JAKARTA - Cats have a reputation as animals like to be alone, but apparently they can have close ties to their owners. Even experts say that they can offer something, even stronger than loyalty. You may already realize that spending quality time with cats can make you feel less stressed, more relaxed, and in general better. In fact, whether you're struggling with anxiety or feeling sad for a moment, cats can be a very good source of social support.

Recent surveys on pets and mental health by the American Psychiatric Association and the American Veterinary Medical Association according to Good Housekeeping, Thursday, January 30, found that 84 percent of their pet owners reported that their pets had a positive impact on their mental health.

For two-thirds of survey participants, having pets is key to a positive mindset. Howard Liu, MD, MSA, chairman of the American Psychiatric Association Communications Council, an adult and child psychiatrist and chairman of the UNMC Department of Psychiatry, said that making friends with cats is very beneficial and meaningful for people struggling with anxiety, depression, and autism spectrum disorders and people with a history of trauma.

Of course, cats are not a magic drug, says Dr. Liu: "Everyone and every cat is unique, so having a pet doesn't guarantee better mental health." However, people who live with chronic mental health conditions. Often call spending time with cats a strategy to solve problems when they are sad, anxious, or afraid.

Actually, just patting a cat several times can make a person feel calm. Defending cat hair can lower blood pressure and can help feel less stressed by lowering levels of the stress hormone cortisol and increasing the production of the hormone oxytocin that makes the body feel happy. Dr. Liu explained that stroking cats and accompanied by cats can really help them face difficult times. "We live in a world where people are getting lonely and isolated," he said. Fortunately, cats can offer friendship and ownership.

If you are struggling with mental health, it may be difficult to even get out of bed, take a shower, prepare food, and handle other aspects of everyday life. However, cats have a direct schedule of impact on their owners to have similar activities.

Cats will remind when it's time to eat and when they want attention. Playing with cats can ease your mood and help distract from negative things about your mental health. In addition, cats can help their owners feel not alone and drive through tough days.

"The concept of having a risk factor on physical and mental health, as does smoking. Maintaining cats can help people feel connected and give them daily routines so they can help the person and their pets," said Dr. Liu.

The benefits of raising cats are certainly not a substitute for undergoing therapy or seeking other mental health support. But friendship with cats can be an important part of the overall mental health care plan and support system.


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