We’ve all heard the theories about pets providing an abundance of health benefits to their owners but it’s something I took very little notice of until around five years ago and since I’ve being a cat owner myself for the last 18 months I’ve come to realise that pet’s really are wonderful in more ways than one. Now stick with me here because I truly believe that cats or any pet for that matter can have such an amazing impact on your mental health, this isn’t just the ramblings of a cat lady!
My struggle
Seven years ago, I’d moved back home from university and I was having a really tough time, I’ve openly spoken about it in my ‘The hidden reality of being unemployed’ blog post a few years ago. Something that would always cheer me up was one of Josh’s cats, Lexi. From the moment I met her, I loved her and given that I used to spend quite a lot of time at Josh’s house, we had a bit of a bond. During the first 6 months of me returning from university, my anxiety sky rocketed and in hindsight I probably should have visited the doctors. Lexi is such a calm and gentle cat, she’d often just gently stroll up to me and come for a cuddle, that simple act of love and the calmness of the situation would instantly lift my mood. Once I was out of the situation that was causing the rough time, I never gave much thought to the positive impact she’d had on my life until fast forward a few years and I became a proud mamma to two bundles of fur of my own.
Feel the love
Day to day I don’t particularly think about the impact having a pet has on my life but recently I sat down and realised that I’d probably be a bit of a different person without my two cats. Now I’m not saying I was unhappy before having pets, because I wasn’t, but having something to look after and love has brought so much happiness to my life. The calming effect they have on me is great and spending time with them genuinely makes me feel great, even if I’m already in a really good mood. My two cats seem to just know when I need an extra cuddle or a calm moment and it’s those little things that really go a long way. Again, I’ve spoken about this before but I suffer from IBS and during a bad flare up I’m left in crippling pain with extreme nausea, this can take its toll at times both physically and mentally. But the cats always seem to know that I’m not myself. You haven’t known what love is until you’ve had your head stuck down the toilet while the cats stand guard outside the bathroom then come and gently lay against you after! Joking aside though, that love does make you feel so much better!
I’m not saying pets are an instant cure for mental health or chronic illnesses, because they’re not, obviously. But they are massive ray of sunshine. There’s a reason why animals are used in rehabilitation programmes for prisoners, why they’re taken into care homes for pet therapy sessions. Because they give people a sense of purpose, they provide a distraction, a conversation starter, something to focus on and something to love. That’s why I believe pets are great for your mental health.
5 amazing ways pets help
- Reduces anxiety – did you know that interacting with your pet releases the hormone oxytocin? Oxytocin is known for easing stress and anxiety.
- Reduces loneliness – having a companion with you is great for people that work from home, are housebound or have limited social interactions.
- Gives you a focus – on the days where things can all feel too much a pet is a gentle reminder that you have something to love and care for. They give you a purpose as they’re relying on you which in turn gives you structure and a routine.
- Unconditional love – I’ve already mentioned that there’s nothing quite like the love of a pet but when your world is turning upside down the unconditional love of a pet can be a great anchor.
- They make you smile – have you ever watched you cat when it’s doing zoomies and laughed or giggled at your dog proudly carrying a stick? When it feels like there’s very little to laugh and smile about pets are the answer. Playing with a pet releases serotonin and dopamine which make you feel calmer.
If you have a pet do you find they help with your mental health? Let me know in the comments.
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Yes to all of these things!! Our guinea pigs have brought so much light and love into our lives. It’s amazing how something so small can have such a huge impact on your wellbeing.
Hayley | happilyeverhomebody.com
It really is isn’t it? I’m glad your guinea pigs have helped you.
There is literally nothing better than having a pet in my book. I’m a dog person myself, getting take them on longs walks is something you don’t get from any other pet.
Many years ago now, long before my partner and the kids, when I was in a really bad place, it was my dog that kept me going
I’m really glad your dog helped you out Adam, the power of animals is so underrated. I’d be lost without my two cats though I do keep trying to convince my fiance that we need a dog too.
What a sweet lovely post. I agree with you. Having a pet makes you happy and help you with your mental health. I wish I have a pet too. I used to have cats, fishes, and a turtle before.
They all sound like lovely pets to have.
This is such a lovely post! My cats definitely do cheer me up!
Thank you. Mine do too!
Pets are the jam, can’t live without them!
Me neither, they’re great!
I’ve experienced this first hand. Having dogs in my life made me generally happier and more easy-going, not to mention the fact that it’s just so nice to have a living being that I can talk to who will surely end the conversation with cuddles.
Conversations that end in cuddles are the best. I’m glad having dogs has helped you.
Love this! I don’t have any pets but I can say for certain I always feel so much better when I’m around my friend’s pets!!
Thank you! At least you can also get cuddles from your friends pets!
Absolutely agree! Sometimes when I’m ready to completely decompensate, the cat swaggers in and asks for some love…and breaks the spiral — even for an overwhelmed mom!
Oh that’s lovely, I’m so glad your cat helps you.
Life has been really hard lately and both my husband and I have really felt the stress of it all. We really want a dog to love and look after and become part of our family and what you wrote has made me realise that there are so many benefits to having a pet! Thanks for sharing!
I’m sorry to hear that you and your husband have been feeling really stressed out. Good luck adding a dog to your family, I bet you can’t wait!
Pets can be a great help for your mental health! I wish we could have them where I live <3 Great post! I absolutely agree.
Thanks for reading. Hopefully one day you’ll be able to get a pet.
I can totally relate how pets can affect our well being. I have 2 dogs and each time i come home they greet me with such joy! Whenever I’m down they just give a comforting energy. And now we have a new addition to our furry babies, a new cat. Currently we are still working on how to harmonize everyone. I love pets!
I’m sure they’ll all be the best of friends in no time!
As a teenager my dog was the reason I didn’t commit suicide. My dad was harsh, partly due to the Army, and we moved on average of every 14 months. Simply put- 14 moves in 16 years & 10 schools in 12 years. My dad hated Brandi and vice versa. I would not leave Brandi to have to live with Dad even if Mom was there.
Now as a 50+ year old, my cat, Maxine, is my companion and self proclaimed service cat/emotional support cat. She tells me of fibromyalgia attacks and when my blood sugar is way out of balance.
All my pets have been family and with my emotional issues have been the best things in my life (other than my wonderful mom.)
I’m sorry to hear that your childhood was like that but I’m so happy your dog saved you. Pets are truly amazing.