Do people find cats a source of companionship and therapy?

[ScarlettR]

I have severe depression and fatigue. However, I find it so therapeutic to be around cats. I had visited the Melbourne Cat Cafe and the Crazy Cat Cafe in the Gold Coast, Queensland.

It makes me feel more worthy knowing that in spite of the stuff that goes on in my head on a daily basis, cats can look right through me without judging and give me love.

Cats are such smart creatures. Elegant and aerobatic. They also have a heart.

Anyone else feel the same way?

[Croix]

Dear ScarlettR~

I could not agree with you more - though I have a soft spot for dogs and other pets too.

It's amazing what they get away with, and we think it cute, or just take comfort from the fact they are there with us. We have two at the moment, Sumo Cat and Nasty Cat.

NC hogs the flat top of the electric heater in the kitchen and swipes anyone that comes in range just to keep the household in order. The exception is my wife who is in charge of the cat larder - NC knows which side her mouse is buttered on and lets her pass unmolested. Amazing so much personality in such a small furry thing.

Sumo is the opposite - an enormous cat - who is so laid back as to appear to sleep most of the time, which is pretty good for sharing a chair. Constant purring is pretty good for anxiety.

We actually do have a thread you might enjoy, if you have not found it already

Forums / Staying well / Pets - Helping you through tough times and Keeping you Well

Croix

[monkey_magic]

Hi Scarlett's & Croix,

I think cats have a 6th sense. I had three plus the street cat. When I was upset my cat would know & come sit and pur on my chest.

They would know b4 I did if someone was coming over or outside, they would sense it b4 I did. They taught me things.

One of my cats would sniff me to see where I'd been I'm assuming.

Wild but cute.

I believe animals r great for anxiety, depression, companionship & to learn from. They are gentle creatures.

[White_Rose]

Dear ScarlettR

I also find the company of cats soothing. Nothing like having soft fur to stroke on your lap. I have had a number of cats and dogs over the years. My last two, Fluffy (I didn't name him) and Tiger were so full of ingenuity and gave us so much amusement. Fluffy, a large neutered male, like to stretch out on the window ledge where the sun shone on him. After a while he would stretch and turn over forgetting where he was and fall off the ledge. He did it so very often. Then he would pick himself up, give a shake and stalk off in a dignified fashion, almost like saying "I meant to do that". Both cats lived to a ripe old age. Fluffy died of natural causes but Tiger was bitten by a snake.

Fluffy also liked to sit on the kitchen floor while I was preparing tea. After a while, obviously thinking he had waited long enough, he would pat my leg as I walked past. The again as I went past him but a bit harder. I used to tell him his tea would soon be ready and my son used to inform his siblings to "Look out, mom's talking to the cat again". Such disrespectful children.

I have remembered many stories about my cats now you have tweaked my memory. Thank you.

Mary

[geoff]

hi ScarlettR, when I was first married we were given a siamese cat who we could take anywhere so she went and did her business but would always come back to the front door, no matter where we were, plus she would follow my wife (ex) baby son and dog around the block.
The only problem was when we had friends come to the front door they would ask where the cat was, simply because she loved climbing up someone's leg and to sit on their shoulder, but they were scared of her, but she was a beautiful cat who we had for 17 years. Geoff.

[Vitsyra]

Cats are the best 😄 I have two gorgeous girls Cassidy and Pandora.

Cass doesn't appreciate being picked up, but she loves a pat and has the prettiest voice. Panda on the other hand thankfully does mind being cuddled and kissed. Both are lovely, affectionate but also very playful. It's great to relax by just entertaining them with a toy or listening to them purr during a cuddle.