If you’re thinking about getting a cat, it might be because of the pros you’ve heard from friends and family. Pets in general bring a lot of joy (and, let’s be honest, at least a little annoyance) to their “human parents,” and are just adorable animals to look at, play with and cuddle. They're a great source of company, too, in which some people even talk to their pets like humans.
For more insight, including eight psychological benefits of owning a cat, plus how they can affect our mental health and well-being, and whether they can get rid of stress, read on. A psychologist shares some super interesting insights ahead.
How Do Cats Affect Our Mental Health?
Cats positively affect our mental and emotional health—and that’s research-backed. According to a 2023 study in Animals, this type of pet can reduce stress and boost mood.
Related: Psychologist Says if You Give ‘People Names’ to Your Pets, You Likely Have These 7 Traits
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Dr. Fraga explains why petting a cat, in particular, can help with stress relief.
Again, research suggests this, too. The above Animals study found that petting your cat can reduce cortisol, known as the “stress hormone.”
“Research even shows that the sound frequency of your cat’s purr (25 to 150 hertz) is the same frequency that’s often used in sound healing,” Dr. Fraga says. “These vibrations can instill calm, reduce pain and regulate your nervous system.”
Do Cats Help With Depression and Anxiety?
When we talk about the psychological benefits of owning a cat, we’re not just talking about run-of-the-mill stress and sadness (though those are super valid, too). We’re also talking about depression and anxiety.
She also notes that research—such as a 2025 study in Applied Animal Behaviour Science—found that securely attached cats, especially, can increase levels of oxytocin (the “love hormone”). This is “why you may feel better after watching a kitten video, even if you don’t own a cat,” she adds.
As mentioned above, “petting your cat can soothe your nervous system, which helps when you’re feeling stressed,” according to Dr. Fraga. It can relax your body and help you breathe more steadily, for example.
2. Teaching meditation and mindfulness
Related: ‘I’m a Neuroscientist, and This 10-Second Habit Can Instantly Boost Your Focus’
“Spending time with your cat can increase positive emotions like joy and happiness,” Dr. Fraga states.
4. Encouraging self-care
“Cats are wonderful teachers because they know how to find warmth [and] they know how to take care of their needs, which models that we should do the same,” Dr. Fraga points out.
“Petting a cat and listening to its purr can reduce feelings of anxiety,” Dr. Fraga notes.
6. Reducing loneliness
While a cat obviously isn’t a human, it still serves as a living companion.
Anyone who’s owned a cat knows that cats can try your patience, whether it’s from knocking your keys off the counter, pouncing on you in bed or purring until you feed them. While that can be frustrating in the moment, it allows us to practice tolerating that frustration.
8. Increases motivation
Getting out of bed can be hard sometimes—especially if you have depression—and having a living thing to care for can help.
She gives the example of having to get up early to feed your cat, then deciding to clean your house or tackle another task on your to-do list.
Up Next:
Related: Psychologists Say if You Prefer Cats Over Dogs, You Likely Have These 7 Traits
Sources
Dr. Juli Fraga, PsyD, is a licensed psychologist who helps individuals struggling with postpartum depression and anxiety, maternal and childhood trauma, infertility and loss/grief.Effects of Interactions with Cats in Domestic Environment on the Psychological and Physiological State of Their Owners: Associations among Cortisol, Oxytocin, Heart Rate Variability, and Emotions, AnimalsThe effects of owner-cat interaction on oxytocin secretion in pet cats with different attachment styles, Applied Animal Behaviour ScienceHence then, the article about 8 psychological benefits of owning a cat according to a psychologist was published today ( ) and is available on Parade ( Saudi Arabia ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
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