The Therapeutic Benefits of Cranky Cats (According to Mike the Cranky Cat)
As a therapist, you might think I'm going to tell you about the benefits of snuggling with a purring kitty, but today I'm here to talk about the other side of the feline spectrum: cranky cats. You know, the ones who glare at you from across the room, who always seem to be in a bad mood, who would rather swat at you than cuddle. While these cats may not be everyone's cup of tea, I believe they have some hidden therapeutic benefits that we should all be aware of.
But don't take my word for it—let's hear from Mike the Cranky Cat himself.
First of all, Mike wants to make it clear that he's not really all that cranky. "It's just my face," he says. "I can't help it if I was born with a permanently displeased expression." Fair enough, Mike. But whether you're actually cranky or just looking that way, there are still some benefits to be had.
For one thing, Mike points out that being cranky can be a great stress-reliever. "When you're feeling overwhelmed or anxious, sometimes the best thing to do is just let it all out," he says. "And what better way to do that than by hissing and swiping at the air? It's like a mini catharsis, every time."
Of course, it's important to direct that crankiness in a safe way—no one wants a scratch or a bite from an angry cat. But if you can find a healthy outlet for your frustration, it can be a great way to release some tension.
Another benefit of cranky cats, according to Mike, is that they can help you practice mindfulness. "When you're dealing with a cat who's in a bad mood, you have to be very present in the moment," he says. "You can't just tune out and go through the motions—you have to pay attention to their body language, their tone of voice, their every little twitch. It's like a form of meditation, really."
And let's not forget the social benefits of cranky cats. While it's true that some people may find them off-putting, others are drawn to their sassy attitudes. "There are plenty of humans out there who appreciate a good grump," says Mike. "They see me scowling and they're like, 'yeah, that's how I feel today too.' It's like we're all part of the same grumpy club."
Plus, if you're the owner of a cranky cat, you get to be part of an exclusive club of your own. "We cranky cats don't just let anyone into our inner circle," says Mike. "If you're lucky enough to earn our affection, you know it's because you're one of the few who truly gets us."
Of course, all of these benefits come with a few caveats. If you're going to try to find therapy in a cranky cat, you need to make sure you're respecting their boundaries and not pushing them too far. "Don't expect me to be your emotional support animal," warns Mike. "I'm not here to be your therapist—I'm just here to be me."
And while it's true that some people may find cranky cats therapeutic, it's not a one-size-fits-all solution. "Some people just can't handle the crankiness," admits Mike. "And that's okay. It takes a special kind of person to appreciate a cat like me."
So there you have it—proof that even the crankiest of cats can have therapeutic benefits. Whether it's a mini-catharsis, a form of mindfulness practice, or simply the joy of being part of an exclusive club, there's something special about these feline grumps that can help us all in our own ways. So next time you come across a cranky cat like Mike, give them a little extra love and appreciation—you never know what kind of therapy they might have to offer.
Jen