School can be a bit dreary sometimes. Whether it’s the homework, the summatives, or even if you’re just having a bad day, nothing is worse than being at school with a sad attitude.

Luckily, there are a few things that can melt the sadness away, and one of those is cats. Our school has had its very own “unofficially adopted” cats—sometimes multiple, sometimes just one—and there are many benefits that come with it.

In this feature, we look into the origins of this cat and the impact that it has had on some of the students and staff, such as brightening up days, and making people happier.

The Cat’s Daily Activities

The cat frequently hangs out around school, although it is also seen around Ibiza Sol, according to Learning Support teacher Ema Gheorghe. It frequently appears during the day hanging around in many areas such as the amphitheater near the DP Cafe, outside the storage bunker, and outside the Secondary building entrance.

The Bite recently put out a survey asking various students about their experiences with this cat or any other cat on campus, with most of the answers stating that the cat was quite friendly, though a few noted being scratched or hissed at.

Grade 11 student Eva K. shared that she has seen the cat “outside the DP cafe or near the Humanities class that is adjacent to it.” She remembers that in 10th grade, “a certain cat would come and sit up on the windowsill. It was right next to where I was sitting, and it was really cute.”

Grade 7 student Olivia M. recalls “one time in 5th grade there was a feral black and white cat who was pretty aggressive and everyone made a huge deal about it. My friends and I named it Fred the Cat, and it actually chased around a third grader. We had to have a teacher drag it away.”

Grade 10 student Charlotte G. says one time, during lunch, there was “a crowd of people outside [the cafeteria] so I went outside and there was a cat. They were so cute and let a few of us touch them, before we went back inside to not disturb them.”

Grade 6 student Aqira J. says the cat “kept following me around the school and when I ran, the cat [also ran], until it got distracted by a butterfly.”

Lifting People’s Moods

The cat has been known to lift the moods of many students whenever it shows up. In The Bite’s survey, many respondents talked about their moods being lifted. Grade 10 respondent Antonio F. tells of a positive interaction:

There was one time when I was walking to class and I had a bit of time before it started. Coincidentally enough, one of the cats was pawing at a glass door as I passed by. I was having a bit of a bummer day, but seeing the cat brightened it up. Of course I had to pet it before I headed off to class.

Grade 11 student Ariba A. says she was on her way to Homeroom when she saw a cat laying by the door. “She was laying there and I started petting her and a few of us got caught up with that, but it’s so worth it.”

What Science Says

According to an article in Greater Good Magazine, spending time with cats is one of the most effective forms of stress relief. “Cats offer a constant presence,” the author writes, pointing to scientific studies, “unburdened by the cares of the world, that can make all our little worries and anxieties seem superfluous.”  

The author also points to research on how people who spend time with cats commonly feel more positive emotions like happiness and confidence. This idea is proven by many of the survey’s responses, including this anecdote from grade 6 student Mella V.: 

There was a cat outside the secondary building, and kids were swarming it and petting it. It purred and it was super friendly. Everyone left it with a bit more happiness in their hearts.

The cat has brought happiness to many people in AISB, and there is no doubt that they will continue to bring more. But what about you? If you’ve had a cool experience with the cat, feel free to comment below!