Coco, Kindness, and the Unexpected Power of Helping Others

A couple of weeks ago, I had one of those experiences that quietly stays with you and it all began with a black cat living in a skip.

I’d noticed him on my walk through town - a talkative young cat miaowing loudly at passers by, wary of the variety or noises heard in a town centre - watchful and cautious yet somehow captivating, sleek, beautiful - and clearly a stray. The surrounding shops were kindly feeding him, and he seemed to be surviving on the generosity of strangers. I couldn’t take him in myself, but I thought of my mum, who had been saying how much she would love a companion animal and we agreed that if I could safely catch him, she would offer him a warm and loving home.

That small decision set off a ripple of kindness that I’m still feeling the effects of.

After work one evening, I went looking for him - but unfortunately I had no luck. I messaged a lady who worked in a local sandwich shop who had posted him on social media and she was very helpful offering to contact me if she spotted him. I then spoke to staff in the department store nearby, and they also kindly agreed to take my number in case they spotted him. The next day, while I was at work, I received a call from ‘Harveys’ department store. They’d not only seen him but they had caught him and had him checked over at the vets, he had no microchip, and they had been told to re-release him but out of the goodness of there hearts they offered to keep him safe until I could get there.

Because I was still at work, I phoned my husband and 6-year-old daughter, who just happened to be in town to see a dinosaur show. They still had my cat carrier in the boot of the car from the previous days pursuit of the cat. I asked if they could help collect him. They were already at the dinosaur show! But they didn’t hesitate to say yes. When they arrived, the staff at Harveys kindly brought them to a private space to transfer the cat safely.

Later that evening, I brought him to my mum’s house where he was met with blankets, food and warmth. He slept soundly that night for the first time in a long time - no noisy traffic, no noisy people - just safety…and he now had a name, ‘Coco’.

The Ripple Effect of Kindness

What struck me most wasn’t just the outcome - a lovely stray cat finding a safe, loving home. It was the number of people who stepped forward to help, without hesitation.

• The lady at the sandwich shop who promised to keep looking.

• The staff at Harveys who safely caught him and took him to the vet.

• My husband and daughter who gave up their day to help.

• My little girl gently reassuring Coco in the car: "You’re going to be okay, you’re going to a good home."

• The local community sharing posts and keeping an eye out.

• My mum, opening her heart and home to a creature in need.

In the midst of a chaotic world, it was one of those experiences that quietly restores your faith - not just in people, but in the deep psychological value of helping.

Why Helping Others Helps Us

As a CBT therapist, I often talk to clients about the power of small actions; the way simple choices - doing something meaningful, acting in line with your values - can shift our mood and our mindset.

There’s a strong evidence base in psychology for what happened that week. Acts of kindness, no matter how small, are proven to:

• Boost wellbeing and positive emotions

• Counteract low mood by creating a sense of purpose

• Reduce stress by fostering connection

• Enhance self-worth through meaningful action

• Build a sense of shared humanity

And it works both ways - not just for the person receiving help, but for the one offering it.

That week, I saw it in action. Helping Coco gave me a lift I couldn’t have predicted. Seeing others step up - often total strangers - left me with a lasting warmth. We were all doing what we could, in our own small way, and it was enough.

Final Thoughts

In a time where so many of us feel overwhelmed, disconnected, or just a little flat, it can be powerful to remember: small acts matter. Whether it's rescuing a cat, making a phone call, or giving someone your time, kindness has an impact. It can quietly shift something in our brains, and in our hearts.

Helping Coco reminded me of that. And now, he’s curled up on my mum’s sofa - safe, warm, and deeply loved. A little black cat who brought a community together and left us all feeling just that bit more human.

Take care of yourself and wellbeing wishes,

Rebecca,

CBT Therapist/Director

Littlemoor Therapy Practice