Cat Behavior

senior orange tabby sleeping
Introduction Cat Care Society believes that all cats are worthy, regardless of their age or abilities. Senior cats, in particular, hold an extra special place in our hearts—and it’s not just us! Time and again, we hear from adopters who submit successful adoption updates that feel the same way. Seni...
July 16, 2024
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Beth Dokolasa
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If you have ever searched online for “Is ____ plant cat-safe?” only to be met with confusion or fear, or felt like you needed to choose between having cats OR plants in your home, this post is for you! While some plants are absolutely poisonous to cats, there are many beautiful cat-friendly plants a...
July 2, 2024
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Beth Dokolasa
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Thinking of adding a new feline friend to your family? Follow this step-by-step introduction process to ensure a smooth transition for both your resident cat and the newcomer. Discover how to create a harmonious multi-cat household and set the stage for lifelong feline friendships with these 8 tips!
May 3, 2024
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Ariana Jenks
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Jump to: Why 2 Kittens Are Better Than 1 | What’s the Deal with “Kitten Season?” So you adopted — or are thinking about adopting — a new kitten. Congrats! These tiny furballs bring so much love and joy to a home, but they also need quite a bit of care! Without proper support from the start, your ...
a long-haired tabby cat lays on a bed with a white blanket
April 19, 2024
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Guest Author
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With the role of our feline friends evolving over the years, we now have more information at our finger tips to help us make sure our cats are living their best life. Advancements in the treatment of our cats have provided a higher life expectancy for our furry family members. One topic of study tha...
April 8, 2024
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Ariana Jenks
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Learn the warning signs when a cat is nearing its threshold for physical touch — before they bite or scratch.
An orange cat walks outside a gray litter box
December 1, 2023
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Beth Dokolasa
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Cat pee outside the box can be frustrating! Whether you have a new cat in your home or your resident feline suddenly stops using the litter box, try out these tips to address problem potty behavior.
cat on a scratch mat
At Cat Care Society, we know that caring for cats is a team effort—and one of the most important parts of that team is our foster network. While our shelter provides safe, dependable housing and veterinary care for hundreds of cats each year, foster homes offer something we can’t always replicate wi...
before and after pictures of a black cat
June 27, 2025
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Guest Author
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How Great Portraits Help Pets Get AdoptedWhen I walk into Cat Care Society, or any shelter, with my camera, I don’t see homeless pets – I see stories waiting to be told. I see cats with beautiful personalities just waiting to come out once they find the right person. Some are shy and mysterious, oth...
senior orange tabby sleeping
Introduction Cat Care Society believes that all cats are worthy, regardless of their age or abilities. Senior cats, in particular, hold an extra special place in our hearts—and it’s not just us! Time and again, we hear from adopters who submit successful adoption updates that feel the same way. Seni...
May 27, 2025
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Ariana Jenks
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Cat Care Society is a proud member of MDAWA, the Metro Denver Animal Welfare Alliance. This coalition of 20+ local shelters, rescue groups, and animal service providers work together to promote humane care for companion animals in our community. At Cat Care Society, collaboration with other shelters...
Orange cat looking at laptop screen
Let’s be honest—if you’re reading this, we probably don’t need to tell you how much joy cats bring into our lives. You already know the comfort of a purring cat in your lap, the entertainment of zoomies, and the simple calm of a cat sunbathing in a window. Cats are family. But even though they’ve st...
newborn kitten
If you love cats, you may have heard the term “kitten season” before—but what exactly does it mean? Kitten season is the time of year when shelters and rescues typically receive an influx of newborn kitten litters as well as their mothers. This surge in cats can create challenges for pet shelters, b...
cat receiving medical exam
March 8, 2025
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Beth Dokolasa
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Choosing the right pet insurance can help you manage unexpected vet bills and keep your cat healthy. Learn how to compare policies, coverage options, costs, and exclusions to find the best fit for you and your feline friend.
cat receiving spay/neuter procedure
February 14, 2025
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Beth Dokolasa
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Ensure a healthier future for Colorado’s cats! Spaying and neutering reduce overpopulation, improve feline health, and benefit communities. Learn about Colorado’s laws, TNR programs, and how Cat Care Society supports this vital cause. Take action today!
two cats cuddling
December 28, 2024
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Beth Dokolasa
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Introduction In Colorado, caring for animals isn’t just a calling—it’s a fundamental responsibility governed by the Pet Animal Care Facilities Act (PACFA). Established in 1994, this program protects the health, safety, and welfare of animals in pet care facilities while also protecting consumers who...
black and white cat on human's lap

Winter, with its short days and chilly weather, often confines us indoors, making it the perfect season to enjoy the warmth and company of a cat. A field of study known as zooeyia (pronounced zoo-AY-uh) explores the positive impact of human-animal interactions on health, including physical, mental and emotional health. Meaning a cat isn’t just comforting a cozy companion during the colder months, but you share a beneficial, lifelong bond. In this article, we’ll explore the many health benefits to sharing your home with a cat. We’ll also provide some fun activities to enjoy with your cat during a cozy snow day.

Zooeyia: The Healing Power of Pets

Derived from the Greek word for “animal” (zoion) and “health” (Hygeia, the ancient Greek goddess of health), zooeyia encompasses the wide-ranging physical, emotional, and social benefits of owning pets. Cats, as beloved companions, exemplify zooeyia by their ability to:

  • Boost Mental Health: Cats have been shown to reduce stress and increase happiness in both adults and children. They often become part of family rituals and conversations, bringing joy and connection among household members. Despite their occasionally aloof expressions, cats don’t judge us. Their calming presence, combined with their warm purrs and cozy lap-sits, playful zoomies and graceful stretches, can instantly lighten our mood. Research supports this: petting a cat lowers cortisol, the stress hormone, and increases oxytocin, a chemical that promotes trust and reduces anxiety. Caring for a cat can also enhance self-esteem and provide emotional support, which helps prevent loneliness and makes life’s struggles easier to manage.
  • Support Physical Health: Studies have found that cat owners maintain lower heart rates and blood pressure during stressful tasks and recover faster than non-owners. Additionally, owning a cat is linked to a reduced risk of heart attack and cardiovascular disease—even for those who no longer own a cat but did in the past. These benefits remain significant even when controlling for factors like blood pressure, cholesterol, smoking, and body mass index.
  • Promote Physical Activity: Engaging in interactive play with cats keeps both you and your kitty active, even indoors​. Not to mention, cats can boost flexibility—they’ll have you bending down to rescue lost toys from under the couch, squatting to clean the litter box, and perfecting your poses as they “help” during yoga sessions!

Fun Indoor Activities to Enjoy with Your Cat

Combat winter monotony by getting creative with your cat! These activities not only enrich your pet’s life but also elevate your mood and strengthen the bond between you and your kitty.

cat playing in cardboard box cutout

  • Build a Pillow Fort: Transform your living room into a cozy playground by constructing a fort with pillows, blankets, and boxes. Most cats love exploring confined, soft spaces, making this a win for both comfort and entertainment.
  • Get Crafty With New DIY Toys: Create cat toys with household items, like crumpled paper balls and empty toilet paper rolls, to stimulate your cat’s hunting instincts. Be sure to give your cat a high-protein snack afterwards, which is what they would enjoy after hunting in the wild.
  • Watch a Movie Together: Find a bird documentary to stream and watch it with your cat. It’ll provide you both with entertaining mental enrichment.
  • Use Extra Indoor Time for Training: Contrary to popular belief, cats can learn tricks, especially when you use clicker training. Use positive reinforcement to teach your cat simple commands like “sit” or “high five.” Clicker training not only engages a cat’s mind but also supports their mental health, making it especially beneficial for cats who are easily stressed.
  • Create a Winter Spa Day: Groom your cat with a gentle brushing session, trim their nails, brush their teeth, and take a nap together. This strengthens your bond and keeps them healthy, especially their coat, which is important during the dry winter months.

cat getting fur brushed

 

 

 

 

 

 


Note that some cats need breaks from physical touch. Read our blog post on
overstimulation in cats to learn how to recognize the signs to ensure a positive experience.

Closing Thoughts

Cats offer much more than companionship—they embody the principles of zooeyia by enhancing our mental and physical health, especially in challenging times like winter. Pairing these benefits with fun activities ensures both you and your cat stay happy and engaged. We always have cats available for adoption, so check them out if you’re ready to embrace the warmth and joy they bring to your home (or multiply it if you already have cats!). 

About the Author: Beth Dokolasa is a volunteer for Cat Care Society and serves on the Board of Directors. She is an instructional developer for Natural Grocers and lives in Indian Hills, Colo., with her husband, daughter, and two cats, Techno and Digit. 

Resources

Allen, K., Blascovich, J., & Mendes, W. (1998). Cardiovascular reactivity and the presence of pets, friends, and spouses: the truth about cats and dogs. International Journal of Psychophysiology, 30(1–2), 116. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0167-8760(98)90295-1 

Anderson, K. L., & Olson, J. M. (2015). The value of a pet in enhancing the quality of life. The Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine, 28(4), 526–534. https://www.jabfm.org/content/28/4/526.long

McConnell, A. R., Brown, C. M., Shoda, T. M., Stayton, L. E., & Martin, C. E. (2011). Friends with benefits: On the positive consequences of pet ownership. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 101(6), 1239-1252. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0024506

Stammbach, K. B., & Turner, D. C. (1999). Understanding the Human—Cat Relationship: Human Social Support or Attachment. Anthrozoös, 12(3), 162–168. https://doi.org/10.2752/089279399787000237

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