Anyone who has held a purring cat in their lap understands the warmth and feeling of contentment that is conveyed by the sound and feel of the vibrational purr. Researchers are continually looking into the domestic cat as a healing tool for human stresses. Tabby's purring can help reduce his owner's stress or anxieties. Cat purring can ease discomforts such as stomach pain, and also help boost immune systems.

Veterinarians have long noted that broken bones heal quickly in cats. The vibrations associated with the feline purring is of interest to the holistic healing community. The measurable Hertz of a cat's purr lies between 25 and 150. 20 to 50 HZ have been showing great promise in speeding bone injuries in human medicine. Research is currently being done to find out if purring actually accelerates the natural healing process of broken bones in humans. "Here kitty, kitty", says the woman with a broken ankle.

Even without the purring, companionship of a cat can bring emotional support to his human. Who is the caregiver here, cat or human? Beyond serving as companions our animals are also therapists.

If only I didn't have an allergy to cat dander.

Sources: Connie Barrett, Beyond The Rainbow, Franny Syuyfy, Why Cats Purr, and Marcella Durand, Cat Facts

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