BEAT WINTER BLUES – ADOPT A FURRY FELINE FRIEND
How Helping a Cat In Need Like Moley Can Banish Depression
With the clocks about to change and the seasons teetering on the brink of winter, a study has found that lavishing love on a feline friend can prevent the misery of seasonal depression.
The report found that seasonal affected disorder, a recognised condition that plunges sufferers into depression in the winter months, is much less likely to strike where there is a cat in the home.
The more the cat needs love and attention, the more chance the owner has of banishing the winter blues – and nowhere is there a cat more in need of a loving home than in Nottinghamshire, where the Animal Accident Rescue Unit charity is trying to find a home for down-on-his-luck moggy Moley.
Moley has been with the charity since January, having been found abandoned and wandering the streets of Nottingham. Animal Accident trustee Robina Varley takes up the story: “Moley is gorgeous – black and white, beautiful and friendly – but he is diabetic, which could be a clue to why he was abandoned.
“Just like a human diabetes sufferer, Moley needs injections of insulin twice a day. But the injections are so simple to give, he doesn’t even feel them. And the rewards are tremendous. When Moley is curled on your lap purring with the television on, all cosy on the sofa, it is easy to see why this study has found that cats prevent winter depression. Caring for an animal who needs you gets rid of your own anxieties about yourself and the rewards are a happy winter, and happy owner and a contented cat.”
The five year research study was carried out by Dr June McNicholas, a psychologist with a particular interest in animals and human health and a member of the CAWC working party on Companion Animals in Health and Social Care Institutions.
She said: “The findings are quite spectacular and show that cat owners are much better equipped to deal with the depressing winter months. Medical opinion has long held that in times of stress or anxiety one of the most valuable assets is a supportive relationship. This study suggests that cats are just as able to provide that support as humans.”
Among the results, cat owners suffered 60% fewer headaches than non-feline households and were 21% less likely to catch the cold or flu as research shows cats can boost their human companions' immune systems. Men under 40 seemed to benefit the most from cat ownership.
Sufferers of seasonal affected disorder, also known as SAD, tend to report symptoms including headaches, insomnia, restlessness, general anxiety and malaise.
Robina Varley said: “Even though Moley has diabetes, his needs are simple and his love is unconditional. It would be wonderful to think there is someone out there who could help him, and who he in turn could help too.”
AARU provides an ambulance service for sick and injured birds and animals and uses a team of volunteer drivers and foster carers, who look after the rescued creatures in their own homes. AARU funds the veterinary treatment of the stray animals it rescues, and would consider helping with the cost of Moley's insulin if there's a genuine financial need.
The charity is always on the look out for new members to join its dedicated team of volunteers. To offer assistance with the rescue work, contact Animal Accident Rescue Unit on 0115 9321 555.
The five-year research study by Dr McNicholas was commissioned by Cats Protection.
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