Do you want to improve your mental health? A pet can help you

Now you have another reason to buy a dog or cat! A study by the American Psychiatric Association says spending time with a pet can improve your mental health.

The study, conducted from February 10 to 12, 2023, included nearly 2,000 adults, most of whom were pet owners. 50% respondents had dogs, 35% had cats, 3% had other animals (such as turtles), and 12% had no animals.

Dog and cat owners are happier

As you might expect, pet owners (86%) said that silent friends helped them improve their mental health.

Interestingly, both dog owners (87%) and cat owners (86%) said the same, while people with other types of pets weren't so convinced.

Additionally, the vast majority of people who have pets consider their four-legged friends to be part of their family.

How pets can improve our mental well-being

According to a study cited by Reader's Digest, pets can improve our mental well-being as well as our health in several ways. For example, 69% study respondents said that their nonverbal friends helped them relieve anxiety and stress.

The majority of respondents (69%) said they felt better because they felt unconditional love and support from animals. Additionally, 66% respondents stated that pets help them because they provide “soothing” to their lives. At the same time, 63% respondents consider pets to be their true friends.

So while pets may not express love the same way humans do, don't forget that four-legged friends can improve your life in ways you might not expect.

If you are thinking about buying an animal to meet, be sure to give it the best. Discover dog breeds that easily adapt to apartments!