Is it better for your mental health to own a dog or a cat during the coronavirus pandemic? Do cats rule and dogs drool? Or do our canine companions give us an emotional edge? Well, more on this question in a moment.
A study out of the United Kingdom took a look at the bonds we share with our pets and how they impacted mental health during a phase of the pandemic when British citizens were in lockdown.
A survey of about 6,000 adults found 70% of them owned dogs. Cats came in at 44%. A smattering of respondents owned other pets, including fish, birds, reptiles and even a few horses and ponies.
Researchers measured the strength of the bond between humans and pets, and found that dogs received the most affection, followed by felines. Actually, horses and ponies edged out cats, but there were fewer cases of equine ownership noted.
Owners of all types of pets thought their companions provided healthy social support. Animal owners perceived a lesser drop in their mental well-being and loneliness during the lockdown compared with people who had no animal companions.
Dogs maintained a large advantage over cats when folks were asked which critter helped them stay physically fit during the pandemic. After all, you won’t often see someone out walking their kitty cat.
So, what did these pet owners say about the comparative advantages of cat and dog ownership? Which species was perceived to be more beneficial for mental health during these trying times?
The study found 91% of dog owners agree that their pets allow them to cope emotionally. Nearly as many, 89% percent, chose their cats. Advantage dogs — by a wet nose.