to go to? That's where an animal companion comes in. 

Are cats or dogs better for mental health?

Cats and dogs are clearly different, but the similarities in how they are capable of helping you mentally are undeniable. The preference is all about the person who needs this kind of mental support. A person needs a pet that will be compatible, not just to match their personality, but also their lifestyle.

A feline is one that requires time to sit and relax, many moments spent with them will involve you petting them while they sleep, which actually can reduce stress levels. A canine can be very energetic, where exercise is probably more common than reclining, so its possible to lower any anxiety from your mental capacity. 

There are all sorts of different mental health issues that can occur within any given person. They can happen to anyone, and the choice is up to the that singular person whether they want to seek help or not. I believe that depression may be one mental illness an animal can have the biggest impact on. Feeling sad is very common, but a continued sadness is where a pet can be at their strongest abilities to comfort. 

Do cats know when you are sad?

From my experience of having a cat, I can tell you with a complete accuracy that he is part of my family. The bond I built with him is a close one. He has been able to sense when I am sad, mad, or irritated. As I am starting to become depressed, he always shows up to keep me company so that I am not alone.

Maybe its just a coincidence, because its been said that cats don't normally care about human emotions, but I truly believe that the close companionship I have with him shows that he knows me well. I know for a fact, from his reactions, that he fully understands a lot of stuff that I say to him. But with all opinions aside, everyone seems to agree that most animals are actually aware of a person's emotions.

This leads me to maintain my belief that the relationship between a cat and human is vital in the act of understanding each other. Knowing how cats behave is important in developing your relationship with them. Each one will have a different personality despite the common stereotypes of them thinking they are above everyone. 

Can cats improve your mood?

While dogs are most likely the best animals that can bring a smile to anyone's face, I believe that cats are able to bring just as much happiness if given the chance. Their personalities are seen when they are playing, sleeping, or even talking will prove this to you. They can be excited to see you, and when raised with lots of love, they will need their cuddle and attention times just as much as dogs. 

Sitting down while petting a cat is one of the simplicities in life that can be taken for granted. While this may look in appearance like a villain moment, its a relaxing movement that help calm any mood you're in. Petting them is not the only way to gain quality time with them, you can also reduce your sadness just playing with them. 

Unlike dogs, you don't need to go out and buy an enormous amount of toys for your cat. They enjoy attacking the simplest household items. Such items can be a box, a paper ball, string, even a bottle cap.

They are strange creatures sometimes, and when watching them play, you just can't help but smile. They get overexcited, and you can clearly see it on there faces when their eyes enlarge. They crouch down and wiggle their butt right before they pounce. Sometimes they roll around or chase each other. When you just sit back and watch them go, its the most entertaining thing to be seen and it will induce a sense of happiness. 

With my cat, I have witnessed him go absolutely crazy. He'll love to run back and forth, he will play with a bottlecap like its a mouse trying to escape from him, and he absolutely loves hair ties. 

What pet is perfect for anxiety? 

As mentioned before, cats and dogs are both great to help reduce stress, but with spending time with an animal, it has to be with one you like. The amount of time said to spend with one in order to make a difference in your mentality is about 15 minutes of petting either a cat or dog, the brain will let off a set of hormones that is used when we are happier. 

While I have never spent a straight 15 minutes petting my cat, I can guarantee that this is true. Either animal is perfect for anxiety, but my cat suits me the best because my anxiety is containable when he is there. I remember a time when I needed to do a virtual presentation, and I was on the verge of a panic attack. Keeping him close by and holding him when I am nervous helps reduce that nervous moment I had and he calms me when I need it the most. 

I don't think there is any singular perfect pet that will help with anxiety for everyone. Each animal is special in their own way, similar to people. Finding the perfect match for each person, one will need to take the time to do research and find which one will be able to fit their life while also bringing them the most happiness possible. The same goes for the animal, they deserve the best life a person can give them as well.

So in other words, any animal can be perfect for dealing with anxiety, but cats can be pretty good at the task when loved in the right way.

Psychological benefits of having a cat

Obviously, people with a pet will be able to relinquish more stress than the typical person without an animal in their home, but there are more benefits than meets the eye. It is said that people have been happier, able to sleep better, and can become more confident in their life. 

There is a truth in being happier having a pet in the family. Dogs are great and so are cats, but I think it easier and better to have a cat than a dog. Cats are able to give you your space when you need it the most, and I feel as though they have the capability to completely understand you as a person. They also do a lot less damage to one's house than a dog does.

I remember what it was like when I didn't have a cat or a dog to call my own, I was lonely. I got a dog first, and she became a best friend to me, so when she died it was very difficult to find anything good in life. My cat was already living with us by then, but he truly became my own when he helped chase away my grief and move on. I have been more positive and cheerful than I ever had been before, and I have him to thank for that.

Without a doubt, I believe everyone should have an animal sidekick by their side. Whether it be a bird, rodent, feline, or canine, its nice to have at least one thing in your life that can love you without feeling judged by them when you think that you have no one. Cats can be some of the best companions, specifically for their calm demeanor and personalities, even when they seem like they aren't that type at all. They love you when you love them.