I come from a family that didn’t want pets in the house. And then one fine day, an abandoned and unwell kitten changed it all. She meowed her way into my lap, into our home and into our hearts. And then came another rescue cat, and our home has never been happier. Be it cats, or dogs or any other pet, my animal-lover heart refuses to not melt immediately at its sight—and that’s just the way I like it.
If you have pets or have friends who have pets, you will be able to relate to my sentiment here. It is a huge responsibility, but if a person is willing and capable, then I’d say having pets can turn your life around.
During the pandemic, Instagram was full of stories of people who felt their sanity was saved by their furry companions. Indeed, the unconditional and innocent love of an animal can heal us.
Pets and mental health
According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, interaction with animals is known to reduce levels of cortisol (a stress-related hormone) in humans. Having pets can also lower blood pressure. Emotionally, having pets around can make one feel less lonely and have better mood stability.
Having pets can be indeed therapeutic and having a relationship like that in your life can teach us a lot of things, improving us as people.
You become more mindful
Dr Ann Berger, a physician and researcher at the NIH Clinical Center in Bethesda, Maryland says pets have an innate ability to be mindful—and humans can learn it from them. Berger explains that mindfulness essentially includes “attention, intention, compassion, and awareness,” and being pet owners can help us learn to improve ourselves in this section.
You become more responsible
Other research also emphasises that having pets can actually make you consistent and structure your day better. Irrespective of how you are feeling, how busy you are and what you are up to, as a pet parent you have to ensure your pet is well-fed, taken care of and in good emotional and physical health. It requires one to be more responsible and consistent in their behaviour, and this quality can help you streamline your life in several other ways.
You become more patient
Talk to any pet parent, and they will tell you how having pets has made them more patient than ever. Pets are exactly like babies, as pet parents will vouch for, and we learn to be so much more calm and patient, taking care of them. If I can deal with my cat vacillating between getting in or not, while sitting at my door, like it’s a matter of life or death, I can definitely deal with a client being undecided about what they want.
You become more affectionate
According to a 2016 study by BarkBox, most dog owners agreed that having a pet has made them more affectionate, responsible and patient. Pets open up our hearts to loving more and being able to be our affectionate best.
You become happier
The same study found that around 93 per cent of dog-owners claimed to have better emotional and mental well-being. Studies also say that having pets help you sleep better and make you happier in general. This means that you end up having more positive interactions with others.
Also Read: Green Living: Tips To Become Sustainable Pet Parents