The Benefits of a Pet When Dealing With Cancer

Unfortunately, I recently had to put down my cat — a cat who was by my side for almost twelve years of my 16-year cancer journey. Of course, I am deeply sad. Losing him has left a quiet space in my home, and in my heart. The entire energy in my house was different when I woke up the next morning. I found it difficult to adjust to his lack of presence and energy. The feeling of his absence is intangible. At the same time, his passing has made me reflect on just how much he gave me during some of the hardest years of my life.

Currently, I receive infusions every four weeks to support my immune system. My husband administers them for me at home. While he always did this with care and love, he didn’t fully understand how comforting it was for me to have my cat cuddled beside me during those hours. He worried about him shedding and possibly causing an infection by being too close to me, which I understood. What he didn’t realize, however, was how soothing the sound of my cat’s purring was — how it calmed my nerves and grounded me in the moment. That steady vibration beside me became a quiet source of comfort, something I looked forward to during an otherwise clinical process.

Over the years, my cat was often a welcome distraction from cancer. He brought joy and smiles when I needed them most. Quietly lifting my mood without effort. I truly believe he helped reduce my stress and anxiety. There were times when my worries felt overwhelming, when the mental load of living with chronic illness became heavy. Simply having him nearby — curled up next to me or leaning his body against mine — helped lighten my thoughts.

I’ve read studies showing that having a pet can lower blood pressure, which makes perfect sense to me. One review noted that “interactions with companion animals are associated with reduced stress responses,” something I experienced firsthand. There is something inherently calming about cuddling with an animal who offers unconditional companionship. Pets are often described as a form of therapy in themselves, and I know that was true for me. The comfort I felt from my cat helped ease my anxiety and stress.

He always wanted to be close — especially when I sat on the sofa reading, with him pressed up against my side. That closeness brought a sense of normalcy to some days that otherwise revolved around medications, lab results, and uncertainty. I’ve also read that cats may help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease by as much as 30 percent, which, after living with one, doesn’t surprise me at all. If I had a day when I was feeling sick, my cat would come up and cuddle right next to me, purring softly. Somehow, he always seemed to know when I needed him most. The calming presence of a cat can have real physical effects, even if we don’t fully recognize them at the time.

Cats can also be relatively low maintenance, which may make them a good choice for someone dealing with cancer. If I had to be away at an infusion center for five hours, I never had to worry, who’s going to let the dog out? One less stress I didn’t need. I’m not trying to make this about cats versus dogs, but that practicality is worth acknowledging when energy and stamina are limited.

Right now, I have no plans to get another cat, though I may be slowly convincing myself. I think I just made a pretty good case. Perhaps I was simply lucky with my cat, Rashi.

Wherever he was in the house, he came when I called him. I often joked that he was more like a puppy than a cat.

Ultimately, whether it’s a cat or a dog, having an animal companion while going through something as life-altering as cancer can be incredibly beneficial — especially if you’re fortunate enough to have support at home to help care for them. Pets are our warm, furry companions. They sit with us when we don’t want to talk, when words feel like too much. Sometimes, all we need is their quiet presence and the calming, tactile touch of their fur to remind us that we are not alone.

Losing my cat has been painful, but I am deeply grateful for the role he played in my life and in my cancer journey. He didn’t cure anything — but he comforted me, steadied me, and helped carry me through. And that, I’ve learned, matters more than I ever realized.

This piece reflects the author’s personal experience and perspective. For medical advice, please consult your health care provider.

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