Let’s face it, we are a nation of pet lovers. A whopping 68% of US households own a pet, according to data from the National Pet Owners Survey. People seem to prefer dogs to cats, but there are more cats in US homes, which suggests that cat lovers are more likely to have multiple pets as opposed to just one.
It’s not difficult to spot a crazy cat lady in your neighborhood. She’s the woman with dozens of cats. But fear not, just because you are a huge fan of felines, it doesn’t mean you’re destined for crazy cat lady status. Nevertheless, the type of pet you own says a lot more about you than you realize!
Nuwber research found that our pets have a strong influence on how we spend our spare time. People who own cats and dogs are more likely to enjoy travel, reading, and cooking while gaming fans and those into science and space are the least likely to be a pet parent.
Lazy Pets
Of course, it should come as no surprise that people who love to chill on the sofa with a good book often have cats and dogs. Most pets are more than happy to join us when we snuggle up with a novel. It gives them an excuse to curl up next to their favorite human and snore for a couple of hours.
If you are a couch potato, look for a pet that is happy to be a sloth all day long. When there is a significant miss-match between your activity levels and that of the pet you own, it can cause issues. Cats can do their own thing, but an active dog needs an active owner!
Pets and Travel
The link between pet ownership and travel is also interesting. Data from Nuwber found that cat owners are more likely to list travel as their interest compared to dog owners. Since cats can be left for longer, and are happy about being left, this makes sense.
People who love to travel frequently are better off owning a cat rather than a dog. Unless you travel by road, in your own vehicle, it’s not practical to take a dog along for the ride. And don’t forget, doggy boarding kennels are expensive!
Pets in the Garden
Even more interestingly, 72% of people who list gardening as a hobby are dog owners. The reason we think this is worthy of a mention is that dogs and gardens are not always a good mix. Dogs pee outside, which kills the grass. They also like to dig holes, which doesn’t do a lot for your borders. But it’s great that pet owners are willing to put aside their desire for a picture-perfect garden and take on a dog.
Pets and the Great Outdoors
One less surprising link is between outdoor enthusiasts and dog ownership. A huge 84% of people who list outdoor sports as a hobby and 76% of outdoor enthusiasts are dog owners. This correlation makes perfect sense because dogs really are a man’s best friend when you are outdoors hiking, running, and camping in the wilderness. Who would you rather have at your side when a mountain lion appears from the shadows? Your petite wife or your 58kg American bulldog with a bad attitude? It’s a no-brainer really!
Other dogs that make impressive trail partners include Siberian Huskies, Rhodesian Ridgebacks, and German shorthaired pointers. These guys will stick by your side for the duration of your trek, keep you warm at night, and deter any dangerous predators from snacking on your supplies (or you).
Whether you love cats or dogs, it’s important to choose the right pet to suit your lifestyle, so we suggest you do a bit of research before you adopt or buy.
The Yucatan Times
Pets
