How Cats Boost Serotonin and Promote the Parasympathetic State
I’m not, by nature a cat person, having for years preferred the love and loyalty of dogs. However, I do now believe like so many things in this life, you won’t be an ‘olive-person’, ‘silver-car’ or ‘cat-person’ until you find the one that connects with you at the right time and place in your life. In walks ‘Lucky’ the black cat. Lucky by name and I hope, by nature.
Over the years my family has had three cats. Out of these, only the most recent, a beautiful, elegant black cat called Lucky has taken a fancy to me and as such comes to meet me, pesters me for attention (in the nicest ways!) and, when she chooses, sits on my lap. A cat sitting on your lap is a real treat. An absolute pleasure! The fact such a small, fragile, willful being has decided that it wants to sit on you or next to you is a huge gift. As such, it’s one you really can’t refuse. Once on your lap or leaning against you, I’ve realised that to move makes both of us feel a bit disgruntled. So over the past few months I’ve tried to find times when I didn’t need to be going and doing, so that if Lucky did come to sit on me, I could really relax into the situation.
A life-changing discovery
It’s been a life changing discovery of mutual pleasure! Suddenly, instead of feeling antsy because I need to be ‘doing’ I’m accepting of the gift Lucky is giving me. She is making me pause, rest, reflect and appreciate. As someone who meditates it’s like being given a free pass to take some time out.
Relaxing into the experience of enforced ‘quiet time’ has been enlightening. It undoubtedly makes me feel calmer and I began to wonder if cats could have a place in healing as Lucky is undoubtedly assisting me in mine.
It turns out that cats have long held a special place in our hearts, and it’s not just because of their adorable antics and soft fur. The presence of a cat sitting on your lap for those that have cats, all agree that it’s an experience that can do wonders for your well-being and they believe, help promote healing.
What is the connection between our feline companions and our body’s ability to shift into a parasympathetic healing state?
It’s all thanks to the power of serotonin.
The Role of Serotonin
Serotonin is a neurotransmitter often associated with feelings of happiness and well-being. It plays a crucial role in regulating mood, anxiety, and stress levels in the human body. When serotonin levels are in balance, we tend to feel happier, calmer, and more at ease. It also promotes a sense of overall wellness and contentment.
Cats and a Serotonin Boost
Cats have a remarkable ability to bring joy and relaxation into our lives. The simple act of having a cat sit on your lap can stimulate the release of serotonin.
Here’s how it works:
Touch and Bonding: The physical contact with your cat as they curl up on your lap is soothing. The act of petting your furry friend and feeling their warmth can trigger the release of serotonin in your brain. This immediate sense of comfort and connection contributes to an increased feeling of happiness.
Reduced Stress: Cats are known for their calming presence. The rhythmic purring of a content cat has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety in their human companions. This reduction in stress levels also contributes to increased serotonin production.
The frequency of cat purring typically ranges from 25 to 140 Hz. Remarkably, this exact frequency range has demonstrated its potential in facilitating the healing of fractured bones, repairing joints and tendons, and expediting wound recovery.
Cats have earned a reputation for their remarkable capacity to swiftly recover from their own bone injuries, boasting low occurrences of joint issues and bone cancer. This has led to intriguing speculations that the soothing purrs of cats might also expedite the healing process in humans.
Alongside this, in theory, owning a cat can reduce your likelihood of developing heart disease. Research has indicated that cat ownership can lead to decreased stress levels, consequently reducing the risk of cardiovascular conditions.
Connection and Companionship: Loneliness and a lack of social connection can contribute to lower serotonin levels. Cats, with their affectionate and often playful nature, provide companionship and a sense of purpose. The bond between a cat and their owner can help combat feelings of isolation, thereby boosting serotonin production.
Promoting the Parasympathetic State
The parasympathetic nervous system is responsible for our body’s “rest and digest” mode, which promotes relaxation, healing, and recovery. Cats can play a significant role in helping us switch to this state:
Reduced Cortisol Levels: The calming presence of a cat on your lap helps lower the levels of cortisol, a stress hormone, in your body. This reduction allows your body to shift into a parasympathetic state, which is conducive to healing and rejuvenation.
Improved Sleep: Many cat owners find that having their feline friend nearby helps improve the quality of their sleep. The parasympathetic state is essential for restful sleep and the body’s ability to repair itself during the night. (I would say that having Lucky trying to wake me by pawing my face isn’t hugely relaxing but having her sleep on my bed next to me can be quite calming.)
Pain Management: The increased serotonin levels and parasympathetic state can also aid in pain management. When the body is in a relaxed state, it is more capable of coping with pain, potentially reducing the need for pain medication.
Final Thoughts on the Power of Cats To Help Healing
The healing power of cats goes beyond their charming personalities and adorable looks. Their presence on your lap can significantly boost serotonin levels and promote the parasympathetic state, leading to improved well-being and overall health. So, the next time your feline friend hops onto your lap, embrace the moment and appreciate the positive impact they have on your life. After all, a contented cat can be the purr-fect prescription for a happier, healthier you.