My girl just turned 12 after a tough year for her health- ER for hepatic lipidosis followed by a diabetes diagnosis a few months later. I was just reflecting on how grateful I am that she made it to this birthday, and I want to share how she somehow has always known how to physically help heal me. Here are some things she’s done consistently for YEARS!

-Lays on my chest and purrs more loudly than normal when I have anxiety attacks

-Pushes her head up next to mine and rubs my temple when I start getting a migraine (they always begin on just my right temple)

-Makes biscuits on my abdomen when I have cramps

-Licks/grooms my eyebrows when they get a little wild and unruly (this one is more cosmetic lol)

-Not a regular thing but…I had a reaction to a medication recently that gave me brief episodes of heartbeat irregularity, and she sat next to me to HOLD HER PAW DIRECTLY ON MY HEART until it went back to normal

This is not accounting for all the cuddling/allowing me to use her as a pillow when I have insomnia, the natural daily antidepressant of knowing she’s there (along with the entertainment), and the way she kept me functioning during some dark times- just by being responsible for her food, water, litter, meds, etc. It was hard to take care of myself, but taking care of her pushed me to keep going.

I have 2 cats, and I love them equally. But she is my first pet, and my other girl is a bit more silly and aloof, not quite as intuitive haha.

I hope you all find healing with your cats, and I’d love to hear any of your stories ❤️