Santa Paws Provides Cute, Very Valuable, Pauses

We’ve spoken in the past about the value of dogs in recovery, but cats play a fun and furry role at Hudson, too. These two, Momma and Baby, live and love at Poplar House, one of our level 3.1 treatment houses in Maryland.

Getting them dressed up for this photo shoot – not easy. Getting them to pet, purr and play is a much better option! Because of the low-stress companionship they offer, Momma, Baby and our cats at some of our other houses are a therapy of choice for many patients.

Did you know that purring falls in the 20-140Hz frequency range, which is known to be medically therapeutic for humans? When you pet a cat, you can often feel your heart rate slow. Your focus may clear. Your breathing may become less labored, and your blood pressure may lower. Some research even says that cat therapy can help heal infection. The sound of the purr itself, the vibration of the purr against your skin and the action of petting the warm fur all contribute.

While cats are not a replacement for medication, the addition of a connection with a cat can be life-altering. For some patients, one of our cats may be the first animal relationship they have ever had; for others it may soothe them with the memory of a simpler time in childhood or a beloved family pet.

Forging a relationship with an animal means trusting them, and for some patients, this is the first time they may have been able to trust anyone or anything in some time. Caring for a pet promotes teamwork in our houses, creates a sense of responsibility, and improves social skills, too.

All those benefits from a 10-pound ball of fur.

Whether you’re a ‘cat person’ or a ‘dog person’ (or even a ‘horse person,’ with equine therapy coming soon,) we hope you enjoy these photos of Momma and Baby. And from our houses to yours, we wish you a very merry holiday season.

Best, Leslie