In my country, according to Google, more people have cats than dogs as pets. Either way, there is something about the ‘energy’ in a home having either one. I love both cats and dogs and have more often than not, had one or two of each in my home at the same time. Currently, we have a cat. Her name is ‘Rosie’, and she is a rescue from the Humane Society. She has a tiny pink nose resembling a rosebud, (thus the name) and large, beautiful green eyes.
One of my prerequisites in choosing a cat is that it must have an audible purr. Yes, I once had a cat that did not purr. He was also stand-offish, hated to be picked up and getting him into a crate for a vet visit was a wrestling match neither he nor my husband and I enjoyed! His legs would splay straight out in four directions, claws extended, making it impossible to get him through the crate door. More than once we considered stuffing him in a pillow case. He lived to be 20 years of age before traipsing over the Rainbow Bridge to join his brother. Despite all, we truly missed the cantankerous, old grouch.
Okay, so why am I fixated on having a cat with a powerful purr? It has something to do with the ability to induce several changes and responses in the human brain. In my role as an Emotional Recovery Coach for women aged 30+ who have been sucker-punched by one of life’s catastrophic events, it is my responsibility to help them bounce back. During my intake conversation with them I ask if they have a pet. Not that it is a must, but it is a bonus, and I will include some specialized coaching involving their pet as I work with them.
Lets’ take a look at the feline ‘medicinal’ value of a purr:
- A Relaxation Response: The soft rumble of purring is associated with a sense of calmness. It can activate your parasympathetic nervous system which promotes a state of rest and relaxation. (You can ‘scratch’ that expensive massage chair off your list).
- Release of the Neurotransmitters Serotonin and Dopamine. These are associated with mood enhancement and pleasure. (No-cost anti-depressant or ‘pot’).
- Reduction of Stress: Listening to the cat’s musical instrument can lower the stress and anxiety-inducing hormone, Cortisol. Thus creating an overall sense of well-being. (Toss out the anti-anxiety pills).
- Emotional Connection: This is my favourite! The echoing reverberation along with the slight changes in volume created by the cat’s inhale and exhale, remind me of ocean waves sweeping forward and backward over the sand. This can release oxytocin, often referred to as the ‘bonding hormone’.
One of my cats would know when I was ‘head’ing for a migraine session. After I laid down, he would curl up on my torso over my solar plexus and purr for 5 to 10 minutes. This would help me relax and allow the medication to work more quickly. He and I shared a very special bond.
- Enhanced Focus and Concentration: Some studies suggest that soft, repetitive sounds like purring can help improve focus and cognitive function by providing a background noise that helps block distractions. TIP: Don’t allow your partner, napping on the couch after dinner, to convince you their snoring is a ‘background noise’ helping you concentrate on your book.
Rosie has a great purr and I often place my ear on her body to listen to her li’l symphony. Even before learning my cat is good for my brain, I was convinced they are valuable in many ways. The best of which is the love that’s given and received. Their purr is their ‘love song’ and even though it comes with a litter box, it’s all worth it.
As an Emotional Recovery Coach, I recommend that anyone recovering from physical, mental or emotional ‘hard knocks’, have a pet, if at all possible. Other suggestions: Provide daycare for someone’s pet; take a friend’s pet for a regular walk; housesit a pet while a friend is on vacation; volunteer at an animal shelter. Even a visit with a friend and their pet is awesome. Both the friend and the pet are the best medicine.
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