Societal changes have elevated the status of cats and dogs to a level that non-owners may not have noticed.
Traditionally fitting in with singles, couples and families, our pets are becoming more of a barometer for some people in how life is changing.
Our pets are taking on an an even more important role in maintaining our mental health and this is shown in the studies that show an ever growing preference for our pets over people.
If you’re in any doubt, consider this
Over 70% of dog owners preferred spending time with their pets over other people according to this study
66% of cat owners polled in this article would rather chill with their cats and three quarters of those confessed to using their cat as a form of therapy
Another study showed that around a third of people actually preferred their pets to their partner
Perhaps most surprisingly, a third of cat and dog owners here said they preferred their fur baby over their children!
One theory as to the growing importance of our furry friends is that we’re becoming more disconnected from each other as people.
The divisions in our general society maybe have us looking to the things that never change and offer no drama or conflict. Pets certainly fall into that category.
It’s also becoming more apparent that pets are sharing more of our emotional life. Many owners speak of their pets ‘getting them through a bad time’
With the high levels of relationship breakdowns, unemployment and other modern day stressful events our pets have maybe become the non-judgmental friend we need. Silent companionship and love just when it’s needed most.
This growing acknowledgement of the importance of our pets is manifesting itself in other interesting ways.
Owners now spend a lot more time in trying to understand and better care for their pets.
Information focusing on the character, diet and mental and physical health of our cats and dogs is more popular than ever.
Pet loss is also now something we take emotionally harder than ever. Many of us no longer lose 'just a pet' but a best friend and family member that we have a constant positive memory of.
Maybe this increased interest in our pets is our way of showing that we value their interest in us.