It's April 29th,  I’m a senior in high school, and I graduate in 49 days. What am I feeling regarding this next chapter? Excitement and fear. I’m afraid to leave what is familiar, especially those I love dearly, including my seven-year-old cat Paddie. I adopted Paddie when I was eleven years old. Now at 17, I realize his significant role in my life. 

  Growing up, life's uncertainties, compounded by family challenges, induced anxieties. Amidst the flux, Paddie remained a constant, offering silent companionship. I formed a bond with him that required no words or effort, simply breathing was all we needed from each other. As I prepare to leave home for on-campus dorming, since I cannot bring Paddie with me, I am going to convince you to adopt a Paddie. 

      Psychologically, the need for connection and love is profound, often overwhelming. Consequently everyone should consider owning a cat, in our uniquely challenging lives, the simplicity of a cat's companionship brings us a sense of emotional connection. 

       In  2015 Australian doctors Cheryl M. Straede and Richard G. Gates gathered 92 pet owners and 70 non pet owners to participate in a survey analyzing the relationship between psychological health and pet ownership. The study found that “cat owners had significantly lower scores for general psychological health, indicating a lower level of psychiatric disturbance, and could be considered to have better psychological health than the non-pet subjects.” Additionally, those who were cat owners gained greater nurturing abilities. 

     But what are these psychological benefits resulting from having a cat? 

    As a cat owner, during stressful days sitting with Paddie brings me relaxation similar to that of hugs. When interacting with cats, humans release hormones; serotonin, dopamine, and oxytocin. HABRI (Human Animal Bond Research Institute), found the role of oxytocin in particular to play a large role in inducing: bonding, stress relief, decreased heart rate, and slower breathing. Their studies determined that “ human-animal interaction increases oxytocin levels in the brain. The reduction of subjective psychological stress (fear, anxiety) due to animal contact, as well as the dampening of physiological stress parameters.” 

       But what makes cats key in this interaction?

       In  debate of whether dogs or cats promote better human health, it’s often argued that dogs provide us with concrete physical daily activities, holding us accountable. This physical aspect of exercise is increased in dog owners; however, those without cats lack the unique qualities that bring cat owners a greater sense of peace and decreased tension. According to the article “The Joys of Owning a Cat,” cats are independently driven animals, they require less stressful upkeep, while also not requiring specific living situations. However, in the overall scheme, they provide stronger relationships due to their cognitive abilities.

       The National Library of Medicine had three researchers experiment with various aged cats, analyzing their response to various species' emotions including humans. Results concluded cats can integrate acoustic and visual emotional signals. More specifically, “regardless of the species that produced them. These findings demonstrate that cats have developed social skills that allow them to understand human emotional signals.” This cognitive ability in cats provides a stronger relationship with owners, as humans look to emotional signals within tone and visuals to provide stronger communication. 

      In my personal experience, I’ve found Paddie to be more communicative than my Beagle. On days when I feel emotionally drained, he comes to me and for a few moments, he stares, analyzing my face and picking up on cues of emotional disturbance, such as tears or a subdued voice. He senses the visual context of my expression and tone of my voice.  In response, he meows, nuzzling his nose into my arm or simply resting himself on my lap and looking at me quietly while I pet him. These interactions seem so simple but aren't easily done by other household pets. Yet they share similarity to when a parent sees their young child in distress and responds by hugging them. No words or direct communication is required, just an unsaid understanding. 

   Therefore, going to college without this emotional support I adopted all those years ago and have become familiar with leaves me torn, but I’m grateful to have this bond with such a pure being. I wish human relationships could be so simple, but sometimes they require more than a person can provide. However, no matter the situation, growing, moving, learning, or even grieving, you can rely on cats remaining. The love a cat provides is without expectations or conditions; it's simply an unforgettable bond.

“The Joys of Owning a Cat.” HelpGuide.org, 5 February 2024, helpguide.org/articles/healthy-living/joys-of-owning-a-cat.htm. Accessed 30 April 2024.

“Research | HABRI.” The Human Animal Bond Research Institute, habri.org/research/. Accessed 30 April 2024.

Straede, C. M., & Gates, R. G. (1993). Psychological Health in a Population of Australian Cat Owners.            Anthrozoös, 6(1), 30–42.