cats and mental health Archives - MewlaYoung.com

My Therapist Has Whiskers: A Cat’s Advice for Stressed-Out Teens

Mewla — Sat, 29 Aug 2026 04:27:11 +0000

Or, Why Some Teens Need a Therapy Pet

By Ginger Grrrl with a little help from Mewla Young

August 5, 2026

Dear teenage humans,

Ginger Grrrl here.

It’s come to my attention that some of you really could use our help. The CDC found that you teenagers –especially girls—deal with some heavy doo-doo way too often.[1] Teen girls said that they regularly deal with crass jokes, sexual harassment, and sometimes even violence from boys and men. More than 11% of girls told the CDC that they were forced to have sex during the previous year.

Excuse me… but WHAT THE FURBALL?!!

No teenager should ever have to go through something like that.

You deserve someone who listen to you and take your struggles seriously.

Teens and Mental Health

Given everything many of you face, it’s not surprising that 41% of girls reported feeling sad or hopeless, compared with about 21% of boys. Those numbers represent real young people who are hurting. And some of you seem to have no one to help you deal with your troubles.

Then I read something that broke my fuzzy little heart a little more. When asked about the past year [1]:

- - Many teen girls (17%) and boys (12%) planned how they would attempt suicide.
  - Sadly, almost one in ten girls and one in twenty boys actually did try to kill themselves.

If that’s you—or someone you care about—please know this:

You deserve help. You deserve kindness. And you deserve to feel safe.

Some of you may have parents or others who love you and look out for you. But sometimes that’s not enough. Sometimes parents and friends are too distracted to support you.

If you’re struggling with anxiety, depression, or thoughts of hurting yourself, talking with a mental health professional or another trusted adult can make a huge difference.

Mental health therapy can help you take care of yourself, but when people let you down, I bet some of you could use a hug from a soft fluffball like me.

Now, I’m a cat, not a licensed therapist.

But…

I am an expert at curling up beside sad humans, purring at exactly the right moment, and reminding people they aren’t alone.

As it turns out, science says my fellow animals and I are pretty good at that.

How Cats (and Other Pets) Can Help

I’ve talked before about animal-assisted therapy—where specially trained pets hang out at hospitals, schools, counseling centers, and other places to comfort people (see https://mewlayoung.com/the-doctor-is-in/).

Turns out, researchers have studied how this helps teenagers, too.

One study followed more than 150 children and teens who had survived sexual abuse. Those who got to hang out with therapy animals had less anxiety, depression, anger, and post-traumatic stress symptoms, and felt better.[2]

Some research divides teenagers into groups where only half receive animal-assisted therapy. These studies show that the teens who get to hang out with animals do a lot better than those who don’t. For example:

- - One program for teens with “severe conduct disorder” found that visits from animals made kids less aggro. Those who received pet visits were also more affectionate, nurturing, playful, and cooperative. [3]
  - Another group studied teens and pre-teens who had problems like depression, eating disorders, and/or wanting to kill themselves. Animal visits helped kids function much better. For example, the teens were able to go to school more often.[4]
  - A group of teens in residential treatment for mental health problems had stronger social skills, showed more leadership, and less hyperactive behavior compared to their peers who did not have animal visits.[5]
  - Teens in treatment for trauma (such as sexual abuse) who had visits from animals had less anxiety, depression, anger, PTSD, and dissociation.[6]

Your Mini Therapist

Here’s the best part, cherished teen. You don’t need an official therapy cat wearing a fancy little vest. Sometimes… you just need a cat.

Cat caretakers described us this way:

“Sharing time with my cats is one of the highlights of my day.”
“My cat is there whenever I need comfort.”
“My cat helps me get through tough times.”
“My cat is one of my best friends.”

Honestly? That’s exactly the job description I signed up for.

Now Back to Teenagers...

This brings me back to the teens who feel sad or hopeless and to the precious kids who thought about wanting to die. If animal-assisted therapy helps teens in group settings, I know we could help you, too.

If you can’t adopt a cat right now, ask a trusted adult whether you can:

visit a cat café,
spend time with cats at a local animal shelter,
volunteer (if you’re old enough),
visit a neighbor or relative who has a friendly cat, or
when in a pinch, watch some cat videos.

Even a short visit with an affectionate cat can brighten a bad day.

Cats in feral colonies also need looking after. Sterling “TrapKing” Davis, has shared how caring for community cats helped him through a very difficult childhood. Read his story at TrapKing.

Learn about feral cat colonies from organizations like Alley Cat Rescue (see SaveACat.org) and Neighborhood Cats (https://www.neighborhoodcats.org/resources).

A Plea on Behalf of Cats

Sadly, some cats have been treated poorly by humans. These cats have turned away from people and may never be able to trust humans again.

Cats must be treated with kindness and respect. Cats who are raised with love and affection return that affection. These cats have lots of healing purrs to share.

For hints from me on how to care for a cat, see https://mewlayoung.com/choosing-a-cat/.

In Summary

In summary, some of you teenagers are dealing with far more stress, harassment, anxiety, and heartbreak than any young human should have to face. We all need to try a little harder to help and protect you.

And every teenager deserves someone who listens without judging.

Sometimes that’s a counselor.

Sometimes it’s a trusted adult.

And sometimes it’s a little furry therapist who curls up beside you, starts purring, and somehow makes the whole world feel a tiny bit better.

We cats can’t fix everything, but we can remind you that you’re not facing life alone.

Do you think cats can help teens cope with anxiety, depression, or loneliness?

I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments.

MewlaYoung.com August 2026

REFERENCES

Center for Disease Control (2022). Youth Risk Behavior Survey, United States, 2021. https://www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/data/yrbs/index.htm
Dietz, T. J., Davis, D., & Pennings, J. (2012). Evaluating animal-assisted therapy in group treatment for child sexual abuse. Journal of child sexual abuse, 21(6), 665-683. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23194140/
Katcher, A., & Teumer, S. (2006). A 4-year trial of animal-assisted therapy with public school special education students. Handbook on animal-assisted therapy: Theoretical foundations and guidelines for practice, 2, 227-242. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/0033294115626633
Stefanini, M. C., Martino, A., Allori, P., Galeotti, F., & Tani, F. (2015). The use of Animal-Assisted Therapy in adolescents with acute mental disorders: A randomized controlled study. Complementary therapies in clinical practice, 21(1), 42-46. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25701449/
Balluerka, N., Muela, A., Amiano, N., & Caldentey, M. A. (2015). Promoting psychosocial adaptation of youths in residential care through animal-assisted psychotherapy. Child abuse & neglect, 50, 193-205. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26443670/
Balluerka, N., Muela, A., Amiano, N., & Caldentey, M. A. (2014). Influence of animal-assisted therapy (AAT) on the attachment representations of youth in residential care. Children and Youth Services Review, 42, 103-109. https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2014-21557-014
Pet Partners in Collaboration with Dr. Lori Kogan (2024). Exploring the Cat:Human Bond Through the Special Impact of Therapy Cats. https://petpartners.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/EXPLORING-THE-CAT-HUMAN-BOND.pdf

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My Therapist Has Whiskers: Cats and PTSD

Mewla — Thu, 30 Oct 2025 07:08:39 +0000

Dr. LoveMuffin herself, cat reporter Ginger Grrrl, talks about how cats support the mental health of humans who have suffered from psychological trauma.

Dearest Human,

Beings who have suffered terrible trauma–such as an assault, abuse, disaster, or war—can develop Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). This disorder causes people (and cats) to feel constantly on edge, reacting to their world as if danger is imminent.

Not surprisingly, gentle human, those with PTSD often feel irritated, sad, and jumpy. Some people also dissociate, or become disconnected from their thoughts, feelings, or surroundings.[1]

We don’t know how many cats have PTSD, so I’ll just talk about humans who have it. In the US, about one out of ten adults in the general population suffer from PTSD.[2] Some people are more at risk than others, such as combat veterans.[3]

Luckily, dear human, your fur babies are here to help. Cats and other pets make people feel more secure, which helps humans regulate their bodily stress. This means less anxiety and fewer PTSD symptoms.[4] Just petting a soft animal can lower stress and arousal, and stroking or being near pets like me can cause oxytocin (the so-called “love hormone”) to release.[5] No wonder humans who spend time with cats grow to love them (sooner or later)!

The Human-Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI) is an organization that promotes the important role of the human-animal bond in the health and well-being of people, pets, and communities. On their website, they summarize research studies using Therapy Animals. These are pets who are specially trained to provide animal-assisted therapy to support people who suffer from mental and physical disorders [6]. These research studies showed the ways that animals can help reduce PTSD symptoms.[7]

For example:

Animal-assisted therapy reduced symptoms of PTSD compared to pre-intervention in five different studies.

Animal-assisted therapy reduced symptoms of dissociation compared to pre-intervention in two different studies.
In one study of 80 women, those who watched a video with a dog next to them had less anxiety compared to those who watched the video alone or with a stuffed dog.
People who had a service dog reported feeling better and having less anger and stress compared to people without a service dog.
People who had a service dog had lower levels of stress hormones compared to people without a service dog.

Although research has studied dogs more often than cats, I’m here to tell you, gentle human, that cats make great therapy animals. We simply are natural therapists. Just spending time with us pets can help improve stress and other mental symptoms[4].

For people with PTSD, having a feline around is a comforting reminder that danger is no longer present. And don’t forget, we cats purr, which is very soothing. Whether or not someone has PTSD, petting a cat can improve their mood, release “feel good” chemicals, and lower stress.[7]

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it here. In my humble feline opinion, cats can help heal your soul. Hope you’re able to hang out with one today.

Love, Ginger

P. S. To read my article on Animal Assisted Therapy, click here.

Please share comments and questions below! Do you have a suggestion?

Click Contact Us on the menu (top or bottom of page).

REFERENCES

Wiginton, K. (2023). What Is Dissociation? Downloaded December 31, 2023 from https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/dissociation-overview#1-3
American Psychiatric Association (2022). Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. In Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed., text rev.).
Report on VA Facility Specific Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF), Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF), and Operation New Dawn (OND) Veterans Coded with Potential PTSD.” Office of Public Health. 1 Dec. 2012. Web.
Baun, M., Johnson, R., & McCabe, B. (2006). “Handbook on animal-assisted therapy: Theoretical foundations and guidelines for practice (Fine, AH Ed.).
Owens, A. (2021). Tell Me All I Need to Know About Oxytocin. https://www.psycom.net/oxytocin
L. F.(2016). Does cat attachment have an effect on human health? A comparison between pet owners and volunteers. Behavioral Science, 1, https://doi.org/10.21071/pbs.v0i1.3986. (Or see https://journals.uco.es/index.php/pet/article/view/3986).
Mental Health Conditions. Downloaded December 28, 2023 from https://habri.org/research/mental-health/conditions/

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My Therapist Has Whiskers

Mewla — Sat, 24 May 2025 13:53:01 +0000

Dear human,

Ginger Grrrl here.

These days, I hear lots of people say that they are stressed out and unhappy. Well, May is Mental Health Month [1], and so I thought I’d talk about people facing difficulties times and how we cats can help.

Did you know that many people think that their best friend is a cat? In many countries, cats are the most common pet. Most people don’t know how much love and support we provide to people. In fact, many humans still doubt whether we cats are even able to form an emotionally bond with you.

We now know that the human-cat bond is just as strong as the human-dog and even the human-infant bond. Read more about the human-cat bond at The Cat-Human Bond: Basics from Ginger

It’s also no longer a secret that we cats are basically therapists with whiskers. Scientific research has shown that people’s mental health gets better just by being around us.

For example, simply petting cats can help people feel better by decreasing blood pressure [2], releasing “feel good” chemicals, and lowering stress hormones. [3] Petting a cat can also improve a person’s mood. [2] Many people who’ve been through difficult times have even said that a cat saved their life. Below are articles that describe how cats have helped people in different situations.

People with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

Beings who have suffered trauma can develop Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Luckily, dear human, we fur babies are here to help. Cats and other pets can calm people and help them feel secure, which regulates the body’s tension and lowers PTSD symptoms. Read more at: Cats and PTSD.

Stressed-Out Teenagers

Teenagers these days have it really tough. Many teenagers–especially girls—aren’t getting the support they need to cope with life. A survey of American teens found that 41% of girls feel sad and/or hopeless at least some of the time. These teens could use a furry friend to help them get through difficult times. Read more at Ginger Gets Real with Teens.

Elderly Who Live Alone

Human, Did you know that many older people, especially those who are single or widowed, are so lonely that they become depressed and think that no one loves them? Research shows that older people with pets are much less depressed and lonely than those without pets. Read more at: Let’s Help Older Humans Keep Their Cats.

People in Hospitals or Rehab Clinics

If you’re in a hospital or rehabilitation clinic, a therapy cat may be able to help. Therapy pets have special training to help support people healing from physical or mental problems. [5] Read about how visits from therapy cats (and other animals, too) help humans at Animal-Assisted Therapy: The Doctor Is In.

Mini-Therapists to the Rescue

Gentle human,

Now I’m not saying that cats can take the place of mental health professionals, I’m just saying that we cats have a tremendous ability to provide people with support that can make their day a little bit nicer.

If you don’t have a cat of your own, there are other ways to experience our greatness. For example, cats at an animal shelter or cat café will do their best to make you feel better.

Does Your Cat Want to Help?

Dearest human, If you think your cat might be able to help kids or adults in need, you are in luck! Organizations such as Pet Partners, Love on a Leash, and Wags for Hope provide classes to professionally train both you and your cat.

We cats have a mission, but we can’t accomplish it without you. Let’s help the world heal!

Ginger

Written by Ginger Grrrl with a little help from Mewla Young, April 2025.

REFERENCES

Mental Health Awareness Month. Downloaded April 2025 from https://www.nami.org/get-involved/awareness-events/mental-health-awareness-month/
Dinis F. & Martins, T. L. F.(2016). Does cat attachment have an effect on human health? A comparison between pet owners and volunteers. Behavioral Science, 1, https://doi.org/10.21071/pbs.v0i1.3986
Gee NR, Mueller MK, Curl AL. Human-Animal Interaction and Older Adults: An Overview. Front Psychol. 2017 Aug 21;8:1416. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2017.01416. PMID: 28878713; PMCID: PMC5573436.
HABRI (March, 2020). Top5benefitofthehuman-animal bond. Downloaded August 2023 from https://habri.org/blog/top-5-benefits-of-the-human-animal-bond/
Baer, B. (May, 2024). Animal-assisted Therapy (AAT) and emotional support animals. Downloaded April 2025 from
https://therapist.com/types-of-therapy/animal-assisted-therapy/

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8 Ways Introverts Are Similar To Cats

Mewla — Tue, 01 Apr 2025 06:14:16 +0000

Dear human,

Ginger Grrrl here. Have you ever noticed personality differences between people who love cats and people who prefer dogs? One big difference is that dog lovers tend to be extroverts and cat people are more likely to be introverts.[1]

Since National Introverts Week is celebrated during the third full week of March, I thought you and I could discuss why introverted people prefer cats.

Research studies have confirmed that dog people tend to be more extroverted than cat people.[1] Extroverts are people who talk a lot, are excitable, and need lots of attention.[2] They sound a lot like dogs, right? Add slobbering, and it would be difficult to tell them apart!

Introverted humans, on the other paw, are quiet, prefer alone time, and know how to entertain themselves.[2] It’s no wonder that introverted humans love us cats.

Ways That Introverts And Cats Are Alike

Below are eight ways that Introverted humans are similar to us cats.

Getting To Know You

Cherished human, did you ever notice how dogs and extroverts greet everyone they see?[5] Sometimes, dogs and extroverted humans seem to instantly become best friends with just about anyone.

In contrast, cats and introverted people usually take more time to get to know and trust people. Others have to pass a few tests before they are invited into our “inner circle.” Even in wild or feral colonies, cats develop close relationships with only a few, select peers.[3] And like introverts, when we cats accept others, those others are rewarded in many ways. For instance, cats and introverts are completely loyal to those we’ve marked as friends.

Why All The Racket?

Extroverts thrive in noisy, lively settings. In contrast, most cats and introverts find being with noisy people for too long exhausting. We have to pull away when extroverts still want to play with us. Because we pull away, extroverted humans often think cats and introverts are aloof and uncaring.[4] In reality, we just need time alone to recharge.

Alone Time

Cats and introverted people both need and respect personal space. We both need alone time to recharge and choose when to interact with others. Likewise, we don’t pressure others to be with us or talk to us unless they want to.[5] Also, like cats, some introverts prefer to be truly alone [6] and others would rather be with a favorite person (or animal).

Deep Thoughts

Another reason cats and introverted people prefer spending time alone is that we both think deeply and need time to ponder and reflect. It’s not surprising that cats and introverted people both have rich inner worlds and imagination.[4] How else could we come up with the many profound thoughts we have?

Kitty Komfort

Cats and introverted people both enjoy leisure and comfort. Like introverts, we cats crave calm relaxation and quiet. Many of us both prefer daily rituals and a routine, too.[5]

Show Me What You’re Saying

Compared to extroverts, introverted humans are good at perceiving non-verbal communication and often prefer non-verbal ways of communicating. [4] For example, most introverted humans would rather write than speak in front of a crowd.

Similarly, we cats prefer to communicate non-verbally. In our case, we do so in subtle ways using body language, such as by a flick of our tails.

I Hear You

Lastly, cats and introverted people are both good listeners. We may not say a lot, but we are always there to lend an ear. Our willingness to listen is one reason why we can form such close, loving bonds with each other.[4]

Can Extroverts Be Good Cat Parents?

Of course, gentle human, this does not mean that all extroverts are terrible cat parents. My CatDad is an extrovert and he’s loving and empathic. Sometimes it just takes a little more effort to get him to notice that I’m telling him something. When I nip his ankles, he understands that I need his attention.

Some cats-especially those raised with dogs or in noisy, busy environments-adapt to and enjoy being with extroverted humans. For advice about finding the right cat for your personality and living environment, go to Find the Right Cat for You!

That said, extroverts who wish to be friends with cats will do well to tone down the noise, respect our boundaries, and not take our desire for alone time personally. And both extroverted and introverted people should remember what Cat Behaviorist Luke Hollenbeck with the Animal Behavior Wellness Center in Virginia says [3]: Cats are always trying to communicate with humans, and humans have to be really good at understanding that.

-peace out

Ginger

What do you think about cats and introverts and/or extroverts?

Share your comments below.

Written by Ginger Grrrl with a little help from Mewla Young, 21,mar2025.

REFERENCES

Granneman, J. (10oct2019). Cat Lover? You’re More Likely to Be an Introvert. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-secret-lives-introverts/201910/cat-lover-you-re-more-likely-be-introvert
Quora (10may2017). Retrieved 10mar2025 from https://www.inc.com/quora/the-6-biggest-drawbacks-to-being-an-extrovert.html
Grablick, C. (12mar2024). Cats Aren’t Jerks. They’re Just Misunderstood. Retrieved 10mar2025 from
https://www.washingtonpost.com/home/2024/03/12/cats-behavior-misunderstood/
CJPI (no date). The Strengths and Weaknesses of Being an Introvert. Retrieved 10mar2025 from https://www.cjpi.com/insights/the-strengths-and-weaknesses-of-being-an-introvert/
Vanden Breul, C. (28aug2024). Ways Introverts and Cats Are Exactly the Same. Retrieved 10mar2025 from https://introvertdear.com/news/introverts-cats-ways/
Thomas, V. (3march2025). All Introverts Are Not Happy Hermits. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/solitude-in-a-social-world/202502/arent-all-introverts-happy-hermits

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