Psychology Explains Why People Treat Their Furry Friends Like Humans!
Those who would like to have company, but find people too exhausting or unpredictable, will quite certainly be able to meet their happiness with 4 paws. Avid animal lovers have known for a very long time that pets are better companions. They bring all the advantages of a roommate without the disadvantages.
Cats and dogs in particular have charmed us, because with them real communication takes place and a coexistence that leaves practically nothing to be desired. Once you have enjoyed the unconditional love of a four-legged friend, you will see people in a completely different light. Animals have everything to give and ask for almost nothing in return. They show us their love, but we always know what is going on and how we are perceived by them.
There is also criticism, but it is always factual and situational. Those who are convinced that they have made the best choice when it comes to living with their pets are in good company. The humanization of animals has been on the rise for years. From the perspective of modern psychology, there are a few understandable reasons for this.
1. We feel needed
We humans are social creatures who cannot well be alone in the long run. This includes the feeling of making an important contribution. Animals need us, but do not consciously demand it. They can neither organize their own food nor open the front door for the walk.
They miss us when we are not there and demand petting and playing sessions. If they are sick, we are worried and do everything we can to make you feel better. If you love the feeling of being needed, but don't want to put up with the drawbacks of children or partners, you've hit the ultimate jackpot with a pet.
2. They love us unconditionally
People should imitate our furry friends. There is no one in the world who loves us as unconditionally and forever as our pets. And the best thing about it: they do it for nothing in return. 24 hours a day, for the rest of their lives. There's no need for us to buy or elicit their affection. They are indiscriminate, but they love us for all we're worth.
Even if we don't like ourselves, our four-legged friends are on hand to make us feel like the greatest person in the world. And for them, we really are. The owner is the sun in their universe in all circumstances and in all conditions.
3. The disadvantages remain
Many people treat their pets like children or partners. For example, if in the past the question of the sofa or even the bed was a contentious one among dog and cat owners, today there are party items for dogs and cats, pajamas and scarves in all colors. Some pets, it seems, own more accessories and toys than their human counterparts.
In addition, studies and surveys of pet owners showed that grief for a beloved dog or cat often runs deeper than grief for a human. Owners then even feel ashamed of it and have to reckon with harsh criticism from those around them because the death of their beloved four-legged friend plunges them into deep despair. But the answer to the question of why is simple. Pets are like people, only better.
They are never moody, sneaky, do not cheat on us with other mistresses or masters and always have only one thing in mind... To give us their love. A human can't keep up with that.
4. Loneliness doesn't stand a chance
Those who can or would like to maintain little contact with people are best equipped to combat loneliness with a pet. Dogs compel us to get out of the house due to their need for daily walks. And you quickly meet like-minded people who also have the same favorite topic. Cats bring their own personality into our lives and teach us one or two lessons in humility that humans couldn't do better.
All other furry friends are perhaps less care-intensive, but still demand that we look after them several times a day and so in the morning at least, make us have to leave the bed. The animal companionship provides joy and moments of happiness, keeps us in motion and makes our serotonin level rise and the loneliness and all its accompanying symptoms thus no chance.
5. Pet owners live longer and healthier lives
According to studies it pays off doubly and triply to bring a pet into your life. Especially among dog owners there is a clear trend towards healthier and longer living. In addition humans with furry friends get sick clearly more rarely at depressions. The constant interaction with animals, who always stay moving, and the responsibility which goes along with it, keep us to some extent younger, fitter and incidentally also makes the animal happy.
Dog owners can also look forward to a longer lifespan than people without Bello and Co. They fall ill less often with infectious diseases, which is certainly due to their particularly strong immune systems. Those who spend years outdoors in all weathers and voluntarily wash their hands more often than average will have good cards in the fight against viruses and bacteria. And exercise is known to keep you young.
6. They strengthen our social skills
Pets are supposed to teach children a sense of responsibility and consideration. But we adults also benefit from the school of life that comes from being with four-legged friends. If you want to be sure that you are made for children, maybe try a dog first.
There is not much difference in terms of care, responsibility, childcare, education and costs. Thanks to our furry friends, we learn that companionship is only crowned with success if everyone is thought of, especially the weakest links in the chain.
7. As alarm systems they are unbeatable
Not only dogs, but also cats and even songbirds are not to be underestimated as bodyguards and security for house and home. There are countless stories about pets that have warned their owners of fire, burglars, burst water pipes, natural disasters and even diseases, thus saving their lives. Anyone who owes their life to a dog or cat will never again see only the animal in them. By the way, 1st place among animal safety specialists is still held by geese.
Today's Conclusion: live happier, longer and healthier.
Science has long since proven what dedicated animal lovers have known for a long time. In the company of four-legged friends, we live happier, healthier and even longer. The time we spend making ourselves, our clothes, and our homes free of pet hair, the staggering vet bills, and all the hours we spend in our pajamas looking for the cat and motivating the dog to go home are worth it a thousand times over.
If you like animals and can spare money, space and time for them, you are bringing a friend for life into your home and love that is second to none. The humanizing of the animals is surely not in the sense of the creator. Anyone who makes it impossible for them to live a life appropriate to their species or who exposes them to ridicule for a few likes on social media is not an animal lover. Furry friends should be equal family members, but they are not people. That's it for today.