Kittens are known for their calming presence and affectionate nature, which can provide comfort and companionship to individuals struggling with depression. The unconditional love and support offered by kittens or cats can help alleviate feelings of loneliness and isolation, which are common symptoms of depression.
Research suggests that owning a kitten can lead to “lower levels of depressive symptoms and improved mood.” Kittens or cats have been found to “buffer responses to stress through lowering the heart rate and blood pressure, which can help individuals manage their mental health illness. Spending time with a kitten can also release happy and calm chemicals in the brain, which can improve overall mental health.”
In addition to providing emotional support, kittens can also help individuals “establish a stable routine and sense of purpose. Caring for a kitten can provide a sense of responsibility and fulfillment, which can be particularly helpful for individuals struggling with depression.”
The Benefits of Kittens & Other Companion Animals
Pet owners [including Exotic Shorthair kitten] owners are aware of the joy and happiness that come with having a beloved companion animal. But according to studies, they are also physical and mental benefits that come with bringing a sweet furever companion animal into your home.
Dorothy R. of Texarcana, Texas lives happily with Mon Chéri Mia! Read her customer experience
“Pets can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, ease loneliness, encourage exercise and playfulness, and even improve your cardiovascular health. Caring for a companion animal can help children grow up more secure and active. Pets also provide valuable companionship for older adults. Perhaps most importantly, though, a pet can add real joy and unconditional love to your life.”
Studies have shown that:
- Pet owners are less likely to suffer from depression than those without pets.
- People with pets have lower blood pressure in stressful situations than those without pets.
- Playing with a cat, or other pet can elevate levels of serotonin and dopamine, which calm and relax.
- Pet owners have lower triglyceride and cholesterol levels (indicators of heart disease) than those without pets.
- Heart attack patients with pets survive longer than those without.
- Pet owners over age 65 make 30 percent fewer visits to their doctors than those without pets.
One of the reasons for these therapeutic effects is that “pets fulfill the basic human need for touch. Stroking, hugging, or otherwise touching a loving animal can rapidly calm and soothe you when you’re stressed or anxious. The companionship of a pet can also ease loneliness which can substantially boost your mood and ease depression.”
How Our Customer's Have Benefited
Our customers who suffer from sadness and other health problems have credited our happy and sweet Mon Chéri Exotic Shorthair kittens with being very soothing. How did Darlene Filmore of Fresno, California feel after she bringing home Mon Chéri Coco? Read her comments below:
“I wish I had taken a picture of Coco when I got her next to a vase or something so you could see how big she is. I just wanted to say hi and tell you I had a doctor appointment today for refill on my med. And the doctor said you look good all your tests are good I lost 8 lb. And blood pressure was 126 over 77. She asked what have you been doing? I told I got a kitten. It’s like am a live again. I am happy. She brings so much joy to my life. And of course I got tears in my eyes about talking about Coco. She has made such a difference in my life. Even sitting here talking to you I have a tear rolling down my face.”
– Darlene Filmore of Fresno, California
Our Mon Chéri kittens have also helped ease sadness after the lost of a beloved pet as in the case of Kathleen Strodtbeck of Collierville, Tennessee. Kathleen unexpectedly lost her cat after 13 years. Her husband Doug surprised her with a Mon Chéri Cattery Kitten. See her reaction below.
Read Doug Strodtbeck’s customer experience: Mon Chéri kitten healed Kathleen’s broken heart.
Mon Chéri Cattery cannot make medical claims, but we do hope the information cited from the sources below is a helpful resource.
Sources: https://www.sabinorecovery.com, https://www.helpguide.org/
