The Healing Power of Purring

I had a trooper of a cat who lived with me for a whopping 20 years. She had a special talent for sensing when I was sick or blue, and would lay extended, purring, on my chest. It always made me happy and feel better somehow. I assumed it was just my emotional response to her affection, but as it turns out there may be more to the story. In The Cat Behavior Answer Book (Storey Publishing, 2007), author Arden Moore talks about the power of purring.

Moore says that recent studies have validated that hanging around a contented, purring cat can drop a human’s high blood pressure to within normal range, decrease stress, conquer feelings of loneliness, and even bolster self-confidence. About 65 percent of American households have pets, but we are just realizing the power our pets possess in helping us to heal emotionally, physically, and mentally. Scientists are also discovering that cats and other cherished pets possess special healing powers that help fight disease and cope with chronic conditions.

In his book the Healing Power of Pets, veterinarian Marty Becker describes the biochemical impact pets have on their owners’ body chemistry. He interviewed numerous medical experts who provided the results of many scientific studies that support a biological basis for what we’ve felt intuitively–that people can be healthier by interacting positively with pets. For example, the mere act of petting your cat can lower your blood pressure.

Some medical doctors even recommend “pet prescriptions” to their patients who are alone and need companionship. That’s because physicians have discovered that a family pet can actually motivate some patients to give their best effort when dealing with serious illness such as cancer. Having a pet to care for and feed can stimulate ailing individuals to take better care of themselves.

Here are three easy ways to tap into the healing power of your feline companion:

1. Spend some time each day just looking at, listening to, and talking with your cat. This helps release those “feel-good” biochemicals that help you relax.

2. Rub your cat the right way. Learn to give your pet a therapeutic massage for some one-on-one time that will soothe both of you.

3. Engage in purposeful play with your cat and you might discover that you can let go of daily stress more easily, breathe more deeply, and laugh more freely.

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Sheila L.

8:29PM PDT on May 15, 2011

When I was recovering from surgery from an ulcer, my cat, for the first time, came up on the bed, got next to my stomach and slept there, purred there and didn't leave for long until I was up and feeling better

send a green star

Kimmeh G.

9:35AM PST on Jan 8, 2011

i just read this and whenever someone is feeling sick like i am today. my cat, an american bobtail so she is the one who picks her owner and she is a purr machine! but because we have such a good connection she hasnt left my side all of today! and this morning she laid on my chest and started purring and now i dont feel as bad as i did before

Diamond J.

11:34AM PST on Dec 17, 2010

i always felt that way about my 2 cats......now it is confirmed .....I suffer from bipolar disorder and they are very therapuetic for me they even lick me like they are cleaning me when I cry.....I love them sooo much and I know they love me to. thank u for sharing that information....it just makes me luv them even more....I have 9 children and 2 of them are cats!!

Hartson D.

9:41AM PST on Dec 17, 2010

Our house was always full of pets. My favorite was MY cat. He was black with white boots and a white chest. This cat would follow me on walks. He would come to me a talk to me and tell me when he was hungry. At night this cat would come to bed with me purr me to sleep. Damn. I MISS that cat!

Carol R.

1:31PM PDT on Aug 5, 2010

I miss my little purr buddy. He would lay on me when I slept on the sofa during illnesses. And PURR like crazy. It always felt good having him there.

Autumn R.

3:32PM PDT on Jun 21, 2010

love this thanks

Heather B.

9:06PM PST on Feb 10, 2010

Thanks for this, Melissa.

Past Member .

8:36PM PST on Feb 10, 2010

Purr therapy definitely works for me! That's why I live with three cats! They are wonderful entertainers, stress relievers, lap warmers, massage therapists, snuggly blankets, and the ultimate love dispensers!

Jennifer R.

7:27AM PST on Feb 10, 2010

Cats are such wonderfully intuitive animals! Mine always amazes me--if I am in bed sick, she will come stay right next to me for as long as I am in bed.

2:12AM PST on Feb 10, 2010

I love my cat Vanillo. He's like a purring stuffed animal, incredibly cute. Animals are just so wonderful :-)