How owning a pet can improve wellbeing

About a month ago, I adopted a cat. 

It was a fairly spontaneous decision, if I’m honest. Our family cat died about 6-7 years ago, and I’ve always known I’d get another one at some point, but I didn’t expect it to be now, when I’m balancing work and uni and just staying afloat during this COVID-19 period. 

Truthfully, I’d forgotten how beneficial it can be for your wellbeing to have an animal around – something to care for, to feed at regular hours, something to watch over. I’m aware cats aren’t traditional companions in the way that dogs are, but it’s nice to be able to care for something in this chaotic period, when it feels like all your good intentions and well wishes are mostly lost in the ether.

Because it can be really hard, can’t it? When the world is visibly hurting, even the simplest of tasks can feel difficult, and the idea of self-care can feel ridiculous and indulgent. But when another living creature is relying on you, it’s somehow easier. They instill you with a purpose, they necessitate a routine, a structure to follow. It’s not a cure for sadness, but it’s a reminder to keep going: a sigh of relief when you walk in the door and see them waiting for you.