Survey Proves That Having Pets Is Good For Your Health

by Lori Ennis

Published: April 5th, 2019

survey proves that having pets is good for your health

Looking for ways to get moving? Get a dog or cat (or both)! According to a survey by EllipticalReviews.com, furry family members keep their pet parents healthy.

National Pet Day is April 11, and in honor of this special day, EllipticalReviews.com polled over 1000 people to see how caring for their pets affected their overall activity and health levels. They wanted to know if being a pet parent makes you more or less likely to work out and exercise, and if there were any other benefits to furry, faithful friends. Not surprisingly, they found the answer to all of the above was a resounding, “Yes!”

The Department of Health and Human Services suggests at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise a week for adults to maintain healthy lifestyles. Being a dog parent makes that recommendation one that’s easy to meet as you most likely are getting up and out to let your pups get their exercise and potty breaks. Cat owners weren’t as likely to have as much exercise opportunity with their cats, but they actually averaged more weekly workouts than did people who didn’t have dogs or had only dogs. Overall though, pet owners averaged about two more hours of physical activity a week than did their non-pet-parent peers.

Have Pets, Will Play

And, when it came to the average number of days of pet play pet parents replied they had, once again, cat parents top the list over dog parents and those who had both cats and dogs. Most of the dog owners and the owners of both cats and dogs preferred walking as their main exercise while those who only had cats preferred home videos.

Of those who owned both cats and dogs, four out of five respondents said that walks with their pets were better than walks without, and almost two of every three respondents said they didn’t even like to run or jog if their pet wasn’t with them. Yoga at home with cats was an exercise preference (44% of respondents) and surprisingly, even nearly 30% of cat owners said they too wanted to walk with their cats.

Time Is On Their Side

When it came to dog breed breakdown, it turns out that the owners of Boxers averaged about 232 minutes of exercise a week, while Rottweiler parents only averaged about 106 minutes a week. Medium-sized dog parents averaged about 169 minutes, which is higher than small- and large-breed pet parents. That said, Chihuahua parents are active about 162 minutes a week, and behind them were owners of Golden Retrievers, Siberian Huskies, and German Shepherds.

Puppy Dog Eyes Really Motivate

The survey found that nearly 100% (okay, 98% to be exact) of dog owners believed having their dog made them more physically active. Of those who had both cats and dogs, 96% said the same, and believe it or not, 89% of cat-only parents also felt their kitties made them more physically active. Over 60% admitted they purposely brought pets into their lives so they could live more active lifestyles. A third of surveyed dog owners had gym memberships while nearly a quarter of surveyed cat owners did, but that’s pretty sweet considering that only 15% of non-pet owners had memberships. Seems like pets are not only companions but motivators as well.

Critter Comforts

While exercise and fitness were motivating factors for a majority of surveyed pet parents to get pets, over 70% of those surveyed also believe that being pet parents helps them not be lonely and stressed. Over 60% thought that pets help them when they’re sad and 50% believe that pet ownership can combat depression. And we all know healthy minds are more motivated to work for healthy bodies, so pets definitely give to us not just in loyalty and love but in health and welfare as well.

If you’re a pet parent, take this National Pet Day opportunity to give your pets some extra love and attention for their ability to bring the best out in us–both emotionally and physically. And if you’re not a pet parent, think about all the benefits pets brings to our lives and check your local shelter or rescue group out. National Pet Day would be a great Adoption Day too!

Lori Ennis

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How Do I Get My Dog Used to Car Rides?

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These Are The Longest Living Cat Breeds, Study Shows

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Do Grooming Gloves Work?

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Pet Safety Reminders For the 4th of July

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Have you ever wondered if your new kitten’s fiery ginger coat is a warning sign that you are bringing home a sassy whirlwind? Does your black cat’s sleek coat give off the vibes of a mysterious loner?There are many theories regarding the possible connection between a cat’s coat color and their personality traits. However, this leaves many cat lovers curious whether it’s all folklore or a connection exists.Let’s look at the science (or lack thereof) behind the relationship between a cat’s appearance and their personality. Plus, we’ll share the most common traits associated with each fur color and pattern so you can see if it describes your cat.What Determines the Color of a Cat Before discussing the connection between fur color and personality, let’s examine what actually causes different cats to have different coat colors and patterns.Like your hair or eye color, the appearance of your cat’s fur is a reflection of their genetics. This includes the color of the fur, how bright or diluted those colors appear, and any patterns their coat displays (like tabby stripes or calico patches).What is the Rarest Color for a Cat? The Most Popular? As with any genetic trait, some fur coats and patterns are more common than others. The rarest color is a solid-white coat. Less than 5% of the cat population is estimated to be completely white and void of any color (no additional marks or patterns). On the other end of the spectrum, the tabby is the most common cat coat pattern. While most people associate tabbies with vertical stripes along their body, the pattern can also present as splotches, circles, spots, or any combination of these markings.

Sphynx Cats Have the Lowest Lifespan of All Domestic Cats, Study Finds

Looking for a new feline companion to take home? Before you start researching cat breeders or head to the local shelter, keep in mind that not all cats live to a ripe old age. Researchers from the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) and the National Chung Hsing University in Taiwan created life tables of the annual life expectancy of cats in the United Kingdom. Based on their findings, the hairless Sphynx cat has the lowest life expectancy of all cat breeds, living for only six and a half years, on average. The first-of-its-kind study of companion cat varieties was published in the Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery. The team of researchers created the very first “life tables” for different cat breeds, which predict the remaining life expectancy and probability of death. Life tables have been used in human public health for years, but have recently started being used for cats and dogs. “Understanding typical remaining lifespan can also support owners and veterinarians while making complex decisions about the best treatment option to protect a cat’s overall wellbeing,” said researchers. Although they look timeless, the Sphynx cat has a surprisingly low life expectancy of 6.7 years. Researchers noted that Sphynx cats are at an increased risk of several diseases that might be the leading cause of their shorter-than-average lifespan. For this study, researchers used data from 7,936 veterinary-registered cats in the United Kingdom that died between January 1, 2019, and March 31, 2021. Data showed that the average life expectancy for cats is 11.7 years. Interestingly, researchers discovered that female cats have a longer life expectancy (12.5 years) than male cats (11.2 years).The team also found that cats that haven’t been neutered have shorter lifespans. Cats with normal weight tend to have a longer lifespan than underweight or overweight felines. The study discovered that crossbred cats have a longer life expectancy than purebred cats. Crossbred felines have an average life expectancy of 11.9 years, while purebreds have an average lifespan of 10.4 years.Based on the data, Birman and Burmese cats have the longest life expectancy of all cat breeds, with kittens in their first year of life expected to live on average 14.4 years. Next were crossbred cats, which usually live around 11.9 years, followed by Siamese cats, with an average lifespan of 11.7 years. Using the available data, researchers calculated that Persian cats have an average lifespan of 10.9 years, followed by Ragdoll cats (10 years), Maine coon cats (9.7 years), Russian cats (9.7 years), British cats (9.6 years), and Bengal cats (8.5 years). The study also discovered that purebred cats have a 1.83 higher chance of dying before three years of age than crossbred cats. According to researchers, understanding these numbers is important because they offer an idea of what the future holds. “Essentially what we’re doing is we’re giving some level of statistical certainty, where previously it was just guesswork,” said Dr. Dan O’Neill, a co-author of the study from the Royal Veterinary College (RVC). This data can be important for prospective owners, vets, and rehoming organizations, and can also be helpful for people who may be evaluating the value of expensive and painful surgery or medication for their cat. “Essentially, this is now giving the power to the public. If somebody’s priority is they want a cat that is going to defer death for as long as possible, on average, we now have the evidence to say [get a] female and crossbred [cat].” Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Is a Bearded Dragon the Right Pet for Me?

Are you considering adding a scaly friend to your family? Bearded dragons have captured the hearts of reptile experts and casual pet lovers alike with their unique appearance, interesting personalities, and low-maintenance care requirements.However, owning a reptile is a significant commitment, regardless of what type of reptile you choose!Before bringing a new pet into your home, you must weigh the pros and cons. This guide will explore the key factors to consider when deciding if a bearded dragon is the right fit for your lifestyle and living situation.Bearded Dragon Behavior and Temperament One reason bearded dragons have gained so much popularity as pets is their calm and docile temperament. While many reptiles are resistant to being tamed, bearded dragons are generally highly responsive to their owners. They are attentive pets that enjoy spending time with their person. They tolerate being touched and handled well, rarely biting or scratching in response. In fact, many learn to ride around on their owners’ shoulders, perched happily. While they enjoy spending time with their person, they also need their alone time. Many owners see this as a positive as it allows them to go to work, run errands, or even participate in social events without worrying about their pet’s separation anxiety (a concern many dog owners know well). Of course, there are always exceptions – but generally speaking, these gentle and highly social pets are an excellent option for reptile lovers interested in forming a special bond with their new companion. Choosing Your Bearded Dragon If reading that description of the bearded dragon makes you excited that you’ve found your perfect reptile companion, it’s time to discuss how to find your new friend. This includes not only finding a pet whose personality is a good match for your own but also ensuring that your new lizard is healthy. There are two different approaches to finding a new reptile. First, you can connect with a reputable bearded dragon breeder. Purchasing your reptile from a breeder generally involves a contract that is designed to protect both you and the breeder, guaranteeing the health of your new pet on the day it is adopted. Alternatively, you can contact your local shelter or reptile-specific rescue organizations. Here are a few important considerations when searching for your new pet: Check all over for any sign of visible injuries, such as scratches, cuts, scars, or burns. While you could take on an injured reptile without any long-term issues, you may also find yourself dealing with secondary complications like infections. Run your fingers along the tail. A healthy tail will feel round and plump at the base, near the body. If it feels sunken into the body or overly bony, that’s a red flag. Look into the reptile’s eyes. You want to choose a bearded dragon who is alert and aware of your presence. It should hold its head upright, with its eyes following your movements. Sunken eyes are also a concern.Check their face for any signs of inflammation or pus. Ensure they don’t have runny eyes. Assess the quality of the bearded dragon’s skin. Loose or discolored skin is a sign of underlying illness.Don’t be afraid to ask questions of the breeder or rescue worker who is showing you the young bearded dragon. Ask about whether they have noticed any sign of illness or injury. You can also ask about the state of their “droppings.” Sure, it’s not the most exciting conversation – but it is a good indicator of a reptile’s well-being. Most importantly, don’t feel pressured into bringing a new pet home. If you are being pushed to make a snap decision, that is a warning sign that they may be trying to hide something.

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