A new cat. I mean it was inevitable. Nothing will replace the massive black hole and broken heart from losing Kitkat. But a new cat will certainly help fill the void, bring new love and create new memories.
Lily. That’s her name and she is 2 years old and is the sweetest girl. Lots of headbutts and tiny meows. She has brought a smile to our faces and love in our hearts. Surprisingly, she has brought some fun and play back.
We have bought her lots of toys and it is fun seeing her play and go crazy chasing a wee ball or a big of long ribbon on a stick. What’s funny though, if we go and sit down and she wants to play more, she comes over and meows at us until we get up to play. It’s nice to have a reminder to have fun and bring about a sense of play.
Whether we have been wheeking her toys for her to chase or moving the ribbon up and down and side to side and watch as she goes wild chasing them. Watching her run on the floor but unable to get a grip, she runs like she is on a cartoon – not going anywhere but putting all the effort in.
What I’ve noticed is, when playing with her toys and her, I am only focused on making her have fun and not thinking about the mountain of things I have to do at home and at work. A small thing but it does have a positive impact on your wellbeing. The tension, stress, anxiousness disappears in that moment and the soul focus in on us having a great time.
Whether you have a cat or a dog or children, today, spend some time playing with them. Get there favourite toys out and lose yourself in the moment to play. The benefits to you will be just as beneficial as it is to them.
Here are 5 benefits for playing with your pets:
- Mental stimulation – whether you are throwing a ball or pulling a string along for them to chase, will mean they are anything but bored. It gives them mental stimulation. Why not try a ball to put treats in and watch your cat hit the ball and enjoy the reward as the treat falls out.
- Physical wellbeing – with all the running, jumping and rolling around playing is great for your pets wellbeing and also yours. If you are out walking your dog and throwing a ball or running around chasing your dog to get the ball back, this is great for you too. Helping to keep you fit and healthy too.
- Bonding – this is the perfect opportunity for you to bond with your pet. They will enjoy you being on the ground, or running around with them as you play with their toys and have fun. The fact dogs fetch (and some cats too) they want you to keep the game going as they are having a great time. For your pets, playing can really help to build trust and strengthen the bond further.
- Loneliness – this applies to both the owner and pet. Having a pet is fantastic and the love is both ways. Having a cat or dog you can snuggle up with and they can snuggle up with you really does help to combat loneliness. Having a pet as your companion will give you unconditional love, give you someone to talk to – even though they wont answer you, but having that ear to hear you really is a positive. For your pet, they have all your attention in the moment of playing and are pleased to be playing and listening to you (i’m sure).
- Reduce stress – if you come home from work feeling stressed and just want to hide, instead play with your pet, it’s great at reducing stress. You are lost in the moment of playing with them, having fun and being close to them will help to reduce your stress levels. Whilst not a fix, it can make the feelings subside and help you to relax into your evening. Even a hug from your pet can help in times of stress. So what you waiting for, when you get in from work or if you work from home, when you finish work, grab your pets favourite toy and get playing.
Having a pet is wonderful, the love you have for them and they have for you is pure. It is absolutely wonderful to spend time with your pets and play with them and just be silly. They will enjoy it as much as you.
Have a great week and enjoy your playtime!
Look after you. Love Emma & Lily xx
Wellbeing with Relaxing Lavender 