Stray cats are not just animals in distress. For many people, they become a daily source of support, an emotional anchor, and sometimes even a reason to get up in the morning. Unbeknownst to them, these cats play a vital therapeutic role in our communities.
Here are 5 reasons why protecting stray cats is also protecting our mental health and emotional balance .
1. They break the solitude and restore a sense of presence
The mere presence of a cat that comes every day in front of a house, looks for some food or rests nearby creates a form of companionship, especially for elderly or isolated people.
- The cat brings a positive routine
- It reduces the feeling of abandonment
- He reminds us that a living being depends on our attention
According to a study by the National Institute of Mental Health, the presence of an animal reduces symptoms of loneliness by 36% in isolated individuals.
2. They trigger the production of calming hormones
Watching a cat sleep, eat, or groom itself has a calming effect on the human brain. This scientific phenomenon is called the "visual mimicry emotional regulation effect . "
Eye contact with a cat:
- Lowers cortisol (stress hormone)
- Stimulates oxytocin (the hormone of well-being and bonding)
- Calms the heart rate
A simple Miawi shelter allows the cat to remain present in a human environment in a serene manner.
3. They give meaning and purpose to daily life
Feeding a stray cat, checking that it is okay, setting up a shelter for it… these are small actions that have a big impact on human mental health.
- They create a sense of usefulness
- They boost self-esteem
- They transform anxiety into positive energy
It is no coincidence that free-roaming cats are intentionally present in many senior residences.
4. They promote positive social interactions
A stray cat that several residents feed becomes a subject of exchange, smiles, and cooperation.
- It creates natural conversations between neighbors.
- It strengthens the sense of community.
- It encourages mutual support.
A neighborhood that takes care of cats becomes a more humane and cohesive neighborhood.
5. They remind us of the value of life
Helping a vulnerable person, seeing them come back every day, seeing them regain their strength... provides real emotional satisfaction.
- This strengthens psychological resilience
- This fosters compassion
- This helps to combat depression and social withdrawal.
"When I started feeding a stray cat, I found a reason to leave my house every day. It saved me as much as I saved it."
Testimony collected by the Gamelles Sans Frontières Association
Conclusion: a silent, but profoundly human connection
Stray cats don't ask for much: shelter, a meal, a kind look. In return, they offer something precious: comfort, connection, and a presence that soothes the human spirit .
At Miawi, we believe that protecting stray cats is also protecting our humanity.
A stray cat may not speak… but it can heal.
