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Thankful for our pets!

Thankful for our pets!

Posted by Armarkat on 15th Nov 2023

We asked pet parents what they were thankful for during this season of gratitude. Their answers revealed how beneficial pets are for us in our health and daily lives.

“I’m grateful for the unique personalities of each of my pets.”
-Kelly, pet parent of cat Riada and dogs Taylor and Toby

Pets’ personalities help us bond with them (and can provide us with many interesting stories about their shenanigans!). Cat expert Jackson Galaxy believes that cat personalities are much more individualized than originally thought. The same is certainly true for dogs as well, considering how much one dog’s behavior, quirks, and preferences vary vastly from another’s. We love and respect each pet for who they are!

“I’m thankful for our kitten, Jackie, because the way she brings life and fun into the house and makes us laugh with her silly antics! I’m also thankful for the way our dog, Shadow, is so sweet and loyal and happy to spend time with us and is always right there wherever we are because she enjoys being with us.”

-Annette, pet parent of cat Jackie and dog Shadow

Kittens and puppies are often full of energy, and when new energy comes into a household, it can be inspiring and lift our spirits. Dogs of any age also bond with us through their loyalty. HelpGuide.Org says “like any good human friend, a loyal dog will look into your eyes to gauge your emotional state and try to understand what you’re thinking and feeling.”

“I am thankful that my cats are always cute and fluffy- no matter what is going on in my life, they are always being cute.”

-Lise, cat parent of Luc-Luc and Virgil

According to the Association for Psychological Science, looking at cute puppies and kittens not only increases how often a person smiles but also improves their ability to focus. Gazing at your cute cat or dog increases your attention to detail, which can be applied to other areas of your life as well!

“I’m thankful for all the love and cuddles my dog and cat give me!”

-Rachel, pet parent of cat Sophie Ann and dog Milo

As humans, we naturally seek out touch when we want to boost positive emotions. HelpGuide.Org says “Stroking, hugging, or otherwise touching a loving animal can rapidly calm and soothe you when you’re stressed or anxious.”

“I’m grateful for their companionship. No matter what, they will follow me anywhere and be grateful to be there with me.”

-Trina, dog parent of Merlin and Ollie

Bark Busters writes that dogs express gratitude to their owners in many ways. Dog parents are grateful for the gratitude their dogs show them through snuggling, licking, and staying by their side.

“Our cat is one of the family. We were so excited to bring him home years ago as a kitten. It was fun to watch him grow up and see his personality come out. He is such a confident and cool cat. we are lucky to have him!”

-Stephanie, cat parent of Chico

Many of our most important memories include pets. Pets witness and experience many memorable events, such as a new baby or pet joining the family, as well as celebrations held at the home for birthdays, graduations, and weddings. They also help us through tough times, such as the passing of a loved one.

At MeWow Cat Café, “I'm grateful for each and every cat that I have found a home for. Seeing the joy and connection the adopters make with their furever fur friend. We do this for one or two cats at a time and are about to strike 500 adoptions. No doubt that pets soothe our souls. Purrsonally I have 2 old cats. They are at least 17 1/2 years old. They are my companions and confidants.”

- Eilene, MeWow Cat Café, cat hero to all the cats at MeWow Cat Café and cat parent to Budgy and Martini

Volunteering or working at a pet rescue organization can boost your mood as much as interacting with your own pets. Helping pets in need can also give you a strong sense of purpose and fulfillment. All cats deserve a loving home, but Jackson Galaxy urges adopters to remember the benefits of adopting senior cats, who are less likely to be noticed: “These guys are grateful. You will find that the love you get from an older animal is just unparalleled.”

“I’m so thankful for my cats and how they help my mental health. They give me strength to keep going every day because they rely on me to care for them. In return, one of them always wants to be cuddled up with me and spend time with me. It makes me feel so loved by them.”

-Marina, cat parent to Stella, Jupiter, Patches, Swirl, Toast, and Junebug

According to HelpGuide.Org, taking care of pets helps can help you find stability in your daily routine as you feed, exercise, and play with your animals. Setting a schedule for the wellbeing of your animals encourages you to set a schedule for managing your own life as well. HelpGuide.Org says “Having a consistent routine keeps an animal balanced and calm—and it can work for you, too. No matter your mood—depressed, anxious, or stressed—one plaintive look from your pet and you’ll have to get out of bed to feed, exercise, and care for them.”

It's clear that pets are an integral part of our lives and our wellbeing. At Armarkat, we are thankful for readers like you who strive to improve the health and happiness of pets!

Sources:

Association for Psychological Science, “The Power of Puppies: Looking at Cute Images Can Improve Focus.”

https://www.psychologicalscience.org/news/minds-business/the-power-of-puppies-looking-at-cute-images-can-improve-focus.html

Bark Busters, “How Dogs Show Gratitude”

https://www.barkbusters.com/news/how-dogs-show-gratitude-and-thanks/

HelpGuide.Org, “The Health and Mood-Boosting Benefits of Pets”

https://www.helpguide.org/articles/mental-health/mood-boosting-power-of-dogs.htm

Jackson Galaxy, “Orange Cat Behavior: The Truth about Orange Cats”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wPVBGE6uUS4

Jackson Galaxy, “The Benefits of Adopting a Senior Cat (or Pet)”

https://www.jacksongalaxy.com/blogs/news/the-benefits-of-adopting-a-senior-cat-or-pet

Armarkat