The perks of having a pet: Study finds people who have animals at home are happier, wealthier, and get more exercise
- Researchers surveyed 1,000 dog and cat owners over the age of 55 in new study
- They found that pet owners get nearly twice as much exercise as those without
- They also found pet owners tend to be happier and see themselves as successful
Having pets really is good for your well-being.
A new study of dog and cat owners over the age of 55 found that those who have an animal companion tend to be happier, more successful, and exercise more.
Experts say the seemingly minor physical aspects of pet ownership, from taking walks to cleaning up after them, can go a long way – and, these bonds boost the ‘feel good’ chemicals in the brain.
Having pets really is good for your well-being. A new study of dog and cat owners over the age of 55 found that those who have an animal companion tend to be happier, more successful, and exercise more. Stock image
The study commissioned by UK retirement home builder McCarthy & Stone surveyed 1,000 British dog and cat owners.
And, they found a number of trends among those with pets.
Pet owners reported nearly twice as much exercise as those without, at five times per week versus three.
‘The many benefits of pet ownership also include the cardio-vascular exercise of dog-walking, and even the light housework associate with feeding and clearing up after our beloved animals,’ says psychologist and author Corinne Sweet.
Pet owners were also more likely to be married, have a child, and be happy with their job.
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They even earned an average of almost $5,200 more per year than non-pet owners, and volunteered for charities more frequently.
On the other hand, people without pets were more likely to have paid off their mortgage, with 69 percent having done so compared to 60 percent of pet owners.
They also retired sooner, at 46 percent compared to 35.
The surveyed revealed that those with pets befitted greatly from talking to their pets, and 16 percent even said that they wouldn’t ever speak to anyone if it wasn’t for their pet.
‘Having a close bond with a domestic animal can boost “feel food” biochemicals such as endorphins and oxytocin; which can make owners feel more relaxed, calmer and happier at home,’ says psychologist and author Corinne Sweet. Stock image
DO CATS RULE THE HOUSEHOLD? STUDY SHOWS THEY BULLY DOGS
In a study of homes with both pets, more than half of owners say their cat has lashed out threateningly at their dog.
Yet fewer than one in five have seen their dog menace their cat.
Some 56.5 per cent said their cat had threatened their dog, compared with 18 per cent whose dog had threatened the cat.
And although cats are typically smaller than dogs, they still manage to inflict injury on their domestic rivals. Almost a tenth of owners reported their cat had injured the dog, but fewer than 1 per cent said their dog had harmed the cat.
The findings come from a study of almost 750 owners, who overwhelmingly believe cat is king.
While dogs and cats can live together amicably, they said, it is rarely a ‘close relationship’ – and whether they get on at all is mainly up to the cat. Cats that are frequently uncomfortable around dogs were less likely to form an amicable relationship, they added.
Study co-author Dr Sophie Hall, of the School of Life Sciences at the University of Lincoln, said: ‘On the face of it, these results suggest that the cat is the kingpin in a household with dogs. They are the princess and the dog is lower down in the hierarchy.
‘It may be that cats’ threatening acts are more obvious to owners, as they hiss or strike out with their paws at a dog.
‘But it may also be the case that cats are less domesticated in their behaviours. It is important to note that these findings are the owners’ perceptions of their pets’ relationships, but it seems that the cat has to be happy and content, rather than the dog, for them to live happily together.’
The study, published in the Journal of Veterinary Behaviour, said that cats and dogs may get along better if the cat is younger when they begin sharing a space.
For many, this also did away with feelings of loneliness.
‘The psychological and emotional benefits of pet ownership are well-known among mental health professionals,’ Sweet said.
‘Having a close bond with a domestic animal can boost “feel food” biochemicals such as endorphins and oxytocin; which can make owners feel more relaxed, calmer and happier at home.
‘Owners may also talk to their furry friends and gain a friendly, comforting ear and warm welcome when they are feeling unwell, sad, or lonely.’
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