As a Licensed Massage Therapist, I’m all about finding new and interesting ways to stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system (“rest and digest”)… Did you know that petting cats is a fabulous way to do so?
The purring sensation of a peace-filled cat is one way to soothe and co-regulate one another. Our brains and bodies accept this stimulus as a safe, calming exercise that reinforces a sense of connection and safety.
Studies say that the simple act of petting a cat stimulates mechanoreceptors in the skin (especially C-tactile afferent fibers), which send signals via the spinal cord to the brain’s somatosensory cortex and limbic system.
A client recently told me about the Holland Cat Cove located over at 76 E Lakewood Blvd in Holland MI and I knew I had to take the little to go check it out! It was a super easy 30 minute drive from GR proper and well worth it!
You will definitely want to book your time online and take some time to familiarize yourself with the rules & FAQs before wandering on over.
Let’s start out by saying Jennifer (owner) is an incredible human! She greeted us at the door, confirmed our reservation, and briefed us on all the good info we needed to know.
Hand washing protocols are my love language, y’all! This place is hyper clean and set up to ensure the safety of all those bipedal and beyond.
Highly recommend you check out some of the handcrafted goods as well as the selection of Michigan made refreshments available for purchase for very reasonable prices!
Thank you, Holland Cat Cove, for a lovely hour with all of the adoptable friends!!