Who is happier - dog owners or cat owners? Psychologists make it clear!

Have you ever wondered what owning a dog or a cat might say about us? It turns out that choosing a specific pet can foster the development of positive emotions and bring us more happiness. The belief that dogs are man's best friend has been widespread for a long time. However, many people believe that cats can also be wonderful companions. There are certain studies that reveal differences in well-being between dog and cat owners. So, who is happier? Let's find out!

A recent study published in Frontiers in Psychology found that dog owners have higher self-esteem compared to those without pets. On the other hand, cat owners seem to have slightly lower self-esteem compared to non-pet owners. These results align with other psychological studies on pet ownership and well-being.

What else can our choice of pet reveal about us? You might be surprised! Is the debate settled? Not entirely, but there are good reasons to believe that owning a dog provides an extra dose of happiness and makes us feel better overall.

500 plus na psa i kota to nie głupia plotka. Czasu na jego wykorzystanie jest jednak coraz mniej (zdj. ilustracyjne)Fot. Krista Mangulsone / Unsplash

Physical Activity and Social Interaction

A study published in PLOS ONE found that owning a dog is more strongly associated with increased physical activity compared to owning a cat - a finding supported by other research on the topic. Since dogs are full of energy, they require regular exercise. This means that dog owners tend to stay more active, which is a well-known factor for improving mental health and overall well-being.

Personality Differences Between Pet Owners

Personality traits also play a role in determining happiness among pet owners. One study found that dog and cat owners differ in the "Big Five" personality traits: neuroticism, extraversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness, and openness. The researchers found that dog owners were more agreeable and less neurotic than cat owners. Dog owners were also more extroverted, another indicator of well-being.

Do You Prefer Dogs or Cats? Think Carefully

So, what's the verdict? As with many studies on happiness, the answer remains unclear. However, it's true that dog owners have more opportunities for positive experiences and emotions — outdoor walks, physical activity, socializing, etc. Cat owners, on the other hand, might find their own happy place when their feline friend curls up at their feet.

Perhaps the most important takeaway is that we should choose the pet that best complements our lifestyle. If you're an outdoor enthusiast who enjoys companionship, owning a dog is likely to be an effective path to happiness. On the other hand, if you're more of a homebody who prefers a less demanding companion, a cat might be a better fit for you.