Are you a dog person or a cat person? Well, one of the animals may make you happier than the other, according to a new report.
The General Social Survey, which measures political, cultural and behavioral changes all across America, has recently released the results of its 2018 study, which even included some questions about pet ownership for the first time.
After analyzing all of the results, this particular survey found 36% of dog-only owners said they were “very happy,” however, only 18 percent of cat-only owners said the same, the Washington Post reported. About 32% of those who have no pets and 28% of dog and cat owners said they were “very happy.”
While its still unclear why dog owners are happier than cat owners, the researchers went on to not that those with dogs are a bit more likely than those with cats to be married and own homes. Both of those factors have been known to boost happiness and life satisfaction, the findings showed.
The researchers also explained that dog owners are more likely to form friendships with those in their neighborhoods, because they typically get to meet new people while walking their pets.
Furthermore, dog owners are a bit more likely to consider their pet a family member. They play more with their pets and also seek more comfort from them. The analysts concluded they believe pet owners have stronger bonds with their dogs, which in the end, could ‘create a greater sense of well-being.’
What nonsense!
