Survey Reveals Cats and Dogs Are More Comforting than Spouses

Nevena Nacic
by Nevena Nacic
Melinda Nagy/Shutterstock

If you would rather choose to hug your pet than spend time with your partner after a stressful day, you aren’t alone. A new global survey of 30,000 pet owners across 20 countries found that the majority of pet parents (58%) prefer to spend time with their pet when feeling stressed. 


Data showed that only 32% of pet owners would prefer to spend time with their partners, 23% with family, and only 18% of owners said they would choose to hug their friends or children when stressed.


YouGov conducted the new survey on behalf of Mars Petcare and Calm, a leading mental health company. 


The survey also found that more than half of pet parents (56%) stated that their pets provide company without needing to talk during stressful times. Meanwhile, almost a quarter of pet parents (23%) said their pet creates an atmosphere for them to express worries and concerns without needing a reply.


A large majority (84%) of pet owners found the mere presence of their pets relaxing, providing a sense of calm that doesn’t require words. 

“While we love our pets, we often don’t realize how much they give back,” said Dr. Tammie King, a senior research manager at Waltham Petcare Science Institute. 


“Reframing your pet’s daily ‘interruptions’ as loving reminders to pause, breathe, and be present can be a powerful wellness tool. Research shows that touch-based pet interactions can boost oxytocin levels in humans,” she said.


“The findings of this survey will help more people reflect on and acknowledge the little well-being moments pets nudge us towards on a daily basis.” 


The survey also revealed how our pets’ simple behaviors can push us towards better well-being habits. 


Almost eight of ten surveyed pet parents said their pet encourages them to pause and take a break from work, chores, or tasks. Meanwhile, 50% said this happens daily. 


A majority of pet parents (73%) said their pet reminds them to stop overthinking or worrying, thus helping them feel calmer and more relaxed. The same percentage of pet owners stated that their pet inspires them to spend time outdoors.

 

Even more pet owners (77%) said that their pet inspires them to turn off screens. For half, this is a daily reminder to unplug and unwind from constant scrolling. 


We know that small, intentional moments of calm can have a big impact on our overall well-being, and our pets have an incredible way of guiding us there. A quick dog walk, or cat cuddle at our desk when they stroll in front of the screen, can provide a simple moment to reset and recharge,” said Dr. Chris Mosunic, Chief Clinical Officer at Calm. 


“We’re proud to partner with Mars and bring this data to the forefront to highlight the potential of our bond with pets and help more people discover the wonderful well-being benefits our relationship with pets can bring.”


This survey is the first-of-its-kind partnership between Mars and Calm, which strives to explore and celebrate the deep connection between people and pets. 


The two companies have teamed up to create new content that supports well-being while strengthening the bond you have with your pet.


The new Mars and Calm content collection features a series of pet-inspired content to help you relax and recharge. This is Calm’s first collection, created just for pet lovers and inspired by the beautiful relationship people have with their pets. 


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Nevena Nacic
Nevena Nacic

Nevena is a freelance writer and a proud mom of Teo, a 17-year-old poodle, and Bob, a rescued grey tabby cat. Since childhood, she had a habit of picking up strays and bringing them home (luckily, her parents didn't know how to say NO). When she's not writing for her fellow pet parents, Nevena can be found watching Teo sleep. To her defense, that's not as creepy as it sounds!

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