To a certain extent, it seems that having a cat can have a positive impact on mental health. A 2011 survey of 600 people, of whom half had a mental health problem at the time, revealed that 87% felt that having a cat had a positive impact on their lives, and 75% coped better on a day-to-day basis. This suggests that cats may provide some emotional support for those with mental health problems. Additionally, cats have been shown to reduce stress levels in both humans and other animals. Hence, if you're struggling with stress or anxiety, adopting or fostering a cat may well be the answer for you!