There are many benefits of parenting a cat, though one of the best is having a constant companion. A furry friend-turned-family member, your cat is always around, and for people suffering from anxiety, a cat provides a safe, calming constant in their life. Yes, someone may get the pet therapy benefits from visiting with a "rented" furry friend, but it's even better to welcome your own cat into your home.

While anxiety can affect a person at any age, it can be especially difficult to deal with in the teenage or young adult years. The American Psychological Association states, "Teens report that their stress level during the school year far exceeds what they believe to be healthy (5.8 versus 3.9 on a 10-point scale) and tops adults' average reported stress levels (5.8 for teens versus 5.1 for adults)." So what can a college-aged anxiety sufferer do to feel calm and confident?

Here's a story of Kennedy, a freshman entering college who struggles with anxiety. She recently adopted a kitten and certified her as a therapy cat so that she could bring her to college as part of her anxiety treatment plan.

Kennedy and Carolina Head to College

Facing anxiety as a teenager can feel overwhelming, and after graduating high school, moving out of the family home, and starting life over as a college student, it's a lot to handle. Kennedy, an incoming freshman at the University of North Carolina Greensboro, knew that she needed a strong support system before beginning her college career. She's no longer living at home, but she isn't in the dorms surrounded by other freshman experiencing the same changes and feelings. Kennedy is living in an off-campus apartment, and while her neighbors are all also college students, she'll have to put in extra effort to meet new friends; however, when you suffer from anxiety, that isn't always the easiest thing to do.

Kennedy says, "I have always had anxiety, but it has increased exponentially these past two years. Before I got my kitten, I would color, watch TV, or go on a run" as coping mechanisms when she was anxious.

While many teens long for their independence, anxious teens may feel both excitement and trepidation. Kennedy says, "I thought about getting a therapy cat about a year ago but never really pushed for one until the end of senior year when I realized I had a big transition ahead ... college."

So, she visited the local animal shelter to look for a kitten that could qualify as a therapy cat and assist her in coping with her anxiety. With so many animals available for adoption, it can be difficult to know which one is right for you. "I knew she was the one because of her cuddly personality and the way she pawed at the cage when I started to leave." Kennedy named the cat Carolina, and the two girls prepared for college life together.

Adopting Carolina was the perfect decision: the benefits of having a cat are clear. Kennedy says, "My anxiety has definitely gone down, especially during the transition period of living on my own. I love this kitten. The best feeling in the world is coming home after a long day and walking into your bedroom to find this cute furry animal sleeping in your bed." The benefits of having a cat that calms you is invaluable.