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Do cats have healing powers?

TrustedHousesitters blog Author - Sophie Reeve
Sophie Reeve
13 September 20243 min read

Our feline friends have always been a bit of a mystery, but do cats have healing powers that go beyond their fluffy charm? If you’ve ever wondered if your whiskered companion might have some secret superpowers, keep reading to find out just how much cat healing can do for the mind and body, as discussed by our forum members.

Key takeaways

  • Cat healing powers can work wonders for both mental and physical health.
  • Their companionship helps combat loneliness and boost your mood.
  • Some believe in the power of cat purring healing, which might even help to heal bones!

The healing power of companionship

Cats might not have the reputation of being the clingiest of pets (let’s be real, most prefer their “me time”), but even the most independent kitty can bring comfort by simply being around. Cats are healers in their own unique way, whether they’re curled up next to you or simply watching from across the room, it’s nice knowing they’re there!

As one forum member, @CRU, says “I am a firm believer that pets can help with a lot of things, mental included.” We agree!

A sense of purpose

As any pet parent knows, taking care of a furry family member gives life a little more meaning. Even the simple act of feeding or playing with your feline friend provides a sense of responsibility and fulfillment. And when you hand over the care to your in-home cat sitter, they get to enjoy that same feeling of purpose, all while taking the best care of your precious purr pal!

Reducing stress and boosting your mood

The presence of a healing cat can help reduce stress and anxiety, and simply petting a kitty has been proven to lower a human’s cortisol levels (the stress hormone) and help you relax. 

In fact, studies have consistently shown the positive impact pets have on our mental health. In a survey conducted by Cats Protection UK and the Mental Health Foundation, 87% of cat owners said their furry friends had a positive impact on their wellbeing, and another 76% mentioned that it made them better equipped to handle life’s challenges. Who knew stress-relief came with whiskers?

Improving heart health

Believe it or not, owning a cat could be good for your heart – literally. Research from the University of Minnesota revealed that purr parents have a 30% lower risk of dying from a heart attack. This means all those calming moments spent with your feline friend might help lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease.

The power of the purr 

It may sound fur-fetched, but cat purr healing could also be a real thing. The frequency of a cat’s purr (25-140 Hz) is similar to the electric stimulation used by physical therapists to heal broken bones and muscles. So does cat purring heal you? It seems that a cat’s healing powers might extend to helping the human body recover from injuries!

Cats know when you need them

Ever had a moment where your feline friend showed up out of the blue, just when you needed them most? Cats are healing creatures with the unique ability to sense when we’re not quite ourselves, and seem to know exactly when we need a little extra love and comfort, offering their quiet companionship when words aren’t enough.

One forum member, @Marion, shared a story about how her cats helped her through a tough time: “A few years ago I had the flu. I couldn’t shake it and was sick for weeks. It turned into pneumonia. I had three cats at the time. All three would take turns visiting me, but only the middle-child cat, Rocky would stay by my side almost the whole time.”

A sixth sense?

There are stories of cats detecting illnesses like cancer in their humans, while others, like Oscar from a nursing home in Rhode Island, were known for predicting when a resident was nearing the end of life. Oscar would offer comfort during those times, providing a soothing presence in their final moments.

So, are cats healers, and do cats have healing powers? While they might not be superheroes in the traditional sense, our feline friends certainly have an uncanny ability to make us feel better, both mentally and physically. Whether it’s through their companionship, healing purrs, or simply their presence, there’s something undeniably therapeutic about sharing your life with a cat.

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