Did you know he was your personal physician? Seated in the window, long tail curled tastefully about elegant front paws, ears pricked, he is captivating. But he is so much more. Yes, recent studies have shown that felines can significantly impact mental health as well as injury recovery and be fantastic therapy animals.

     When people think of therapy animals, dogs will generally top the list. But don’t underestimate your purring companion. Many benefits attributed to therapy dogs, therapy cats can achieve just as well, and some even better. For starters, simply petting a cat produces stress-relieving hormones that decrease both heart rate and blood pressure, allowing anxiety levels to normalize.

     In 2023, the American Psychiatric Association issued its Healthy Minds Monthly Poll, hoping to gain more insight on the effects of cats vs. dogs for mental health relief. Despite only thirty-eight percent of the studied individuals owning cats, the poll showed more cat owners than dog owners saying their pet offered companionship, reduced stress and anxiety, and—most importantly—a positive impact on their mental health. In one study, college students spent as little as ten minutes a day petting a cat and reported reduced stress and decreased levels of cortisol (the anxiety hormone).

     For another scientific note, cat purrs are within the range of 20-140 Hz which is known to be medically therapeutic for human illness. This remarkable sound therapy can help heal infections, tendon and joint injuries, and even migraines and broken bones. Felines are also largely beneficial to children with Autism, ADHD, and other cognitive conditions, and studies have shown that cat owners have improved cardiovascular health and relief from dementia.

     Although cats are more impactful in increasing overall happiness and calm, many people will still say that dogs are the more successful route for animal therapy because canines are more loving and faithful. However, Dr. Kristyn Vitale of Oregon State University led a study in 2019 that showed cats—despite popular belief that they are cold and aloof—are actually just as loyal as dogs. And, as with a dog, a relationship with a cat provides companionship, purpose, and positivity.

Today, experts in mental health are trying to include more felines in the animal workforce. Although 94 percent of today’s therapy animals are canines, it is important to remember that cats can be just as (if not more) effective.