Читать книгу The Cat Owners Handbook - Graham Meadows - Страница 20

Comfort may come either from the affection that your cat displays towards you, or from direct physical contact such as when your cat rubs up against you, you stroke it, or it lies on your lap.

Many of us need comforting when we feel sad or depressed, and our cat can certainly help cheer us up. This aspect is particularly relevant to younger family members in times of trouble. If a teenager is going through a particularly difficult period in his or her life, your cat can provide much-needed emotional support.

Your cat will certainly help you relax. It has been conclusively demonstrated that a person in a state of tension shows a slowing of the heart rate and a drop in blood pressure when their pet comes on the scene. Owning a pet is an important stress-management practice for people with high stress levels in their work.

An ever-present reminder to relax – a cat’s ability to let go and take it easy yet remain alert is the envy of every stressed, overworked cat owner.

A cat can also provide us with psychological protection. For example, it can give us the emotional security to face or overcome irrational fears, such as a fear of the dark or anxiety at being left alone.