A new study has highlighted the impact our pets have on us
Many would rather spend time with their pets than their family(Image: Getty Images)
A new study has highlighted the extent of the emotional impact our pets have on us, with many pet owners preferring to spend time with their furry friend over their own spouse.
An international study which conducted a survey of more than 30,000 people across 20 countries found people would rather lean on their pets during difficult times than their spouses, children and friends, reports The Times.
In Britain, 65 per cent of pet owners said that after a stressful day, they preferred to be with their furry companion.
Across all 20 countries surveyed, that figure was 58 per cent.
Cats and dogs were also said to have helped their owners worry less, with almost a quarter saying that a useful way for them to express concerns was to talk to their pet.
One of the more surprising findings of the study was that nearly 80 per cent of respondents said that their pets helped remind them of the importance of taking time away from work and screens.
Half of them added that this was a daily occurrence.
Tammie King, a senior researcher at the Waltham Petcare Science Institute, said: “While we love our pets, we often don’t realise how much they give back.
“We often think of pets as passive participants in our lives but they may be playing a far more active role in our wellbeing than we realise.
“A lot of people don’t notice how their pets interrupt them, in a really good way – how they get us outside, off our phones, and connecting with others. What can seem like routine behaviour – a nudge for a walk, a quiet presence in the room – can actually serve as a prompt to pause, reconnect and be present.”
The Waltham Institute has conducted pet-related research for over 60 years, and is owned by the pet food maker Mars Petcare, which commissioned YouGov to conduct the survey.
King believes animals are often our chosen therapists because of their calmness. She said: “Pets don’t judge, they don’t interrupt and they don’t offer advice.”
The survey is part of a broader research project called the Pets and Wellbeing study (Paws) programme.
Over several years the programme will be tracking over 30,000 pet owners to try and clear up the links between pet ownership and human wellbeing
The mental health app Calm is also involved in the project, and is planning to offer pet-themed relaxation content.
Such content may look like guided meditations that encourage cat owners to imitate the relaxed demeanour of their pets.
“It’s about learning from our pets, how they live in the moment, to help people unwind after a long day,” King said.