For the past six years, I have served as a "cat comforter" at the Humane Society in Ann Arbor, Michigan. I went through hours of training, learning how to handle even the most skittish cats. But, for me, it wasn't just about caring for the cats—it was about caring for me. After losing both my mom and brother in the same year, I discovered that giving love and attention to lonely animals was immensely healing.
Many of us have heard that keeping pets during the pandemic can lift our spirits and strengthen our mental health. Snuggling with fur-babies definitely counts as self-care, in my book. But, pets also offer stability and routine. In a recent survey by content developers at Fullscreen, 64% of respondents aged 18-37 reported feeling more motivated and grounded by the responsibilities of owning a pet. Pets require caretakers to stay focused on the here-and-now, instead of their anxieties about the future.
Pets are wonderful companions at any time, but for adults living in isolation, animals can fill a void that too often leads to despair. I count myself lucky to have my family at home during the pandemic. But, with my husband working in his office, and my sons focused on their online classes, I'm still on my own for most of the day. When I'm knitting or working on the couch, my ever-present cat has become my best friend.
And, it wasn't always like that. Before the pandemic, my cat was aloof and feisty. Now that I'm around all the time, she sits on the arm of the couch, demanding affection and purring loudly when she gets it.
If you’ve been searching for an excuse to leap into pet-parenting, perhaps "mental stability," "mood correction," and "mindfulness" will do the trick!