Cats: A Benefit To Society

While some are abandoning, others are putting innocent lives to work. Behind the cold walls and bars lies the stories of prisoners that can only be described as heartwarming.  The felines brought in  not only lift the mood around them, but also improve the lives around them, showcasing the incredible benefits they bring to society. 

Cats are often misunderstood because of their solitary nature. Just as our 5 fingers are not the same, humans and other animals are not the same. While some cats prefer staying alone, others prefer to be with people. However, those who spend time with cats know that none of them have the same personalities. Prison cats, in particular, have shown the ability to adapt to their surroundings and form strong bonds with the inmates. In a prison where stress and anxiety lurks every corner, prison cats can actually lift up the mood. These cats provide a sense of purpose and responsibility, encouraging inmates to develop certain life skills such as empathy, compassion and self care. Inmates who participated in cat programs have shown significant improvements in their mental and emotional well being. 

It’s official cats have healing powers. Cats in general are born with special healing powers like knowing when you are stressed or sick. They can help you reduce stress levels and accompany you by purring at a certain frequency which helps to ease the mind. Among the findings from the first national survey on prison-based animal programs, conducted in 2006, 159 prisons in 36 states reported the following:

• 100% reported reduced inmate stress levels

• 97% reported increased inmate relationship/trust skills

• 93% reported increased inmate self-control 

Now, where do you find all these cats? These cats are shelter cats who long for a loving home. No lives are wasted. Inmates are happy to have a friend, the cats are happy to find a warm place to stay. As we recognize the incredible benefits of cats in our society, we must also acknowledge the important role they play in our prisons. By supporting prison cat programs and promoting the adoption of shelter cats, we can help to create a more compassionate and empathetic society – one purr at a time.