Cat Behavior

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.

• 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.

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