We all know cats are amazing companions to have. If you are a true cat lover, then you already know how much therapy they can offer us on so many levels. Studies have even shown cats can help us reduce our stress (and heaven knows we have a lot of that in our lives!) and even lower our blood pressure. However, cats are an amazing source of calm and reassurance for children who may be struggling with anxiety and/or depression.
Typically, when we think of therapy animals, our minds usually go to dogs, or, in some cases, even to horses. However, cats can be certified as official therapy animals, but you don’t have to have your cat certified to help your child with symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Here are a few ways in which cats can help a child suffering from anxiety and/or depression:
**Cats offer unconditional love. They love without judgment. A relationship with a cat doesn’t have to be complicated, either, which is reassuring for a child who might feel anxious about making or sustaining friendships at school. Cats don’t deliver the drama, disappointment and feeling the need to please in a way that human relationships might require of a child.
**Cats offer a child a sense of responsibility and routine. When their outer world seems chaotic and out of control, a cat can give a child a feeling of calm and purpose where otherwise there seems to be none. Taking care of a living creature can provide a child with a sense of direction.
**For a child with excessive worries, where the mind just will not shut itself off, a cat is a great distraction. Playing with a cat improves one’s mood and is the ultimate distraction from fear, negativity and sadness. It’s a challenge not to laugh when interacting with your cat, especially when watching her chase that feather on a wand or batting a toy mouse across the floor.
**Cats offer a furry, little hug when needed, and we all know physical touch is a healing modality. Sure, children can obtain this type of affection from parents and other family members, but when received from a cat, it just seems to have that added boost of healing power.
Source: catster.com/Angie Bailey
Written by Ann Butenas
An internationally-recognized author and writer, Ann began her professional writing career at age 12 and began speaking while in college. She has been published thousands of times over the past three decades in all media forms, was former editor and publisher of KC Metro Woman magazine, and has also hosted three talk radio shows in the Kansas City area.
