Do Pets Really Improve Mental Health?

I found that my pets helped me the most when they were MINE and I was out of my parents house. They help me when I can't bring myself to get out of bed to feed myself because they rely on me for food and their basic needs. They help me get through the worst by making it so I can't wallow and by giving me unconditional love.

my cat is so sweet, i love him

Sorry that was a bit long but cats have been a part of my life since I was 7 and I genuinely wouldn’t be here without them, I believe

if you like the fact that dogs are social, but cant/dont want to have the whole upkeep of walking them every day, a maine coon might be good! theyre pretty social but theyre still just cats

If its something you genuinely believe will help you, do it! Or as an alternative, you can see if you can try out volunteering at your local animal shelter if it’s not too much energy for you (I know it is for me, I go once a week). One of my cats passed away in november shortly after my birthday and it was extremely traumatic but through the volunteering, after 3 months I had found a cat that needed me just as much as I needed him (he’s a tripod and was a week into surgery when I got him). Sometimes I would worry if I “moved on too fast” but grief will always be there, and it made sense to me that I shouldnt let that prevent me from helping and taking in a cat that had a rough start to life, and connected with me in a way that was incomparable to the other volunters. It’s been a very mutual thing, and nursing him to health and recovery had been both stressful and satisfying and I’m so happy he’s in my life. Animals will love unconditionally, and with the stray cats issue in the USA and other countries they need us too. Just a small tip in case you do get one, please keep them indoors. Through volunteering so many of them I see are hurt by people outside, by cars, parasites/disease, etc. If you’re inexperienced with cats, jackson galaxy’s youtube channel is a good base point (he’s a cat behavioralist)

It obviously depends on the person, but my dog has helped me so much. You really just need to find an animal you connect with personality wise.

Animals have always been my safe space. Maybe if you can’t get a cat, try for a smaller animal? Maybe a rodent? Rats have a bad reputation but they truly are tiny dogs and I very recommend them.

I think animals help more than you know, I have a cat and anytime I’m having a hard time he knows and comforts me. I also find it easier to be neutral with him after being mad or sad with a person

My mom believes that I wouldn't be here today if I didn't have my dog

Pets make a huge difference it shows unconditional love ❤️ I had a bird and he was my whole world, losing him made me lose myself. Hoping to be able to adopt one day again. I’d express to your parents how important it is to you!

My dog has helped me not hurt myself so much I am terrified to go to college next year without him

Pets are people and usually more helpful than humans when it comes to emotional support and love get a cat or something it’ll help