# Mental Health Benefits of an Emotional Support Animal - Guide 2021

There are specialized animals that are used for the psychological treatment of such issues and provide support and companionship to the patient during these difficult times. Various kinds of animals are used as Emotional Support Animals, such as [can dogs eat popcorn](https://www.realesaletter.com/blog/can-dogs-eat-popcorn), peacock, ducks, horses, various types of birds and even pigs. But one of the most favorite animals that are liked by many people and kept by most pet owners in the United States of America is a Cat. According to the national pet owners’ survey, more than 95.6 million cats are currently living in US households.

Cats are adorable little balls of fur that look extremely cute and are hugely playful. They provide huge levels of love, compassion, and support. Cats not only become extremely lovable pets but also prove to be hugely helpful Emotional Support Animals. Let me tell you how.

**Physical Health**

&#x20;        Do you know that keeping a cat with you keeps your blood pressure low? Yes, it is a fact, cats contribute to maintaining healthy blood pressure in their owners. Moreover, the owners of cats are also at a much-reduced risk of a stroke as compared to people who do not own a cat. If you have dog [can dogs eat pineapple](https://www.realesaletter.com/blog/can-dogs-eat-pineapple)? Scientists have found out that people who own a cat die much less due to a heart attack as compared to those who do not own a cat.

**Mental Health**

&#x20;        Owning a cat will not only be beneficial for your physical health but also your mental and psychological health. The presence of a cat in your house around you becomes the reason for the release of the “happy hormones: or chemical in the body, known as endorphins. The nature of a person becomes much softer and calming in the presence of an animal, especially a [presa canario](https://www.realesaletter.com/blog/dog-breeds/presa-canario).

&#x20;Being extremely low maintenance animals, a cat provides mental relaxation to its owners. It has been proven through many experiments that even a small petting session can relax the owner while it becomes a source of great peace. In addition to this, multiple experiments have also proven that cat owners remain much happier as compared to the people who don't because these cute little furballs fill any space with happiness due to their playful and adorable activities.&#x20;

**Social Health**

&#x20;        Cats have been found to improve your social health as well. They prove to be a natural conversation starter between their owners, and hence, the people who keep cats as pets, get a chance to interact and socialize with people. You’d notice that whenever you are in a gathering, two people who own [maltipoo](https://www.realesaletter.com/blog/dog-breeds/maltipoo), especially cats start a conversation very very easily as compared to other people. They do not have to look for topics and can start talking on almost any topic that is related to their cats well-being, health and maintenance.&#x20;

Hence, if you think that you are suffering from any emotional issues like stress, anxiety, depression or any complex issue like OCD, PTSD, MDD or anything else, you should surely consider keeping a cat as a pet. You will definitely feel a clear difference in, not only your mental health, but also your physical health. There’s a reason the Egyptians held cats in high esteem. If you think that your landlord will frown at the sight of an animal especially a cat in the house, you can get an Emotional Support Animal Letter.

It is an official letter that allows you to keep a pet with you, wherever you go. It can easily be obtained from a licensed Mental Health Professional.

I’m quite sure that you will love your cat and will have a great time with it and hopefully will add to your positive mental, social and physical health.&#x20;
