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...

While this Thanksgiving holiday is quite different for so many, one thing we can be thankful for is the human-animal bond. Pets have been a bright spot during the pandemic, and research conducted since the onset of the pandemic suggests that the human-animal bond is helping support the health and wellness of people and pets in important ways.   To help raise awareness of the benefits of pets during these difficult times, HABRI created the following shareable infographic. Please consider sharing this infographic on your social media channels, websites and with your colleagues, friends and family. Giving thanks to our pets is more than a holiday tradition this year; it is a recognition of the growing importance of the human-animal bond. However you celebrate this year, HABRI wishes everyone a happy, healthy, and safe holiday. References 1.    APPA Pulse Survey Volume 1 2.    Survey Research conducted by Phyllis Erdman, College of Education, Washington State University, and a team of collaborators from Colorado State University, the University of San Francisco and Palo Alto University 3.    McNicholas, June. “The role of pets in the lives of older...

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. To help raise awareness during Heart Health Month this February, HABRI created a new, shareable infographic on the powerful relationship between pet ownership and heart health. Please consider sharing this infographic on your social media channels, websites and with your colleagues, friends and families in celebration of the many ways in which pets contribute to healthy hearts.

While this Thanksgiving holiday is quite different for so many, one thing we can be thankful for is the human-animal bond. Pets have been a bright spot during the pandemic, and research conducted since the onset of the pandemic suggests that the human-animal bond is helping support the health and wellness of people and pets in important ways. Easing Stress and Anxiety Living with pets during the coronavirus pandemic has helped ease stress and anxiety in pet owners. Research results show that 72 percent of pet owners say that spending time with their pet is helping reduce stress and improving wellbeing during the pandemic[1]. Eighty-six percent of pet owners say their pets are helping them cope emotionally during social isolation[2]. A survey of over 4,100 dog owners found that more than half of respondents said their dogs were helping reduce feelings of depression and anxiety[3]. Dog owners aren’t the only ones to benefit. In fact, 49 percent of cat owners are also experiencing reduced anxiety with the help of their feline friends[4]. Providing a Welcome Distraction In difficult times, it can be tough to stay in the present and engage in day-to-day life without worrying about the...

HAI Research Update from HABRI It has been a year of progress in the field of human-animal interaction (HAI) research. In 2019, HABRI funded five new research grants, increasing HABRI’s total to 31 competitively-awarded research projects and $3 million in total research funding. In addition, a number of studies published this year continued to build the evidence base connecting human-animal interaction and companion animal ownership to improved human health and well-being. As we enter the new year, we wanted to share the attached compilation of research publications from 2019, as well as a brief overview of the most recent HABRI grants. If you have any questions about any specific research projects, regardless of whether or not it is a HABRI-funded study, we encourage you to contact us. New HABRI-Funded Research Projects In 2019, HABRI funded a total of five new grant projects, summarized below. These new studies will examine the influence of pet ownership, animal-assisted therapy, service dogs, and dog-walking on various aspects of physical and mental health of children, adolescents and their families. With the funding of these five grants, HABRI has now funded a...

Pets have played an important role in our lives throughout the pandemic, and this stronger human-animal bond is predicted to change how we live and work in the future. As people return to the office and worry about leaving their pets behind, the demand for more pet-friendly workplaces will rise. According to a recent poll, 72% of c-suite level executives expect more workplaces will be pet-friendly after the COVID-19 pandemic, and 6 in 10 companies plan to be more flexible in a post-pandemic world. Please consider sharing this infographic on your social media channels, websites and with your colleagues, friends and families to raise awareness of how the science-backed benefits of pet-friendly workplaces show that this is a smart decision for employers.