Sharing the Pet Therapy Benefits

Kennedy wasted no time to get Carolina registered as a therapy cat. Pet therapy benefits all age groups, but in Kennedy's case, it's especially important during the stressful college years. Because she knows firsthand how much Carolina calms her own anxieties, Kennedy wants to share Carolina's gift with others. While Kennedy has no immediate plans for bringing Carolina into the community as a therapy cat, she does welcome friends to relax with Carolina. "I invite people over (that I know) when they are stressed to see the kitten. She is just this cute ball of energy, and it usually lifts people's spirits! I haven't thought about taking her out yet since she is still quite little." Maybe in the future, Kennedy can bring her to a nursing home or children's hospital to lift other people's spirits, too.

Adopting a cat was a strategic decision for Kennedy. A person with anxiety may feel calmer by focusing on the needs of something or someone else, and a pet provides a good distraction. However, sometimes too much responsibility can be anxiety-creating in itself. Kennedy chose to get a cat, versus a therapy dog partly because of the level of responsibility needed. She says, "Having a therapy cat is much easier than a therapy dog because cats are pretty self-reliant, and I don't have to worry about her very much when I go to classes or go out for the night."

Kennedy and Carolina's story isn't rare. One of the best benefits of having a cat is that they help calm their pet parents. When you're struggling with anxiety, you'll take help from anywhere, especially in the form of a purring companion.

If you're considering adopting a cat to help ease your anxiety, that's great! With a little training, and a whole lot of love, your cat will be a welcome addition to your family. And remember adopting a cat can help ease two lives filled with anxiety: your own and a cat looking for a good home.

Contributor Bio

Erin Ollila

Erin Ollila is a pet enthusiast who believes in the power of words and how a message can inform, and even transform its intended audience. Her writing can be found all over the Internet and in print. Reach out to her on Twitter @ReinventingErin or learn more about her at http://erinollila.com.