People love their pets. There’s a lot to love about having a pet, but there’s more to appreciate about your little friend than you realize. 

Pets can be great companions, but they do so much more for you than just keep you company. Everyone in your household can benefit from the presence of a pet.

As a cat owner myself I can personally attest to the joy, comfort, and surprising health benefits a pet brings to everyday life. 

Here are just some of the ways your furry companion is doing more for you than you realize: 

1. You always have a walking partner. It can be more enjoyable to walk with a companion. Dogs are always excited to go for a walk, too. There are even a few cats that like to take a stroll. Studies show that dog owners walk almost 25 minutes longer each day than non-dog owners. Having a pet can improve your fitness.

2. Your blood pressure will be lower. Having a pet that you find soothing has been shown to lower blood pressure. This can decrease the likelihood of heart disease, stroke, and heart attack.

3. Pets are great for kids. Kids adore pets. Having a pet can help children to be more social, develop stronger immune systems, and learn responsibility. With the right pet, your child always has someone to play with. 

4. You have something to take care of. Life is more meaningful to many folks if they have someone or something that relies on them. Cardiac patients with pets are four times more likely to survive for at least a year than those patients without pets. A pet can give your life a purpose. 

5. Less stress. Spending time with a pet can increase oxytocin and other feel-good hormones in the body. It feels soothing to pet your dog or cat.

6. Uplift your mood. Pets reduce the likelihood and severity of depression. If you’ve ever had a pet, you already know that you feel better after spending time with your pet. If you’ve never had a pet, what are you waiting for?

7. Greater social life. It turns out that dog owners have more active social lives. Most people like dogs, and dogs can reduce social tension. It’s easier to walk up to a stranger with a dog than one without.

8. Less pain. People that spend time with dogs after surgery use less pain medication after surgery than those who don’t. This benefit seems to extend to other situations as well. If you have chronic pain, having a pet that you love can help.

9. Someone to talk to. Pets are the perfect conversation companions. They’re interested in what you have to say. They never judge. 

10. A pet can help to keep you and your home safe. While a potential burglar might not be concerned with your cat or parakeet, most would-be intruders prefer to avoid homes with dogs. Even a small dog can make quite a lot of noise when something is wrong.

Pets don't talk back, complain, judge, or pack up and leave. The bond between a person and their pet is truly one of life's greatest gifts — and the health benefits that come with it are a wonderful bonus.

All pets are different so take time to consider your needs, desires, and lifestyle before bringing a new companion home. The right pet at the right time can genuinely transform your health and happiness in ways you never expected.