Petting a cat can bring several physical and psychological benefits. One studio of Washington State University, on 250 university students, demonstrated that just 10 minutes of petting cats is enough to have a significant reduction in the levels of cortisol, the hormone associated with stress and anxiety. This is because, at the same time, contact with a cat stimulates the release of oxytocin, the feel-good hormone, and promotes relaxation in the person being petted. Other benefits include:
Index of topics
Lowering of blood pressure
- Studies have shown that people who regularly pet a cat have more stable and lower blood pressure.
Psychological benefits
- Reduction of symptoms of depression and solitude.
- Increased sense of companionship and emotional comfort.
- It stimulates feelings of affection and empathy, both towards the cat and towards others.
Release of endorphins
- Positive interaction with a cat can help release endorphins, which generate sensations of pleasure and happiness.
Improved cardiovascular health
- Owning and petting a cat is associated with a lower risk of heart attacks and ictus, probably thanks to the reduction of chronic stress.
Social benefits
- The cat can act as a “social facilitator”, improving interactions with other people (for example in animal-assisted therapy contexts).
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