Anxious? Here’s why owning a Cat will Change a Stressed Introverts’ Life

It’s no secret that being an introvert comes with its own set of ups and downs. One of which is a higher chance of developing depression and/or anxiety. As someone who copes with both, I can tell you that owning a cat has dramatically increased my quality of life. Here’s why:

They’re Healthy. Like, really Healthy.

Numerous experiments have been conducted on the relationship between cats and humans. What did the scientists find?

Cats have extraordinary benefits on the health of their human companions. Such benefits include a lower risk of a heart attack. In fact, a 10-year study performed in Minnesota discovered that cat owners, in particular, are 30% less likely to experience a heart attack.

But wait, it doesn’t stop there. It has also been reported that a cats’ purring helps relieve pain in bones, muscles, and tendons. It has been previously noted that sounds in the 18-35hz range have beneficial effects on humans. Due to the fact that purrs reach the 20-140hz range, it’s no surprise that they have an effect on mobility as well.

Furthermore, the National Institute of Health determined that exposure to a cat decrease the chance that children under a year old will develop allergies. I’m not just talking about allergies to cats though. The institute found that it decreased the odds of children developing any allergies.

Wow, that’s a lot of health benefits.

Owning a Cat Means No Small-Talk

Personally, as an introvert myself, I hate having small talk. It generally feels like a waste of time when you could be discussing bigger, deeper issues. With that being said, small talk causes one of two reactions for me:

1. I zone out. I will literally act like you’re speaking a foreign language and ‘smile and nod’.
2. Or, I will seek any escape away from this conversation.

Luckily, with cats, you do not have to do that. Typically, owning a cat means you don’t have to have any conversation you don’t want to have. Or, you can discuss whatever you’d like with them, just don’t expect them to answer you in any understandable language.

Bonus Perk: They won’t interrupt you!

You’ll Sleep Better

Studies performed in the UK have concluded that you are less likely to experience sleep disturbances when snoozing with your kitty. 41% of the people in this study said they felt more secure/safe with their pet in their bed. Furthermore, this study proved that a large portion of society prefers to sleep with their pet over their partner!

Your Stress and Anxiety will Decrease

Just 15 minutes with a cat is enough to reduce anxiety, studies have proven. Not only that but spending quality time with your feline has also suggested increases in Dopamine and Serotonin levels, commonly known as happy chemicals.

If you also consider that they require less maintenance than other animals, I believe you’d realize that you have the perfect pet!

Even just watching cat videos on youtube have shown an increase in the mood of viewers! You’re welcome in advance.

Comfort without Judgment

Sometimes, there is nothing better than getting home, after a long day, and finding your cute cat waiting to offer much-needed comfort.

The great thing about cats is they don’t judge you. No matter what you’re upset about, they don’t care. All they care about is making you happy, despite negative stereotypes suggesting otherwise. That’s the great thing about introverts caring for cats, even if the reason you had a bad day is particularly embarrassing, your cat is there to calm you down, without judgment.

Owning a Cat helps with Decisiveness

Yes, as an introvert, I can confirm that I, too, suffer from indecisiveness. Unfortunately, it is something I have to deal with daily.

Luckily, my adorable Japanese Bobtail, Mochi, helps with that. If I’ve been sitting in bed all day, and he starts yowling, then I know that he needs his water bowl refilled. He lets me know when he wants to take a walk (On his leash, yes, my cat likes to roam my yard supervised), when his litter needs to be changed, and when he wants belly rubs. I basically own a cat with the personality of a dog.

The point is, I don’t have to think about doing these things. He is a living, breathing animal that requires maintenance, no matter how little it is. Even though it’s not a lot, he helps me stay productive and keeps me from wallowing in my bed all day.

Cats are more Environmentally Healthy

Yes, cats are more environmentally healthy than dogs. It has been scientifically proven that owning a cat produces a smaller carbon footprint than owning a dog would.

The science behind this points out that generally, cats eat less than dogs. Cats also are also generally fed fish-based diets, rather than corn- or beef-based diets. Consequently, while a dogs’ carbon footprint is that of a land cruiser, a cats’ is the equivalent of a small hatchback.

Many Introverts become more Social

Owning a cat means you have an easy conversation starter. Such as:

“Hey, I haven’t seen you in a while. I recently adopted a cat, would you like to see some pictures?”

It’s also been suggested that women are more likely to date a guy that owns a cat, rather than a dog. So, it’s a win-win (just don’t adopt a cat purely for that reason, please).

Plus, you have reasons to invite friends over on the off-chance that you’re craving extroversion! You can simply say that you bought your cat a Halloween costume, your cat misses your best friend, or, hey, wanna come over and chill with me and my cat?

By owning a cat, you automatically have a Best Friend

Why go out clubbing when you could sit at home and watch Netflix with your cat? Not that clubbing isn’t fun, but sometimes, it’s better to just have a calm night at your house.

Imagine this scenario:

You have just got home from school. It’s raining heavily outside and thunder is shaking the ground. To make up for your past procrastination, you decide to read your favorite book. You curl up on your couch, turn on your reading lamp, and your cat decides to snooze on your lap as you turn the pages. Coincidentally, it’s a really good night. Forgot to add in the part where you’re also drinking hot chocolate, but hey, who’s to say you didn’t drink tea?

In conclusion, whether you’re or a dog person or a reptile person or even just a person, a cat will make a great addition to anyone’s life. But they are an introvert’s best friend.