College students face challenges on the daily. More than 40 percent of college students have felt more than an average amount of stress within the past 12 months. There are many ways to help reduce stress. Having a cat in your home during your college years can actually be therapeutic because believe it or not cats have healing powers.

Why cats purr:

Cats purr for many reasons. They purr when hungry, mad, restless, happy. Each purr is your cat communicating with you, trying to let you understand what your cat’s needs are.

The purring of a cat has huge health benefits which helps humans.

Though studies, a discovery was made that cats can help dyspnea. Dyspnea is a breathing disorder. The vibrations of the purr help chest pain for this particular disorder.

On certain frequencies cats can actually help increase bone density. Low frequencies help pain relief as well as help heal muscles. The vibrations of a purr help chronic pain. The vibrations actually help relax the muscles.

“Cats kind of have a super power for people dealing with anxiety.” says student Jessica Uphold, “A cats purr is like their magic wand. The vibrations are good for your blood pressure, relieving stress, infections and even sore muscles and bones. It’s pretty extraordinary that our own animals have the power to make our worries a little less important.”

“When you rub a cat until it purrs it really helps you calm down because you can see the cat being consumed with utter comfort, happiness, and love. It almost distracts you from whatever is making you anxious in that moment,” says student Emily Yanka.

Safe to say that having a cat in college can actually benefit you v. being a distraction. Having a cat is like having your own personal therapist.

More Facts:

• Interacting with your cat can help lower blood pressure.
• Cat owners have a 40% less risk of heart attack.
• Purring helps heal infection and swelling