Cats and a couch – All is well with the world
It’s raining, and I’ve settled onto my couch with a warm blanket, a good book, and my three cats—ahh, bliss. The sound of my three cats purring almost puts me to sleep, and I think that all is well with the world.
There is good reason for this feeling; a cat’s purr has been thought to be a calming mechanism. Cats will purr not only when they are happy but when they might be frightened and don’t want you to leave.
A 10-year study at the University of Minnesota Stroke Center found that cat owners are 40 percent less likely to have heart attacks than non-cat owners because of purring’s calming effect. Only a few minutes with a cat will reduce your feeling of stress. Studies have shown that while you are in the company of a cat, your body produces the chemical serotonin, which is associated with well-being. Creating less stress saves a lot of wear and tear on your body.
So next time you need a stress reducer, think about adopting a cat instead of going to the medicine cabinet for a pill. Several local animal adoption agencies will help you find just the right cat or kitten. Check out Furry Friends’ web site to view some of the kitties available for adoption. www.furryfriendswa.org.
Not much has changed in my life as seen in this circa 1983 picture of me. I still love to read a book on the couch with a pile of kitties.
Nomi Berger
Nomi Berger is the bestselling author of seven novels, one work of non-fiction, two volumes of poetry, and hundreds of articles. She is a volunteer writer for Furry Friends in Vancouver, WA and also volunteers her writing skills to animal rescue groups in Canada and the USA. For more information about Furry Friends visit www.furryfriendswa.org or contact them at information@furryfriendswa.org or (360) 993-1097