Erica Crompton shares how adopting two rescue cats transformed her life with schizophrenia – offering comfort, routine, and a sense of family.

Six years ago, I took a cab into a leafy, upscale neighborhood in Cheshire, not too far from where I lived, to meet two feline fellows – Caspar and Winter. I found them on a website for a nonprofit that finds homes for abandoned cats. I knew as soon as I saw them that they'd be with me – paperwork permitting – so I put in a request to adopt them.

It was as simple as calling the nonprofit for a few checks on where I lived and confirming that I didn't live near a major road. Next, I made a small payment to cover Caspar's and Winter's neuter and vaccination costs.

At the time, I was single, living alone, approaching 40, and itching for companionship as I've lost a lot of friends due to psychosis.

And now, as I'm researching articles about women like me - living with schizophrenia – building a family, I realize I wasn't drawn to having children at all, then or now. While many women with schizophrenia make wonderful parents, I know my personal limits. I struggle to work and wash at times, let alone look after a little human.

But I'd always known I'd wanted a cat. During the summer days of my childhood, I'd play with my neighbor's cat, little Smudge. I can remember cuddling him as a seven-year-old and thinking: "One day I'll adopt a cat myself."

So, a cat it would be. And, as I lived alone at the time, and the more the merrier, I decided to adopt two tabby tom cats!

Responsibility helps to shape my days

As I lay the litter box out for my new inhabitants and scattered toys around the room, I remember feeling really good. Having the responsibility of caring for two cats was immediate and has lasted throughout the last 6 years.

A paw-some pair – Erica and Winter the cat posing for the camera. Photo provided by Erica Crompton.

Caspar and Winter rely on me for fresh food, fresh water, and company, as I rely on them for love and company. I take them to the veterinarian if they seem unwell.

That sense of responsibility feels like a privilege. I always get such a feeling of warmth and love watching them lap up the food and water I've put out for them.

3 ways cats have improved my daily life with schizophrenia

1. They’re an essential source of love and companionship

Why having cats is the best:

1. They're always on hand for hugs when I'm feeling paranoid
2. They're super affectionate, even when insomnia keeps me up most of the night
3. They give me unconditional love and don't judge me on my social skills

It's so lovely getting home from a day out and being greeted by them. As soon as they hear my keys jingle in the door, they come running. When my partner and I go out or to the bathroom, the cats will often "escort" us there – just to ensure we're all good!

They shower us with their affectionate, furry hugs, and we give them cat treats to say thanks. Caspar absolutely loves his cat treats!

Erica's partner, Paul, with Winter the cat on his lap. Photo provided by Erica Crompton.

2. I feel like I have a family of my own

When I adopted these two, I was a singleton struggling with the low mood associated with schizophrenia. Honestly, the love I felt for these cats as they came home with me was like a warm hug for my heart. And now that I've met someone, we live happily as a family of four.

I love signing greeting cards from the four of us and taking family selfies with them. Paul, my partner, even treated us to a family photo shoot for my 45th birthday. Caspar didn't want to come, sadly, so Winter stole the limelight and struck a few poses.

Winter the cat, looking absolutely purr-fect. Photo provided by Erica Crompton.

I once worked with a photography research project called Project Soothe. Interestingly, Project Soothe's research found that photos of nature and pets can instantly lift our mood ("an increase in positive affect").

3. Rescuing them from a cold, cruel fate has left us all feline good

Adoption has a feel-good factor, too. When I think of little Caspar and Winter as kittens, shut out in the cold with no home, I feel like we've all been really lucky to find each other. I'm happy for the life I've been able to give them, and the constant companionship they've always given me.

Schizophrenia and any comorbidities can be enormous burdens to bear. The sleeplessness, the anxiety, the low moods... but the cats have been with me through it all and helped me feel complete.

Caspar is such a good listener, too. He can lie by my side and listen for several hours until my mind quietens.

As an aging mid-lifer living with psychosis, my life is just so much better with cats.

The information presented is solely for educational purposes, not as specific advice for the evaluation, management, or treatment of any condition.

The individual(s) who have written and created the content and whose images appear in this article have been paid by Teva Pharmaceuticals for their contributions. This content represents the opinions of the contributor and does not necessarily reflect those of Teva Pharmaceuticals. Similarly, Teva Pharmaceuticals does not review, control, influence, or endorse any content related to the contributor's websites or social media networks. This content is intended for informational and educational purposes and should not be considered medical advice or recommendations. Consult a qualified medical professional for diagnosis and before beginning or changing any treatment regimen.

NPS-ALL-NP-01638 OCTOBER 2025