People Suck, Pets Rule: 5 Benefits of Owning a Fur Baby

<p>If you were to ask a scientist what the nature of cat-human relationships is, they would probably reply that it’s commensal, i.e., a relationship in which one species benefits from the other without harming it or giving anything in return. That’s a surefire way to start a war with the internet’s most powerful lobbying group.</p> <p>Cats, like other pets, provide benefits to their owners that enhance our health and wellbeing. The effects may be subtle or overt, but the ubiquity of ownership that transcends societies shows that the love between the two goes deep.</p> <h2>5 benefits of pet ownership</h2> <p>The world outside is awful. Why go out into all that anxiety-filled chaos when I can curl up with my furry/scaly/feathered friend? This uncomplicated and pure relationship makes us feel like we’re not alone and boosts our physical and mental health. </p> <p>Dogs, cats, birds, lizards, and even rats can weave their way into the fabric of our lives, indenting a mark of love, comfort, and happiness. They enrich our lives on a daily basis and may even extend lifespans.</p> <figure><img alt="Illustration of people with different types of pets | Source: NIH News in Health" class="img-responsive" src="https://cdn.storymd.com/optimized/LoOmaZUrqP/thumbnail.jpg" /> <figcaption>The Power of Pets. <em>Source: NIH News in Health</em></figcaption> </figure> <h3>1. Unconditional love</h3> <p>Humans are messy and unreliable; pets are masters of unconditional love. A bold statement, but you know it’s true. The loyalty of a dog to his or her owner is unbeatable, and purring cats curled up on laps have been known to melt the stoniest of hearts. </p> <p>Their presence alleviates loneliness and isolation and helps us through both joyful and challenging times. Science tells us that interacting with pets releases oxytocin, the “love hormone” or “cuddle chemical”, which fosters a sense of connection between the two species. </p> <h3>2. Stress reduction</h3> <p>No matter how awful your day was, your pet is waiting for you at home to help you unwind. Petting a cat, watching fish glide through their tank, or playing fetch with an eternally peppy dog evokes calmness and relaxation. Pets offer a kind of safe space in which feelings can be felt and expressed without judgment. </p> <figure><img alt="Cat and affection | Source: fuzzyrescue/Pixabay" class="img-responsive" src="https://cdn.storymd.com/optimized/WdxQnwueq2/thumbnail.jpg" /> <figcaption>Reduce Your Stress - Pet a Cat! <em>Source: fuzzyrescue/Pixabay</em></figcaption> </figure> <p>Pets instill a sense of purpose and routine since they require care through walks, play, and feeding. This contributes to improved mental health and self-esteem.</p> <h3>3. Physical health benefits</h3> <p>Digging deeper into the physiology of pet ownership, studies have demonstrated the positive impact it has on cardiovascular health, such as lower blood pressure, reduced risk of heart disease, and decreased levels of cholesterol and triglycerides. Dogs specifically have been linked to lower mortality rates in heart attack and stroke survivors.</p> <p>The regular exercise associated with walking a dog helps to maintain a healthy weight and improves mental health by getting you outside every day. The presence of pets has also been linked to strengthened immune systems: epidemiological studies show that kids who grow up with dogs have a lower risk of developing autoimmune illnesses like allergies and asthma. </p> <h3>4. Social connection</h3> <p>Beer is a great social lubricant, but so is owning a pet. Your fellow dog owners at the local park are happy to bond over shared experiences, so mutual ownership is a great icebreaker. Through the power of the internet, this effect now transcends geographical and cultural boundaries.</p> <p>The responsibility of owning a pet further fosters community among neighbors. We help each other out when someone needs to watch over the furry ones, and we pool resources, knowledge, and experiences to improve the quality of life for our pets.</p> <figure><img alt="Illustration of an older man with his family and pet dog on a walking trail | Source: NIH News in Health" class="img-responsive" src="https://cdn.storymd.com/optimized/voJXDysvq4/thumbnail.jpg" /> <figcaption>Social Connection Through Pet Ownership. <em>Source: NIH News in Health</em></figcaption> </figure> <h3>5. Making us better, happier people</h3> <p>Pets enhance our quality of life in profound ways. They teach us lessons on empathy, compassion, patience, and resilience, and they remind us that simple joys in the present moment are what matter. A glance at a million Instagram profiles filled with adoration for pets demonstrates that ownership develops humans into becoming better, kinder people.</p> <p>So, for any scientist lecturing you that cats are just parasites fooling us into loving them, the only response you need is “Shut up, nerd. Look at this cute, dumb little face.”</p> <p>Meow.</p> <h2>More on Pets</h2><ul><li><a href="https://soulivity.storymd.com/journal/nwlvv3p1em-pet-health" target="_blank">How to Keep Your Pet Healthy</a></li><li><a href="https://soulivity.storymd.com/journal/jo2og86tnm-healthy-pets-and-healthy-people" target="_blank">Healthy Pets and Healthy People</a></li><li><a href="https://soulivity.storymd.com/journal/wzog36a1lm-pet-dangers" target="_blank">Pet Dangers: Hazards to Your Pet's Health</a></li></ul>