A poll of 2,000 adults who have a cat or dog found their four-legged friends regularly help them out when they’re feeling down.
They claim pets have helped improve their mood when they’ve been ill (47%), after a bad day at work (39%) and following an argument (22%).
Actions that give humans the boost they need are their cat or dog snuggling into them (65%) or greeting them when arriving home (58%). More than half (54%) believe spending time with animals acts as therapy.
The research, commissioned by pet care specialists Purina, also found three quarters said being a cat or dog owner has helped improved their mental health, while 49% said it’s had a positive impact on their physical health.
The research comes as Purina launches a campaign to spotlight the amazing support pets provide to people in need, encouraging us all to say a huge thank you to pets up and down the country.
Calum Macrae, CEO Purina UK & Ireland, said: “We believe that pets absolutely are the UK’s hidden support network – they really are the ones there by our side, often when we need them most.
“Harnessing that power in the pet-human bond, creates tangible benefits to people’s wellbeing. As well as in everyday households, we see this truly come to life in the work we do to help our amazing charity partners. Like Cats Protection and their
Lifeline service – a specialist cat fostering service for those fleeing domestic abuse; and Canine Partners, who partner highly trained assistance dogs with people with physical disabilities, providing them with greater independence and increased quality of life.
“It is life-changing and that’s why we have an ambition to help one million people in vulnerable situations improve their health and wellbeing by 2030.”
When asked about the ways people show appreciation to their pets, 59% do so by cuddling them, 45% by getting them a new toy, and 11% even put their favourite TV show on.
A fifth say (20%) they initially got their pet to encourage them to do more exercise, while 16% wanted a sense of responsibility and 14% did so to combat loneliness.
It also emerged that cats and dogs have helped people overcome feelings of stress (52%), loneliness (47%) and anxiety (41%).
Almost three quarters (73%) even believe their pet can tell how they’re feeling and over half (54%) have voiced their issues out loud to them.
More than a fifth (22%) have some days where they only speak to their pet, and those surveyed spend an average of three hours and 45 minutes a week chatting to them.
A half (51%) agree it’s amazing how their pet can make them feel better without being able to talk, and 43% claim the companionship has helped them in life massively.
Half of those surveyed, via OnePoll.com, don’t think animals get enough credit for the support they provide humans and 58 per cent couldn’t envisage their life without their furry friend.
A fifth have referred to their pet as a therapist, while 19 per cent have even asked them for advice when feeling low.
Almost a third (32%) feel they’d suffer from loneliness if it wasn’t for their pet and 56% said they really are their best friend.
Teaming up with Purina on the campaign, professional footballer Lucy Bronze MBE, who is mum to West Highland Terrier, Narla, said: “Narla has been the best thing ever for me – being a footballer is an absolute dream come true, and I couldn’t do it without her by my side.
“Being able to come home to someone who is so happy to see you after a long day is a great feeling, and I’m so grateful that she is there for me through all life’s ups and downs.”
