A healthy heart is essential for good health at any age. Research suggests that pet ownership and human-animal interaction (HAI) can lead to improved heart health through supporting a healthy lifestyle, preventing heart disease, and facilitating healing following a cardiovascular event. Since February is Heart Health Month, we’ve compiled the top scientific evidence on how the human-animal bond supports goo heart health.   Stress Reduction  High stress can contribute to many health issues associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD). Stress is also associated with behaviors that increase heart disease, such as physical inactivity and overeating. The CDC recognizes that especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, stress can run high, and stress management is essential to living a healthy life.  Scientific research has supported the concept that people experience less stress in the presence of pets. To measure the impact of companion animals on stress levels, many studies incorporate a transient stressor, such as having study participants perform a challenging arithmetic problem. A study of 120 married couples demonstrated that, in the presence of a...

In the context of the last two challenging years, it has become abundantly clear how essential pets are in our lives. Not only are pet owners spending more time with their pets, but they are also reporting their pets are making positive contributions to their mental health. In fact, a recent survey shows that 87% of pet owners say they have experienced mental health improvements resulting from pet ownership. Sixty-four percent of pet owners have had a conversation with someone in the last year about the health benefits of owning a pet, including discussions with co-workers, friends and family. Twenty-two percent of pet owners, more than one-in-five, have had a pet recommended for their health by a doctor or therapist, indicating that pets are increasingly acknowledged by mental health professionals as important sources of social and emotional support. In support of Mental Health America and its important work to support good mental health for all Americans, the Human-Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI) has compiled data and information to demonstrate how pets support healthy habits and boost our mental health and wellness. Exercise It’s no secret that incorporating regular exercise...

STAY CURIOUS about feline urinary health! Research shows that house soiling is the #1 reason that cats are relinquished to a shelter[1], yet many cats presenting to veterinary clinics with lower urinary signs are diagnosed with a medical condition. Misunderstanding your cat’s behavior can jeopardize or even break your bond with them. So, if your cat is urinating outside the litter pan, don’t assume it’s behavioral. Stay curious about their urinary health and take them to the veterinarian. STAY CURIOUS about feline urinary health STAY CURIOUS about how you can monitor your cat’s urinary health at home STAY CURIOUS about the human-cat bond The Importance of Strong, Healthy Human-Cat Bonds The Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI) has teamed-up with Royal Canin to bring you trusted information on the importance of the human-cat bond, and ways to help you and your cat live healthy, happy lives together. You love your cat, but did you know that the bond you share with them can improve your health and wellbeing? Curious about the Human-Animal Bond? The human-animal bond is the mutually-beneficial and dynamic relationship between people and animals that is influenced by behaviors...

May is Mental Health Month. According to HABRI’s survey of pet owners, the majority of pet owners have personal experience with the health benefits of pets: 74% of pet owners reported mental health improvements from pet ownership 75% of pet owners reported a friend’s or family member’s mental health has improved from pet ownership The scientific research that supports the human-animal bond – or the mutually beneficial relationship between people and pets – for better mental health indicates that pets can make a difference for those facing mental health concerns, including anxiety, depression, loneliness and stress. HABRI, in partnership with Mental Health America, has created this new infographic highlighting the mental health benefits of a healthy relationship with a pet. HABRI hopes that in sharing this far and wide throughout Mental Health Month, we can encourage people to take care of their pets and remind them that in good times and in bad, our companion animals can be wonderful sources of support and relief from mental health conditions. Please consider posting this infographic on your social media channels, websites and with your colleagues, friends and family to...

Pets can contribute to healthy aging and even longer life! Studies suggest that pets can positively influence factors that contribute to longevity, including reducing stress, facilitating resiliency against cardiovascular disease, and connecting us to a network of social support. To highlight this scientific evidence, HABRI has created a new infographic highlighting the ways pets can help us live longer. We hope that in sharing this information, we can raise awareness of the many ways in which pets improve our lives. While there is always more research that needs to be done, sharing what we know now can have a positive impact for people and pets. We know that pet owners are more likely to take better care of their pets when they learn how good their pets are for them –reinforcing the mutually-beneficial relationship that builds the human-animal bond. Please consider posting this infographic on your social media channels, websites and sharing it with your colleagues, friends and family. Thank you! References https://www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/facts.htm Levine, G. N., Allen, K., Braun, L. T., Christian, H. E., Friedmann, E., Taubert, K. A., … & Lange, R. A. (2013). Pet ownership...

Every pet owner has a special bond with their animal. From going on walks to spending time on the couch together, there are so many ways the human-animal bond is shared and experienced. Many pet owners[1] believe that regularly giving treats to their pets plays a big role in strengthening the human-animal bond. The simple yet meaningful interaction of treating – giving pets special snacks or rewards – enhances the bond between cat and dog owners and their pets. Research shows that cat and dog owners feed their pet treats to show love to their pet, make them happy, and strengthen the bond[2]. It brings pet owners joy to know that treats make their pets happy[3]. There is more to treating than showing love. The right treats can also support the benefits of a pet’s existing nutritional plan[4] and can serve as positive reinforcement during training sessions[5].  According to a Royal Canin survey of pet owners, treating can be used as a functional benefit for managing pet behavior. Training represents a shared activity and is great way to engage with your pet, improve desired pet behavior and strengthen the human-animal bond[6]. Social, cognitive and physical enrichment is beneficial...