3rdworldpets

Shorter days mean less daylight and for many people this means: the blues.

An article on this very subject was in print today in dark cold winter-time Canada by the aptly titled Toronto Sun. The report cites a recent study about the look of cats on the winter blues:

Dr. June Nicholas, a psychologist at Haywards Heath in England, carried out a five-year study during during peak SAD time each January and February to evaluate whether cats have a soothing look on corporal and mental health.

Nicholas reports that cat lovers were less likely to get that down-in-the-dumps feeling than those who didn’t have a “Whiskers” sitting on their lap. Cat owners had 60% fewer headaches, were 21% less likely to catch a cold or flu, suffered less insomnia, impatience and tension.

Not surprising, considering other studies about the human-pet relationship and it’s look on our mental health. Consider, for example, the report by Brad Kollus on the Power of Petting in print here on our site, where studies expose the mechanism by which petting our cat gets the brain to secret “pleased” neurochemicals which help alleviate stress and anxiety.

The Toronto Sun’s piece is titled: Got the winter blues? Buy a cat.

To which I have three things to say -

1. Cats make you pleased all year round.

2. Cats are not a seasonal remedy – they are a life long commitment and you should place the cat’s welfare and your ability to care for him/her first.

3. Why not take on board a cat from a shelter? Forget about pet shops and expensive breeders. Austerely head out to your local shelter and find the like of your life.