Hug Your Cat Day

There’s a special kitty holiday just around the corner. May 30 ^th is International Hug Your Cat Day! Of course, there really is no bad time to hug a cat. However, the last few months have been rough for all of us. Hugging cats is a great way to cope with stress in times like this! Here, a Burlington, ON vet discusses hugging Fluffy.

We probably don’t have to tell you that hugging cats can be very comforting. In fact, studies have shown that kitties have a rather remarkable ability to soothe us. Cuddling with your feline pal will help lower your blood pressure, and can even reduce the risk of stroke or heart attack. It also releases beneficial hormones and endorphins in you both.

There are some things to keep in mind when hugging Fluffy. First and foremost, don’t hug a cat that isn’t feeling particularly snuggly at the time. Also, when you hug your kitty, make sure that her weight is supported by her rump or back legs. When your furry buddy decides that she’s had enough, let her go. Otherwise, you may get scratched!

Pets can be very comforting to kids in rough times. Fluffy’s cuddles and soothing purrs can help little ones cope with feelings of fear, anxiety, loneliness, or boredom. That said, young children can be a bit clumsy, and may not be able to properly hold their feline friends. Supervise all interactions, and teach your children the importance of being gentle with our furry companions.

Unfortunately, not all kitties have people to love them, pet them, and give them hugs. The plight of cats in shelters is an issue year round. However, it’s particularly troublesome at this time of year, due to the influx of kittens. If you can, please consider adopting a cat. You’ll not only be doing yourself a favor, you’ll benefit too. If this isn’t the right time for you to get a new pet, then maybe you can help in other ways. Animal charities and rescues are always in need of donations. You can also drop off supplies, or perhaps even consider fostering.

Please reach out to us, your Burlington, ON vet clinic, for all of your pet’s veterinary care needs. We’re dedicated to helping our community through this difficult year.