Cats are highly sensitive creatures. Their hearing can detect frequencies far beyond human range, their whiskers sense subtle changes in air currents, and their eyes are adapted to see in very low light. Their sense of smell is 14 times better than that of humans. This heightened sensitivity allows cats to react quickly to potential threats, prey, or environmental changes, but it also means they can become easily stressed by loud noises, sudden movements, or disruptions to their routine.
I often wonder whether I was a cat in a former life, because I recognize myself in the paragraph above. I detest loud noises. I’m extremely scent sensitive. I’m easily overstimulated. All of that makes me an HSP – a Highly Sensitive Person. About 20 to 30% of the population are thought to be HSPs. HSPs are high in a personality trait known as sensory-processing sensitivity. They tend to have increased emotional sensitivity, stronger reactivity to both external and internal stimuli and a complex inner life. Doesn’t that sound a lot like a cat?
As an HSP, I have learned that I need to protect my energy. I know my triggers, and I have tools in place to deal with them.
HSP Self-Care Kit Easy Reference Guide
Our friends at Love and Above Cat Club have put together a fantastic resource to help HSP’s. Their HSP Self-Care Kit offers understanding and support to HSPs by offering simple thoughts on preventing or reducing sensory overwhelm. Each section focuses on one of the senses (except taste, since that’s the one sense we have complete control over.)
In addition to providing fantastic tools to cope with sensory overload for each of the senses, each section also includes advice on how our cats can help us!
And thanks to Love and Above Cat Club’s generosity, the guide is completely free.
Click here to download the HSP Self-Care Kit Easy Reference Guide.
Photo of Bear courtesy of Love and Above Cat Club, used with permission
I have never really thought about it, but I am a HSP too. With so much going on around my house lately, with my husband’s health scares and losing his job this week, I have been on overload and can’t seem to relax no matter what I do. I constantly have a heavy feeling in my heart, which I know is from the anxiety, stress and not sleeping well. Hopefully this year will turn around and be a better one than the last.
I hope some of the self-care suggestions in the guide will help you, Janine. Sending hugs and hoping for better days ahead for you!
Thank you!