Photo from Yerlin Matu via Unsplash

When you think of a cat, what do you think about? Nine times out of ten it's the same thing: a fat orange tabby lazily meandering across a living room floor while its owner watches TV. That image isn't entirely wrong - there IS some truth to stereotypes - but this article will explain how cats can even help improve your mental health.

TIP 1: Cats can help reduce stress

Stress is one of the most common reasons people go to therapy, so it's important for us to have methods of coping with the everyday stresses of life. When you come back from a hard day at work, instead of just collapsing on the couch, why not play with your cat? Get down on the floor and wrestle with them for a bit, or just lay next to them while they sleep. Either way will have you feeling much less tense after just a few minutes.

If you don’t have a cat (in which case you might do since you’ve been reading this article), then might we suggest a good ol’ cat plushie? Gage Beasley’s Cat Teddy Soft Stuffed Plush Toy is as cute and cuddly as a real-life cat can get!

Gage Beasley’s Cat Teddy Soft Stuffed Plush Toy

TIP 2: Cats can help improve your mood

When people are in a good mood, there's nothing better than petting a furry friend. Cats are no exception to that rule, especially when they're in a good mood themselves. When your cat comes up to you with their tail straight up in the air, rub their belly and see how happy they become! It's also beneficial for you too - researchers have found that petting a cat has been proven to reduce levels of the stress hormone cortisol.

TIP 3: Cats can help protect your mental health

In a study of elderly women - some who had cats and some who did not - those with cats were better off when it came to some mental abilities. While no one is suggesting that a cat will make you smarter, they do encourage the production of new brain cells. This is believed to be mostly in the hippocampus, where memories are made and stored.

TIP 4: Cats can help improve your social interaction

Many people who have disorders such as depression or anxiety tend to isolate themselves from others. If you suffer from this, get a cat! They will force you outside of your home - at least to take care of them - so you'll have to interact with other people. While your neighbors may not be too into that, you will find making friends at the local cat cafe much easier than approaching random strangers on the street!

TIP 5: Cats are great for affection

You've heard it before, but if you're looking for someone who will love you no matter what, get a cat. They don't care if you're fat, skinny, have bad skin, or are just plain weird - they'll still love spending time with you!

As for their owners, whether they’re real-life cats or stuffed toys, you’d love them all the same. Gage Beasley’s Lifelike Cat Soft Stuffed Plush Toy eerily looks like the real deal—hence the name. They’re perfect for sleeping beside with or just putting them on top of your table and scratching their heads.

Gage Beasley’s Lifelike Cat Soft Stuffed Plush Toy

TIP 6: Cats are inexpensive to take care of

Cats usually need to be fed once or twice a day and their litter box is very easy to maintain. It takes only a few minutes, and the litter box itself will usually last for about 6 months before it needs replacing. This means you won't have to spend money on expensive vet bills every time your cat gets sick!

TIP 7: Cats can help protect you from heart disease

Yes, this is true. The more often you pet your cat, the better! Studies have shown that those who had pets were much less likely to develop high blood pressure and heart disease.

TIP 8: Cats can help improve your focus

One of the most common tasks people with ADD (attention deficit disorder) struggle with is staying focused on one thing. If you want to help improve your focus, spend time with your cat. They'll constantly move around and try to get your attention, so you will have no choice but to stay focused!

TIP 9: Cats can encourage physical activity

While cats may not enjoy going on walks with you like dogs do, they are still very active. If you spend your time playing with them or just watching them explore the house, you will find yourself much more active than before.

TIP 10: Cats can help relieve pain

Cats are not only cute, but they provide great comfort through their presence alone. If you suffer from back pain, joint aches, or other types of physical discomfort, petting a cat can help tremendously.

Sometimes, the only way to relieve pain is to sleep. Even then, Gage Beasley’s Long Cat Soft Stuffed Plush Pillow Toy is there to save the day. This is a pillow purposely made to give you a good night’s sleep or, possibly, an afternoon nap. Let us warn you, though, that hugging this pillow is an automatic shutdown for your body.

Gage Beasley’s Long Cat Soft Stuffed Plush Pillow Toy

TIP 11: Cats will give you something to look forward to each day

Cats have been compared to having ADHD themselves - they never sit still for very long and are always on the hunt for something new. If you're going through a hard time, having a cat will make you anticipate each day and look forward to what will happen.

If you’re interested in cats, then you might be interested in their different species. The Lifelike Pallas’ Steppe Cat Soft Stuffed Plush Toy opens up a whole new world for you and your love for cats—just in case this is the first time you’ve seen this cute-looking feline over here.

Gage Beasley’s Lifelike Pallas’ Steppe Cat Soft Stuffed Plush Toy

Cheers!

~GB