Just looking at a cat can be soothing, right? On days when you can even touch and pet one, it's so soothing that it makes you wonder what stress is all about. (This is purely my personal opinion.) Have you ever wondered why cats are so soothing? This time, we'll take a closer look at the soothing effects of cats!
Happy to pet
With triangular ears that move in response to sounds and eyes that sparkle like marbles, cats come in a wide variety of personalities, from unique patterns that bring a smile to your face to fluffy, elegant fur. For cat lovers, simply being in front of a cat makes you want to touch its fur. Slowly stroking your beloved cat on your lap is a particularly blissful moment. The look on their face as they narrow their eyes when you gently stroke their tiny head is irresistible. Another soothing thing for cat lovers is their squishy paws. Even cats that normally dislike being touched can fully enjoy their touch when they're sleeping. The ability to enjoy the soft, slightly warm feel of a cat's paws is only possible if you have a trusting relationship with your cat. Whether you want to spread their paws open or squeeze them, many cat lovers are drawn to the sensation. It is often thought that cats do not express emotions as clearly as dogs, but when we stroke their bodies, we can clearly sense their feelings. Each of a cat's gestures, such as the way it looks at us and slowly blinks, the movement of its tail, and the purring sound in its throat, can soothe the human heart.
About cat's temperature
A cat's body temperature is 38-39°C, 2-3°C higher than humans. Therefore, petting a cat can give you a warmth that's hard to describe. Cat owners want to use their cat's temperature as a barometer of their health. You can accurately measure your cat's temperature by inserting a pet thermometer into its anus. However, taking a rectal temperature at home like you would at a doctor's office can be difficult. Therefore, it's important to know how to check your cat's temperature through everyday physical contact. If you notice your cat seems a little lethargic or unusual, try touching its ears, belly, armpits, or other areas with thin fur. If your cat seems warmer than usual, it could be a sign of a fever due to poor health. Digital pet thermometers that can measure temperature through the ear are now available, so it's a good idea to keep one on hand to monitor your cat's health.
About Animal Therapy
Animal therapy is "healing through animals," which aims to restore peace of mind and reduce stress by interacting with animals. It has a long history, dating back to ancient Rome when horse-assisted animal therapy was used to rehabilitate injured soldiers. Today, animal therapy using dolphins, horses, and even familiar animals like dogs is being adopted in medical and welfare settings. One such therapy that has been gaining attention recently is "cat therapy," which is aromatherapy using cats. Unlike specially trained therapy dogs, what kind of healing effect can free-spirited cats have?
"Doing nothing" heals the human heart
In contrast to therapy dogs, which can sit properly and sometimes perform tricks, therapy cats that visit nursing homes and other facilities simply sit on the laps of residents and are petted. However, when elderly people have a cat on their lap, their expressions naturally soften and they gradually begin to talk to the cat gently. Some elderly people even call the cat's name despite having difficulty speaking due to dementia. Of course, cats and humans cannot communicate with words. However, nonverbal communication is established between a cat that seems to enjoy being petted by a person and the person petting the cat. This creates a reciprocal relationship in which the animals provide healing, rather than a unilateral one. It could be said that the free existence of cats, which "do nothing," provides healing to the human hearts that are burdened and pressured on a daily basis.
The soothing effect of cats: "purring"
When you pet a cat, you can hear a "purring" sound coming from its throat. It's said that this sound was originally made by mother cats and kittens to communicate with each other. Adult cats begin to make this purring sound when they're relaxed, and it's thought to have a soothing effect on the human mind. This purring sound has a low frequency of approximately 25 Hz. Sounds between 20 and 25 Hz are said to affect the parasympathetic nervous system and are effective in restoring a tired body. Furthermore, listening to low frequencies stimulates the release of serotonin, which produces a sense of euphoria, further enhancing the soothing effect. So these are the hidden reasons why hearing a cat's purring makes you feel so happy.
summary
Cats have an irresistible healing effect on people, not only when you look at them, but also once you touch them. Cats let you pet them because they trust you and are soothed by your touch. Even without words, their expressions as they look up at you and their relaxed appearance fill your heart with happiness. Hearing their purring doubles the healing effect. The time when cats and people heal each other is sure to be an irresistible, happy moment for cat lovers.
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