Many people love to stroke and cuddle a cat, but did you know that this can release the ‘feel good’ hormone Oxytocin?
This hormone has been shown to reduce stress, depression, and anxiety, and also contribute to relaxation, a sense of safety, and mental well-being.
People who have difficulty trusting others, don’t enjoy being touched, or find creating relationships challenging, can miss out on the inborn basic need for touch.
Interacting with, stroking, and cuddling a cat can help meet that need in a way that feels safe for that person.
Baldrick on one of his regular visits to a residential care home
www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1550413107000691
www.theestablishment.co/cats-are-the-unsung-heroes-of-mental-health-2a78398f9f3/
