Cat owners have often noticed that when a person has a headache, stomach ache or joint pain, their fluffy pet often lies down in the affected area.
Is this just a coincidence? Veterinarians offer several explanations for this phenomenon.
The first is the thermal effect: a cat’s body temperature is 38-39°C, which is higher than a human’s. The heat improves blood circulation and can relieve muscle and joint pain.
The second is the vibrations from the purr: the frequency of a cat’s purr (20-150 Hz) corresponds to the therapeutic frequencies used in physiotherapy to promote tissue healing, reduce pain and inflammation.
The third is emotional support: contact with a cat reduces stress, anxiety and blood pressure, which contributes to an overall improvement in well-being. 6699
And as a fourth explanation, there is a strong sensitivity to change: cats have an exceptional sense of smell and can detect chemical changes in the human body associated with illness or inflammation. And what do scientists say?
A study conducted at the Animal Communication Institute in North Carolina found that cat owners are 30% less likely to seek medical help for minor ailments. Another study published in the Journal of Vascular and Interventional Neurology found that people who have a pet cat have a reduced risk of death from heart attacks and strokes.
It is also important to remember that cats are not a substitute for professional medical care, but they can be a wonderful addition to treatment, a source of emotional support and a natural “therapist” in both the literal and figurative sense.
They really have the ability to identify problem areas in the human body and instinctively seek to help. Their therapeutic effect is a combination of physiological factors (warmth, vibrations) and powerful psychological support.
Perhaps one of the reasons for the millennia-old bond between humans and cats lies precisely in this amazing ability to sense and relieve their owner’s pain. So the next time your pet lies down on a sore spot, thank him – he really is trying to help you heal.
Illustrative Photo by Akbar Nemati: https://www.pexels.com/photo/cute-tabby-and-ginger-cat-5622738/
