About a year ago, amid all the ongoing issues in our world and some personal challenges, I decided to adopt a cat. He’s adorable: gray with stripes and a white belly. He’s also quite the character barely a year old, he's a kitten at heart in an adult cat’s body. I have to admit, whether he's curled up on my lap or watching me from across the room, he's incredibly endearing.
Recently, a friend I hadn’t seen in a while made an interesting observation. “You look calmer and happier than usual,” she said. I’m naturally a bit of an anxious person, something I came to accept long ago. I’m almost always worrying about something, and there’s certainly a lot to worry about in the world right now. So her comment caught me off guard. But the more I thought about it, the more I realized she was right. Since my new furry friend came into my life, I’ve felt happier.
I'm not saying that having a pet is a magic fix for everything. The world’s problems won’t magically disappear if everyone gets a cat or dog. Nor are my personal challenges gone. I wish it were that simple. And, of course, not everyone loves animals, which is perfectly okay. But still, it’s something most pet owners know: We don’t just take care of our pets; they also take care of us.
And that’s not just my view; it's supported by scientific research.
Here are four ways research shows pets can improve our mental health:
1. A Stress Reliever with Fur
There’s something incredibly calming about cuddling with my cat. A study from Washington State University found that spending just 10 minutes with a pet can help lower stress levels. In their study, 249 students were randomly assigned to one of four groups. The first group got to spend 10 minutes with cats and dogs. The second group watched others pet the animals while waiting their turn. The third group looked at pictures of animals, while the last group simply waited around. Researchers then took saliva samples to measure cortisol levels, a hormone related to stress. The results were clear: those who actually interacted with the animals had the greatest drop in cortisol. And this is just one of many studies showing pets help reduce stress. So, next time you’re feeling overwhelmed, spending time with a furry friend might be one of the best things you can do.
2. Social Connectors with Paws
Pets, especially dogs, can bring people together. When we’re out walking our furry companions, people often stop to say hello and introduce their pets to ours. A study led by researchers from the University of Western Australia found that pet owners were 60% more likely to get to know people in their neighborhoods compared to those who didn’t have pets. These interactions even often turned into friendships. However—sorry, cat owners—in three out of the four cities they studied, dog owners seemed to benefit the most. So, that might be a reason to start taking your cat for a walk!
3. Personal Trainers Who Love Fire Hydrants
Along with helping us meet people, getting out to walk our pets can positively impact our physical and mental health. The American Heart Association has highlighted how pets, especially dogs, promote physical activity, which benefits heart health. Physical activity also improves our mood by releasing endorphins, which make us feel good. Of course, we don’t need pets to exercise, and many studies show that regular exercise alone can greatly relieve depression. Two recent meta-analyses (large studies combining data from multiple smaller studies) found that exercise has a strong effect on reducing depressed mood. But when we’re feeling low, we may not want to get out of the house, and that’s where pets come in. Having a dog encourage us to go for a walk can be just the nudge we need.
4. Routine Setters with Tails
Taking care of a pet can help us stick to a routine. Most animals whether dogs, cats, or even hamsters are creatures of habit. They need to be fed on time, given regular play and activities, and even sleep on a schedule. This consistency helps us build routines, too. And routine is often recommended by mental health professionals. Many studies show that having set wake and sleep times, for example, can help with insomnia, one of the most common issues people bring to therapy. Establishing regular routines is also part of cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia, one of the most researched treatments for sleep problems. Sticking to a schedule has also proven helpful for conditions like bipolar disorder and depression. Caring for a pet can add structure, stability, and even a sense of purpose to our lives things many of us could use more of. I try to remember this when my cat wakes me up at 6 a.m. sharp by sitting on my face.
So, our furry friends can be powerful companions in our journey toward well being. From reducing stress to providing companionship and even improving physical health, the benefits of having pets are supported by science. While pets may not solve all our problems, they can provide a little extra support. That’s certainly been my experience which is a good thing, because my cat won’t leave me alone anyway.