What have pets ever done for us?

Animals have lived alongside humanity for thousands of years. About 14,000 years ago we domesticated dogs to help with hunting and protection. Then about 8000 years ago cats made it known to us that they were pretty useful to have around to deal with rodents in our crops and settlements and we invited them to stay.

Cut to the modern day and there are around 36 million pets in the UK; 13.5 million dogs, 12.5 million cats, and the other 10 million made up of birds, rabbits, horses, snakes, spiders and more.

Empathy for other living beings is an important part of human nature, social recognition helping us create bonds and helpful networks between other living beings. And non-human animals can be part of that too. Befriending animals makes us feel good.

I remember a trip to Rome years ago and one thing that could be relied on was that people would come out from the pubs, some three sheets to the wind, and want to feed or pet the street cats who make their homes among the ruins. There was something so sweet and affirming about that fundamental part of who we are.

95% of pet owners view their pet as part of their own family rather than a possession.

As any pet owner will say, they have their own wants and opinions and they’ll let you know how they feel about things. Cat’s in particular learn exactly which kind of fingernails-down-a-blackboard yowl to use to get the reaction they want from you; sneaky little things.

The uncomplicated love and affection that pets offer helps us calm down, helps us stay in the moment and helps us feel better. Pets can also pick up on our emotional states and you might find a dog or a cat being more ‘clingy’ when you’re upset.

Anecdotal evidence is hard to avoid, but what research is out there on the benefits of pets for our mental health? Well we know for sure that animals can decrease someone’s cortisol levels (reducing stress) and lower blood pressure. Further research is a bit more mixed , with some studies suggesting a strong positive effect for most people and others highlighting negative outcomes, although arguing that more research is needed to understand exactly what’s going on.

While we wait for that, animals continue to play a welcome role in hospitals and care homes, providing uncomplicated affection for those who need it and for those who may have problems verbalising what they need.

Caring for a pet can be used to help children with ADD learn to schedule and plan. It’s also something that is used to help support people in recovery from addiction, giving someone another living being to care for and welcome companionship.

The experience the entire world had with COVID lockdowns provided research showing the benefits of animals when we are socially isolated, coping with adversity and dealing with negative emotions, particularly for children.

Uncomplicated love is a bit of a theme with our pets. They are who they are and they love us no matter what we’re thinking or what we’ve done in the past. They love who we are in that moment, unconditionally. Who doesn’t need a friend like that?

If you’d like to work with me on your mental health, get in touch by completing the online form or emailing me directly at mckellarCBT@gmail.com