Just having a cat around can provide comfort and companionship, reducing feelings of loneliness and distress. Studies show that petting or playing with a cat can release feel-good hormones like oxytocin and reduce levels of the stress hormone cortisol.
Cats are known for their calming presence, and spending time observing their behavior can help people be more mindful and present, reducing anxiety and distress.
When Eswari's husband got operated for kidney transplant which unfortunately failed, there was a lot of distress. Eswari said, "The only source of motivation were my cats Ponnu and Fuyu. I could overcome the mental trauma because of my furry friends."
"Not only me, my husband reluctantly accepted the cats in our family and realized the emotional support from them. Now, he loves these cats more than us and they all sleep in his bedroom only, in their choice of place," expressed a smiling Eswari.
On being asked how did they got a pet home, Eswari said that the mother cat abandoned her kitten which was very weak and wandering in the cellar of their apartment. Eswari's daughter who is 22-years-old loves animals and she got this cat home against the wish of her grandmother.
She also shared that her husband earlier believed that having a pet leads to risk of infection and unhygienic environment. However, the thought process has changed ever since the cats became a part of their family.
They all take care of these pets with proper distribution of feeding schedules, cleaning up the litter box, doctor visits and outing, occasionally.
The family enjoys the playful acts and its demands for attention, love and affection from them. It's very soothing when you know your pets are waiting for you the moment you reach home.
"A lot of care and concern is shown by my cat when I am in distress. It can read my moods and acts accordingly.
I became more sensible and disciplined with a pet at my home. Playing with my Ponnu, the mother cat (2 years old) and Fuyu, my grandson (1 year old), I feel just like I am in my childhood days. They never demand anything except our love and affection," concluded Eswari.
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