![]() ![]() ![]() American Pet Products Association (APPA).“I do not think a cycle will be established between pet and owner.” “It is my opinion that depression is not contagious, and a clinically depressed owner does not pose a danger to the mental health of their cat, as long as they can properly care for ,” Whittenburg says. If you experience depression, however, you don’t need to worry about “passing” symptoms on to your feline. “Any of these signs should prompt a trip to your veterinarian,” adds Whittenburg. increased meowing or other vocalizations.For instance, felines can develop separation anxiety and feel heightened stress when away from their owner.įurthermore, as intuitive creatures, “cats are sensitive to the emotions and feelings of their owners,” notes Whittenburg, and they can “sense these emotions and may become anxious.”Īccording to Cutler, signs of cat anxiety include: It’s not just people that experience trauma, depression, and anxiety: animals can, too. financial responsibilities associated with ownership. ![]() care of the cat if you have to be away from home.Cutler explains that some stressors can include: Other factors can cause or heighten anxiety, too. “Not knowing how to care for basic needs can promote worry and anxiety about doing anything that may hurt them.” When it comes to anxiety, symptoms may also be exacerbated by behaviors and activities associated with ownership.Įspecially if you’re a new owner, “it can be a challenge,” says Fallon. getting less exercise and time outdoors (compared to those with dogs).being associated with lower levels of self-esteem.While the reasons why were unclear, researchers suggested it may be due to cat owners: Two separate Japanese studies also explored the influence of cat ownership on adolescents and pregnant people, respectively.īoth found that those with cats had poorer mental health. New Zealand researchers saw that those folks living alone with pets, “were more likely to report diagnoses of depression and anxiety.” Meanwhile, having high attachment levels to a pet increased symptoms of depression and loneliness in a 2010 study. For some, it can even make mental health symptoms worse.Ī 2020 study of adults 50 and older found no difference in depressive symptoms between pet owners and those without pets. While this evidence all sounds great, there’s research indicating that owning a cat - or pets in general - has no effect on depression or anxiety. “Physical touch and having a cat to care for helps us to focus on a bigger picture than our internal. “This leads to feelings of calm and happiness, decreased heart rate and blood pressure, and a calming of anxiety.”įurthermore, adds Fallon, being around a cat can help take our minds off negative thoughts. “ Petting or cuddling your cat can reduce the levels of cortisol, the stress hormone, in your body,” she says. Studies have also found cats (and animals in general) beneficial in reducing anxiety among children with autism and students.Ĭats’ soothing influence may stem from a physiological effect, states Whittenburg. Researchers in 2008 found that 44% of cat owners obtained “a sense of safety” from their cats.Ĭompared to non-pet owners, other researchers discovered those with furry friends reported less anxiety. Anxietyīut it’s not just depression symptoms cats can assist in easing: Our feline pals can also aid in lowering feelings of anxiety. However, “having the ability to interact with cats has been shown to decrease blood pressure,” says Dr, Janet Cutler, a Canadian-based certified cat behaviorist, and expert at Cat World. Researchers in 2013 linked depression with high blood pressure. Pet ownership has also been found to alleviate depression after losing a loved one. Ī 2006 study found single women (compared to those living with a partner or children) who had a pet were less likely to exhibit depressive symptoms. Jamie Whittenburg, a veterinarian at Cat World and director of Kingsgate Animal Hospital in Texas. However, having a cat can help combat this by “giving a sense of being needed providing companionship,” explains Dr. One smaller 2017 study found cat owners reported significantly lower feelings of depression than dog owners, and other research below explores how cats can influence specific symptoms.įor example, loneliness is a key symptom of depression, and feeling lonely has also been associated with the condition’s development. “Having a cat has shown to have a positive impact on mental health, depression, and anxiety, for many reasons and in many ways,” says licensed marriage and family therapist Cassandra Fallon, the regional clinic director at Thriveworks in Colorado Springs, Colorado. ![]()
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