more cat pictures
Recently a study has revealed that having cats makes our heart healthier, compared to those who never owned a pet cat. This is a positive aspect for our physical well being, but do not forget that our entire health depends on two factors, the physical and the psychological (soul) aspects. Furthermore, this study also shows that cat lovers have less stress. The personality characteristics such as low stress and anxiety levels protect cat lovers against heart disease and stroke. It can be well said that we as cat lovers consider our cats the best stress reliever. This is important to build our inner strength and self development.
Nowadays, for older or sick people, cats are fast becoming therapy animals and helpers for those who cannot do for themselves. Cats have always been around nursing homes and some rehabilitation centers to interact with the patients. Study after study have shown that interaction with animals brighten the days of those who are living in nursing facilities and do not regularly have any visitors. Even if they do have regular visitors, it’s nice to have a furry friend come by your room for a visit.
Our cat’s existence at home is not only their function as great companions, it is far beyond any thoughts could have. We become equal partners in life with our cats and that makes us stronger when we have to go through rough times or hardships. They know exactly when we have bad moods or our self esteem is degraded. They physically approach us, communicate with their specific cat body language, lying down next to us or sleeping in our lap to comfort our restless bodies with their warmness and purrs, or they wrap their tails around us or rub their head or body against us to soothe our reckless soul. Or, they even do any necessary actions to “heal’” our sorrow by showing how much they love us. Their ability to touch the human heart can make the saddest person smile.
Cats’ mischievous ways also teach us not to take ourselves too seriously. They have delicate ways to amuse and entertain us. Things we think of as boring and dull are creatively looked at from another point of view if we are able to see them the way the cat does. Haven’t they become our great teachers so we can develop ourselves?
Often at home, when we are having difficulty finding someone who can truly understand us, or we do not know to whom we can express our feelings without being judged, our cats are always there for us. They will lift our sad burdens. Their glowing and innocent eyes attentively “listen” to our sorrow without blaming us. As humans, we need someone that we can express our miserable feelings to without being criticized. And, our cats accept us just the way we are.
I also came across a cat lover who wrote in his blog that if someone is having trouble getting in a relationship, they should get a cat as a way to boost self confidence and feel good about themselves. Why? Based on psychology research, before we can have good relationships with other people, we should have a good relationship with ourselves.
Cats are well known for their sensitivity. This is their path to teach us how to become aware and concerned about our own being — our humanity — and our surroundings before we take the next step to understanding others. Their openness and sensitivity will also enhance our compassion and build our patience in dealing with difficult things. Our cats’ day to day presence and behavior contribute greatly to our development.
Sometimes we don’t realize that they are giving valuable things, and great teachings, into our life.
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