
Things have gotten more than a tad... weird. For everyone. And although the world may seem a little bleak, there is certainly a bright spot in all of our lives... our tiny furry companions. Although this article describes the various reasons why our lovable little felines are vital, all of these things will apply to just about any critter in your home. After all, love and companionship come in all varieties. With that said, let's look into some of the myriad reasons why cats are essential in times of crisis!
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They are a Delightful Distraction
As you well know, this website's purpose – almost exclusively – is to highlight the many joys of playful cats. In the best of times, watching our funny little kitties whoop it up is an absolute pleasure; however, when crisis strikes, our cats' interesting antics can make all of the difference between full-blown misery and a glimmer of relief.
But it isn't just about playtime, is it? Your cat depends on you. Unlike his wild counterparts – who have the means and ability to care for themselves – your cat needs you for everything from food and water, to warmth and companionship. In your day-to-day life, this may sound like a drudge, but when faced with calamity, knowing that you have to pull yourself together for this dependent creature will force you to regain your composure. There are definitely times when that is the only thing that will do the trick.
They Keep Your Brain and Body Active
When things go awry – and especially when it's high-level awry – you tend to neglect your own physical and mental needs. Your mind may go a little fuzzy, and you might find it difficult to get up and get moving. When you have a cat in the home, though, it will be nearly impossible to completely ignore these vital parts of your person. Has your cat ever come up to you demanding... something? It's up to you to figure it out. And although that's a slightly more facetious example – er... sort of – there are plenty of others. For instance, remembering when to feed your precious little pal, keeping up with the litter box, and ensuring that he gets his daily play session in.
And speaking of those play sessions, that alone will help get you up and about. It may not be a hardcore round of Pilates or weightlifting, but at least you're moving, and in a time of crisis, that's all that matters.
They are Excellent Listeners
When things are going badly, it helps to have someone to listen to you. You likely have some human support, but if you're anything like me, you may feel like there's a limit to how much – and how often – they're willing or able to lend an ear. That's where our kitties come in. Our fuzzy little buddies have an unlimited capacity for listening, and a truly surprising amount of empathy.
Although the words you are speaking may be something of a foreign language to your cat, he can absolutely pick up on some of the more subtle things; for example, the tone of your voice, facial expressions, and your body language. Despite the popular opinion that felines are cold creatures, when they gather all of this sensory information, not only will they understand your emotional state, they will respond to it. And if your cat loves you – which he no doubt does – there's a good chance he'll be willing to provide some much-needed comfort.
They Heal Your Physical Ails
Another reason why cats are essential in times of crisis is that they are warm, fuzzy, vibrating healing machines. I know... that image is unbelievably adorable, but don't let the cuteness distract you... this is no joke! This may sound crazy, but certain frequencies have been shown to help treat a number of ailments. These frequencies fall in the range of 20-140hz. A cat's purr is typically in the range of 25-50hz. So what does all of this mean? When your kitty decides to rest on your lap and purr, you're getting health benefits beyond the shocking warmth his body emits.
So when you're in the throes of a crisis, how will all of that vibration help? Well, those healing frequencies can potentially lower your blood pressure, quell labored breathing, and soothe your frazzled nervous system. And those are just the immediate benefits. Over the long term, if your crisis includes any sort of soft tissue or bone damage, your feline's throaty rumble may speed up the healing process.
So... purring is fantastic. However, it's also important to bear in mind that the act of interacting with your cat has another benefit. Simply put: the release of all sorts of useful chemicals, like oxytocin, serotonin, and dopamine. When all of these chemicals are released into your body, you get a rush of general well-being and calm. Furthermore, this nice little boost may aid in stabilizing your immune system – which means better health in general, and a quicker recovery from existing illness. Pretty great all around, huh?
They Provide Warmth and Friendship
This, I feel, is one of the most important reasons why cats are essential in times of crisis. When catastrophe strikes, you can be left feeling that you're all alone in the world – especially if you're stuck at home. When you have a kitty around, though, it's nigh impossible to feel completely isolated. I mean, ever try to use the bathroom without him? Not happening!
All jokes aside, in a bad situation, your feline will almost certainly prove himself to be one of the best friends you can have. Not only will he be ever-present – offering you healing purrs, a shoulder to cry on, and spirit-lifting laughs – he will also become a presence that you can depend on and trust.
Conclusion
Perhaps I'm biased, but I think it's fair to say that our furry friends are a necessary part of life in general; however, in times of crisis, cats are especially essential. They provide us with the mental, emotional, and physical nourishment that can be sorely missing when life gets to be overwhelming or downright unbearable. All of that said, if your feline companion is getting you through a tough time, be sure to return the favor and take extra special care of him!
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