Fur, Heart, and Healing

The cat settled into her lap, warm and steady, purring in a slow rhythm. Studies show that interacting with companion animals can lower blood pressure, reduce stress hormones, and improve emotional well-being through consistent, calming contact (Allen et al. 192).

She rested her hand on its back, matching her breathing to the gentle rise and fall. Research also suggests that pet companionship supports feelings of social support and reduces loneliness, especially during quiet or difficult moments (McConnell et al. 236). In that shared stillness, comfort flowed both ways, simple and sincere.

Works Cited (MLA)

Allen, Karen, et al. “Pet Ownership, Social Support, and One-Year Survival after Acute Myocardial Infarction.” Circulation, vol. 92, no. 10, 1995, pp. 289–297.
McConnell, Allen R., et al. “Friends with Benefits: On the Positive Consequences of Pet Ownership.” Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, vol. 101, no. 6, 2011, pp. 1239–1252.