There’s a pretty adorable kitty holiday coming up. March 23 rd is Cuddly Kitten Day! Of course, we think cats deserve to be cuddled every day. Our feline buddies are definitely very affectionate, and make great snuggle buddies! Here, a Burlington, ON vet offers some tips on cuddling your pet.
Snuggling up with a kitty is actually good for both you and Fluffy. When you cuddle your cat, a hormone called oxytocin—also known as the Cuddle hormone or the Love hormone—is released in both of you. This hormone promotes bonding, and reinforces that happy feeling of being loved.
Fluffy’s soothing purr may be a bit magic. Cats purr at frequencies between 25 and 150 Hertz. These frequencies have been shown to promote healing and improve bone density. Studies have also shown that hugging a purring cat can lower your blood pressure and soothe anxiety. It also helps people cope with feelings of grief, fear, and depression. This is why kitties are becoming more and more popular in places like nursing homes and hospitals.
There are some rules to hugging our feline friends. First and foremost: never force attention on a kitty, no matter how adorable she looks. That’s a good way to get scratched! Always let Fluffy decide when it’s time to cuddle, and when snuggle time is over.
Not every kitty has someone to cuddle with. There are millions of cats in shelters, just hoping someone will adopt them and cuddle them. Consider donating money or supplies to a local charity. You can also help by sharing posts about cats that are up for adoption. You may change a furball’s life with a few clicks or keystrokes!
While there are certainly many fuzzy little cuddlebugs out there, not all of our feline pals enjoy snuggles. Some kitties just prefer to be admired from a distance! If Fluffy doesn’t care for being held or petted, just pamper her with toys, treats, and catnip instead.
We probably don’t have to tell you that hugging Fluffy can be very relaxing. Purring cats actually make great sleep aids! Plus, this is just a great way to wind down after a long day!
Please contact us, your local Burlington, ON vet clinic, for all of your cat’s veterinary care needs. We’re here to help!