People experience stress in different forms every day. Studies have shown that most common cause of stress is work-related, with 4 in 5 adults frequently experiencing this.
While a moderate level of stress can improve work performance and work efficiency, too much stress can lead to a negative effect on health, well-being, and the overall happiness.
Stress Awareness Day is an annual event which raises awareness about stress, its causes, and effects. Stress Awareness Day falls onto Wednesday 6th of November this year. To raise awareness, leading pet insurer petGuard shares how cat ownership can help to combat stress.
Sharing a home with a cat means bringing unconditional love into owners’ life. Whether it’s curling up in their lap after a long day or playfully waking them up for breakfast, feline friends have so many ways of showing their love and affection. Cats are completely adaptable to various living arrangements, regardless of the size of the house, cats are able to make themselves at home wherever.
“There are many reasons why you should welcome a new kitty into your home. Cats are independent, intelligent, and sensitive and they can have a positive impact on your physical and mental well-being” says Simon Bennett, Managing Director at petGuard.
Cats can help prevent loneliness
One of the biggest reasons why people decide to get a pet is for their companionship. Cats are loving creatures and are great at preventing loneliness. The company that cats provide can help to boost mood and is particularly beneficial to those who are feeling stressed or depressed.
Cats can lower stress
Research has shown that stroking pets helps to reduce the amount of cortisol in human body. The more cortisol people have in their system, the more stressed and anxious they can be. Not only that, but even a cat’s purr can help lower stress. A cat’s purr is around 25-150 Hertz (Hz), with humans being able to hear up to 20,000 Hz. Studies have shown that vibrations at a frequency between 20 and 50 Hz help increase bone density and can reduce stress by relaxing the muscles.
“One of the most popular reasons why pet owners choose to get a cat is because of how easy they are to care for. Cats are low maintenance and cost much less than dogs, both to buy and to look after” adds Bennett.
