Purrfect remedy to ease January blues
Alexandra Gregg • Published 16 Jan 2013 12:00
0 Comments
Share this
"A REAL SWEETIE": Black cat Merlin is approximately two-years-old. He needs a new home away from busy roads and is an affectionate family cat - used to young children.
PURR-therapy could be the way to ease the stress on Blue Monday, January 21 - dubbed as the most depressing day of the year.
And with more than 60 felines up for adoption and a waiting list of 60 more, the Bracknell and Wokingham Districts branch of Cats Protection is one of the best places to go.
Lynne Pothecary, publicity officer for branch, said: "Sitting with a relaxed purring cat at the end of a hectic day is a soothing massage for the soul. Perhaps this is because the reassuring hum is generally associated with calmness and gentle communication, or perhaps it is because the frequency of the vibration is in the range that can stimulate healing."
Furthermore, the charity says that curling up with a feline friend is widely-recognised as having therapeutic benefits and is even known to lower blood pressure.
Research by the Mental Health Foundation has shown that 87 per cent of people who owned a cat felt it had a positive impact on their wellbeing, while 76 per cent said they could cope with everyday life much better thanks to the company of their feline friends.
Half of the cat owners felt that their cat's presence and companionship was most helpful, followed by a third of respondents describing stroking a cat as a calming and helpful activity.
Mrs Pothecary added: "These findings tell us what cat lovers have known for years - cats are not just great company but they can also be very good for you.
"We have so many cats and kittens in our care that desperately need new homes and could help chase away the Monday blues."
One such pretty puss is two-year-old Merlin, a stunning, sleek black cat whose previous owner moved away.
He has so-far only been an indoor cat, but the charity is keen for him to get outside - although his new home would need to be away from busy roads.
"Merlin is used to young children and we believe would be fine with other cats," explained Mrs Pothecary. "He is a really sweetie, affectionate and enjoys sitting on your lap but also likes to play. He would make a great addition to any family."
He has been flea-treated, wormed, micro-chipped, neutered and vaccinated.
To offer a cat like Merlin a home, call the Bracknell and Wokingham Districts Branch on 0845 371 4212 or email readingeastcp@hotmail.com
This article appeared in Bracknell News 16 Jan 13
Return to the main index, get more from this section or browse our News archives.
