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"After a long day at college, I come home still worrying about my academics. I rarely get time for my extracurricular activities, and rarely do I give myself a time-out. Even though I try to relax my nerves, I feel that a feline buddy could help me more," expressed Tamim Oishee, an 18-year-old cat fanatic from Dhaka.
For her, cats are enigmatic creatures, shrouded in an air of mystery. Their sleek and elegant forms, playful antics, and unyielding independence give her a calming presence.
"However, we can't have one in our home. Mom says that we are not ready for this, and so I am always swiping left, right, up, and down cat videos all over the internet," stated Oishee further as she expressed her eagerness to pet and adopt a cat.
Uncovering serenity and mental stability in a fast-paced and often stressful world is formidable. Fortunately, the company of a feline friend can be the prescription for a relaxed mind. But apart from these adorable felines, there are many other pets out there, from dogs, parrots, and fish to rabbits, and it is not unusual for people to have diverse preferences. Is not soothing our minds and bringing joy and mental peace the supreme goal of pet companionship?
"The whole point of having a cat (or pets, in general) is to get that mental peace you would want on a stressful day. Cuddling them or talking to them when you don't feel like having any human interaction brings out the exquisitivity of our furry friends," said Juairah Jahan Zara, a university student and a proud cat parent.
"The best part of having a cat is having a non-judgmental friend. Their unconditional love is unexplainable, and their way of comforting you is therapeutic. You can always go to them when you're feeling happy, sad, frustrated, or lazy, and they will surely make you feel a thousand times better," continued Zara, relieved that she had chosen a feline companion.
One of the most remarkable benefits of petting a cat is its ability to reduce stress and promote relaxation. When you gently stroke a cat's fur, it triggers a release of endorphins, the 'feel-good' hormones; these endorphins create a sense of calmness and contentment, which helps lift anxiety and reduce stress levels.
Not only that, cats possess an aura of serenity that envelops their very being. Inviting them into our lives makes them the gatekeepers to a realm of tranquillity and inner calmness. Their graceful movements, gentle purring, languid stretches, and our rhythm of petting them reduce the production of stress-related hormones, leading to a decrease in blood pressure and an invitation to a more relaxed state of mind.
"At first, I had no fondness for cats. However, everything changed when I crossed paths with the feline companion of one of my cousins," shared said Muttakee Bin Ali, a post-graduate student from Dhaka University.
In that transformative moment, his perspective underwent a remarkable metamorphosis.
"It is not like I have plans," Muttakee continued about his change in perspective, "but I would not mind fostering a cat. I genuinely believe that pet cats are immaculate for relaxation and can relate that to those times when a feline companion calmed down my nerves."
It is uncanny how cats have this ability to brighten our day, even with just short videos on the internet. "It helps me to lift my mood whenever I feel overwhelmed or sad. I mean, they are so small, fluffy, and majestic," said Maisha Hossain, a fresh graduate from the Islamic University of Technology, as she became overjoyed when the topic came up.
Interacting with or simply observing them play triggers serotonin and dopamine release in our bodies. These hormones help to elevate our happiness, contributing to an overall improved mood. It has been found that petting a cat, in particular, stimulates the release of a hormone that combats feelings of loneliness and depression, fostering a sense of emotional well-being and mental peace.
"I have lost count of how many times I pet my cat in a single day-maybe 15 or 20 times? Sometimes after waking up from sleep or after coming from college-I mean, whenever I get the chance, I never miss it," Afia Anjum, one of the proud parents of Dholu, a 2-year-old feline in Rajshahi, was speaking.
"When I pet my cat Dholu, it brings me bundles of joy that I can't explain in words," she said.
Afia Nawar, the elder sister of Afia Anjum and the other parent of Dholu elaborated further, "I know that our cat gives us unimaginable joy, but as a parent, I am constantly worrying about his health. When we take him to the vet, feeding him the medicine and getting a proper diagnosis is challenging. Who knows what might happen if we stopped caring about the little fellow?"
However, pet clinics are on the rise to help pet parents like Afia. Places like Furryghor help out with foster homes and vet services. Places like Pat a Pet Café and Capawcino Cat Café also give a helping hand, easing the weight of the overburdened shoulders for some time. These cafes are giving many pet lovers, especially feline lovers, the opportunity to pet these magical creatures as much as they want.
"On the way home after a tiring day at university, I would love to grab a cup of tea and spend time with cats in a café to relieve my stress," expressed Muttakee as he provided an additional perspective on his adoration for cats. "I feel like it is absolutely okay when I see colleagues and classmates adoring cats or watching cat videos," further added Muttakee, waiting eagerly to adopt a cat.
From the velvety softness of the cat's fur to the tactile symphony created when our fingers run through their hair strands as we pet them, we are transported to a world of unparalleled comfort and solace. In the end, these small furry friends help us in reducing stress, lowering blood pressure, enhancing moods, alleviating depression, and promoting mindfulness and immunity. Each touch is an embrace-an eternal connection that brings a smile to our faces.