Pet Prattle and Products

Have you ever owned a cat? What was it about your cat that made you pick her? I own a cat named Pepper that I picked out of a litter when she wasn’t quite 24 hours old. I know, what can you tell about a little kitten who doesn’t even have her eyes open. I’m not really sure, but whatever it was that made me reach for her, it couldn’t have been more right.

There are studies out around cats, their owners and the impact they have on their owners’ attitudes towards others. Specifically, does owning a cat ellicit compassion towards animals and then translate into being more compassionate toward fellow humans.  One such study was conducted at Central Queensland University in Australia and the results showed that there is a definite link between human empathy and positive attitudes toward the treatment of animals by those who own cats as pets.

Another study conducted at the University of Pennsylvania looked at whether having a pet as a child would make one more compassionate towards both animals and humans as adults. The study concluded that children who had strong relationships with their cats or dogs as a child had more generous attitudes toward animals and humans as adults. It also showed children who had pets growing up and had strong relationships with them, developed more positive relationships with people in adulthood.

What is it that cats, in particular, that brings out our compassion?  I know as a cat owner, that I can tell what Pepper is saying by the tone of her voice, her facial expressions and her posture.  It’s like having an infant that can’t speak, but as you get to know her, you start to understand her moods and needs.  Developing this sense of your pet’s needs and moods could very well allow you to better “read” others as adults.

There’s something about cats and puppies that makes us want to nurture them.  They’re soft, small, cuddly and provide love.  They bring forth compassion in us naturally.  Studies have proven this is true more for women, maybe because of the innate maternal instinct inside.  Although men who had strong relationships with their dogs or cats as children were more empathetic in future relationships than those who didn’t have pets. Whatever it is, the compassion shown towards animals does translate into showing more empathy toward our fellow human beings, which can only be a good thing in my book.

Most of the studies were directed towards cats because they don’t grow to a size that they can’t still be picked up and held. So, if you’re one of those who doesn’t believe cats bring anything beneficial to the table, think again.  They may just be helping us to treat each other a little better.

Till next time …

Debbie Foster is the owner of Pet Beds Unlimited and an animal enthusiast. You’ll find a wide selection of quality pet beds, dog crates, dog carriers, dog pens, cat beds, cat carriers, small dog beds, large dog beds, pet strollers and more at http://petbedsunlimited.com.