During an intense season of loss and grief, I found myself going through the motions. Everything felt muted, like I was surviving but not living.

And yet, every day, without fail, my cats would come and curl up on my lap, quietly soothing my soul with their healing purrs.

They didn’t try to fix me, rush my healing process, or offer advice. They were simply present.

For this Mental Health Awareness Week, I’m sharing an underrated wellbeing treatment: the healing power of cat therapy!

Whether you’re grieving, battling depression, or feeling lost in anxiety, spending time with a furry friend could offer a surprising yet profound source of emotional support.

The Emotional Bond Between Humans And Cats

Cats get a bad rap for being aloof, but anyone who’s truly bonded with a feline knows how emotionally intelligent they can be. They may not greet us at the door with tails wagging and licks of love, but their quiet loyalty is just as impactful.

Pets offer something rare in times of distress: non-judgmental presence.

They don’t rush us to feel better or give well-meaning but unhelpful advice. Instead, they offer stability—a steady presence when the world feels anything but.

We might want to stay in bed all day, but having a pet means this is not possible. For them, we must get up and put one foot in front of the other.

The responsibility of having a pet becomes extra meaningful when we’re going through a hard time. They give us a purpose, a literal reason to get out of bed each morning and face the day.

The Grounding Benefits Of Cat Therapy

Pets give us something else we often don’t realize we need during turbulent times: routine.

Pets and their love for routine bring a comforting rhythm to chaotic days. That alone can ground us when everything else feels up in the air.

Grounding is crucial after trauma. When we experience grief, shock, or prolonged stress, our nervous system gets stuck in fight-or-flight mode.

Grounding techniques (connecting to the present moment) are scientifically proven to shift us out of survival mode and into a state of safety.

Research highlights that sensory engagement, such as touch and presence, can reduce cortisol levels and activate the relaxation response of the parasympathetic nervous system.

Many times when I was stuck in a cycle of overthinking or catastrophizing my cat would come and sit on my lap, demanding my attention.

Feeling the warmth of his body on my lap, the vibration of his purr, and the texture of his fur was extremely grounding. His presence would help me become more present and snap out of that destructive anxiety loop.

In essence, when our cats sit on our lap, they’re not just comforting us; they’re calming our nervous system.

Scientific Insights: Pets and Mental Health

Research backs up this concept of ‘cat therapy.’

Pet ownership has been associated with:

• Lower blood pressure
• Lower cortisol levels
• Faster recovery during mental stress

For example, a study published in Psychosomatic Medicine found that pet owners had significantly lower heart rate and blood pressure levels than people who do not have pets.

In a separate study, women exhibited significantly lower heart rate and blood pressure during stressful tasks when their pets were present. This was not the case when they did the tasks alone or with a human friend.

This shows that pets can improve our stress responses!

One reason for this is that cortisol levels drop when we interact with pets, reducing stress and anxiety. A study by Washington State University found that just 10 minutes of interacting with cats and dogs can lower cortisol levels.

In addition, dopamine, serotonin, and oxytocin levels (the love hormone) increase when we are around our pets. Simply petting our pet or gazing into its eyes can lead to a substantial rise in oxytocin, promoting feelings of trust and relaxation.

Cat Therapy As Grief Support

There’s no denying that the scientific research on pets and mental health is impressive. But one study I came across truly surprised me…

In a 2021 study exploring ‘What is good grief support?‘, pets were rated as the most helpful support after a bereavement.

Interestingly, they ranked well above friends, family, and even therapists. 89% of respondents were satisfied with the grief support they received from their pets, while only 56% were satisfied with traditional counseling, and 52% were happy with the support they got from friends.

Why is this?

In my grieving process, my cats gave me what people sometimes couldn’t: a silent, non-judgmental presence, a space to feel without pressure to “move on.”

They climbed onto my lap during those heavy mornings. They followed me from room to room like little shadows. Their presence anchored me when it felt like my whole world had been turned upside down.

There is also some evidence to suggest that cats can sense when their humans are struggling. I believe my cats could sense my sorrow as they became extremely affectionate and would stay close to me at all times.

It’s incredible to think that our pets’ behavior can shift in response to our pain!

Leaning On Cat Therapy During Hard Times

When you’re going through grief, depression, or any emotionally intense chapter of life, it can be easy to emotionally check out. But your cat can be a lifeline—if you let them in.

Here are some simple yet powerful ways to lean on your cat’s natural therapeutic benefits during difficult times:

Prioritize routine

Cats thrive on predictability, and during turbulent times, so do we. When dealing with something emotionally hard, routine becomes more than habit; it becomes stability.

So, as much as possible, stick to your cat’s usual feeding times, playtime, and bedtime cuddles ritual. Doing so will create small anchor points in your day, helping you feel more in control and less overwhelmed.

Practice mindfulness

When your cat curls up on your lap, take it as a gentle nudge to put down your phone, turn off the TV, and engage in some feline therapy.

Notice the rhythm of their breath, the sound of their purring, and the texture of their fur beneath your fingertips.

Mindfulness grounds us in the here and now. Even just a few mindful moments like this throughout the day can soothe the nervous system and give the mind a break from the endless cycle of overthinking and worry.

And if you don’t have a cat or your kitty isn’t the snuggly type you can still enjoy the calming benefits of mindfulness through coloring. My Rescue Cats Coloring Book features real-life Thai rescue cats, each with their own story and illustrations to color.

Mindful coloring is scientifically proven to reduce stress, promote emotional regulation, and enhance focus. Plus, the inspiring stories of these resilient cats might just spark a little hope and strength in you!

Talk to them

It may sound silly, but studies show talking to pets can be emotionally beneficial.

This is because our pets respond to the emotional tone of our voices. Looking them in the eyes while talking to them increases oxytocin for both of you, creating a sense of instant calm.

What’s more, cats are fantastic listeners. They need never judge, interrupt, say something insensitive, or tell you that you need to move on.

Verbalizing our feelings out loud can be even more beneficial than journaling, as the act of speaking forces our minds to slow down.

Play with them

Interactive play (like using a feather wand or laser toy) can be incredibly grounding when you’re anxious, overwhelmed, or stuck in your head. The back-and-forth motion, the focus it requires, and the joy of witnessing your cat’s happiness can help pull you out of a stress loop.

When done mindfully, playing with your cat becomes a two-way activity. Physiologically, play activates the body’s reward system, releasing feel-good chemicals like dopamine. It also offers a form of co-regulation: as your cat gets into the rhythm of play, their excitement and presence can help reset your nervous system.

Final Thoughts: The Power Of Cat Therapy

Hard times don’t magically disappear with a cat by your side, but they do become more bearable. And in that shared silence and gentle companionship, you might start to find your way out of the dark.

So, this Mental Health Awareness Week, if you have a cat, try some cat therapy. Invite your kitty to sit on your lap, give it a gentle stroke, and breathe in its healing, calming energy.

Because maybe, just maybe, their love is saving you more than you realize.

Do you have a story about how your cat helped you through a hard time?

If so, share it in the comments below. I’d love to hear about it!