Cats Are Like Antidepressants for Those Who Need Psychological Support

Do you think only dogs are good therapists? Maybe it’s time to rethink this stereotype.

Some cats handle this task just as well as dogs, and now there is scientific evidence to support this.

Researchers from the University of Washington conducted an extensive study, the results of which were published by Newsweek. They studied the behavior of cats across Belgium and compared animals involved in therapeutic programs with regular house cats.

It turns out that therapeutic cats really do exist – and they have a special character. They are more social, communicative, and more willing to interact with people, showing behaviors similar to those that make dogs irreplaceable emotional support helpers.

Interestingly, these cats do not require special training. Unlike dogs, many of them are simply born with the right traits – and this is in no way dependent on breed.

“Our goal is not to make cats into new therapists,” emphasize the authors of the study, adding that it’s important to recognize cats that genuinely enjoy being around people and bringing them peace,” the researchers wrote.

In the right environment, taking individual characteristics into account, such cats can become quiet allies for those who need psychological support, reports Slobodna Dalmacija.