Last week, I lost my best friend. He is 22 years old.
Mow Mow is not my human friend; he is my cat But like 76% of cat owners, I consider him family. To say how much I miss him doesn’t even begin to describe my sadness.
As it turns out, fellow fur lovers always seem to understand the weight of my loss. Whether they had a cat, dog, hamster or horse, they sympathized deeply and spoke lovingly of their lost companion. It seems that despite the heartache of losing them, we can’t help but be thankful for having them. Perhaps it’s because it turns out that our animal friends help us live longer, happier lives.
The health benefits to humans of fuzzy and furry friendships are well established. Studies show that the benefits of pet ownership generally include lower stress, lower cholesterol, lower blood pressure, improved mental health, reduced loneliness, better sleep and an overall correlation of longer life by up to 24%. These benefits are particularly true for more vulnerable populations such as children, the elderly and those with anxiety, depression, ADHD and more.
It got me thinking. While the loss of my cat was devastating, there is no doubt that he has improved my life. I will probably adopt another pet when the time is right for this reason. But with so much evidence of their goodness, why do some people opt out of having pets? Do non-pet owners wish they had a furry companion, but can’t?
Maybe it comes down to cost. Pets are not cheap, and in recent years they have only become more expensive. A recent survey of dog owners found that 91% of people with dogs are now experiencing financial stress, with 66% cutting back on personal expenses or borrowing money to cover pet costs. animal care. Even worse, 47% said they were in debt for their dog after expenses that typically ranged between $51 to $500 per month.
One look at today’s price hikes and it makes sense why people are struggling. Pet food prices have jumped 25% since 2020. Veterinary care has increased 11% in just one year. Add to this that pet-sitting rates and all types of general housing are off the charts, and people who work outside the home, travel or can’t afford pet-friendly accommodation are suddenly out of business. luck.
Given the health benefits of pets, these trends worry me. An estimated 66% of American households currently own a pet, and Colorado is among the top pet-friendly states. However, pet ownership is trending more white and affluent, and rising costs are likely to exacerbate these disparities. If the costs for pet care and in general continue to rise, how many people will have access to the benefits of having animals?
I also worry that popular trends in designer dogs and cats — such as the Golden Doodle craze among wealthy neighbors — will only serve to further drive up pet costs and commercialize pets. as luxury items and status symbols. Sure, these animals are cute, but most animals are cute. I adopted my cat from the shelter and she is the sweetest, most loving cat ever. Are we really beyond adopting animals today?
I don’t have many answers to these questions, but as I remember how much Mow Mow means to me, I can’t help but wonder about the effects of our choices. It’s sad to think that in the future it may be harder for many of us to access the unconditional love of a pet. They are beautiful, and I want everyone to experience that because pets can change your life.
I know Mow Mow definitely changed mine.
Trish Zornio is a scientist, lecturer and writer who has worked at some of the top universities and hospitals in the country. He is an avid rock climber and is a 2020 candidate for the US Senate in Colorado. Trish can be found on Twitter @trish_zornio
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