Welches Haustier passt zu mir?
Ein tierischer Freund – aus vielen Haushalten ist der treue Begleiter nicht wegzudenken. In nahezu jeder zweiten Familie gehören Hunde, Katzen, Kleintiere oder Exoten einfach dazu. Von der anderen – gerade bei Singlehaushalten – hört man oft: Für ein Haustier fehlt mit leider die Zeit, aber wenn ich erst einmal im Ruhestand bin, dann......! So ist es nicht verwunderlich, dass sich auch immer mehr ältere Menschen für ein Haustier entscheiden.
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Together you are less alone
A pet creates a win-win situation. The animal has a home with a master or mistress who has a lot of time to spend with it. The pet owner, on the other hand, has company and anyone who knows about the lively nature of some animal species and breeds will also know that boredom is guaranteed not to arise with such an animal. This is especially important if you suddenly find yourself without a partner or if you retire. The emptiness that then arises can be overwhelming and a pet brings life and joy back into the house. It is also easier to make contact with other people; a pet is often a harmless and welcome way to start a conversation - and not only for pet owners.
A pet is beneficial for physical and mental health
Pets are highly beneficial to health. This is the conclusion of several international studies, including this one. You are probably thinking first and foremost of a dog that wants to be walked regularly. The additional exercise is indeed an important health-promoting factor for us. It doesn't matter if it's raining or if we still have a lot to do - you can't just skip a walk with your four-legged friend without replacement. But what about other animal species? The health-promoting effect may not be obvious at first glance when looking into an aquarium. Yet there is something quite meditative about this quiet watching and switching off, it is good for the mental balance, which even the best physical fitness cannot outweigh. The calming effects are even said to prevent depression. If one looks at the multitude of therapies in which animals are used, one finds that this is common practice. With other types of animals, a closer personal bond can be built. Your cat strokes your legs, your budgie comes flying at you while you are having breakfast and your dog is giddy when you are finally home after the terribly long walk to the next mailbox. :-D They comfort you and show you their unconditional love. Physical contact with your pet - that is, when you scratch your dog's belly, stroke the cat or tickle the canary under the chin - not only pleases the animal (hopefully), but also releases a whole host of happiness hormones in you. Even if this contact were not given, you maintain your agility by caring for your animal. If you can take care of a pet, you will also flourish yourself. The question and brooding about the meaning of life does not even arise.
Which animal is the right one?
The question is not so much which animal is the right one, but rather what type of animal you are and what your requirements are. Only after this analysis should you choose the right type of animal. Pay particular attention to the following aspects:
- Does my landlord allow pets at all? If so, which ones? Which not?
- How much space do you have in your home? Do you have a garden?
- Do you have any allergies?
- Does your financial situation allow you to have your favourite animal? Don't just consider the initial cost and food. Veterinary costs can be quite expensive
- Who can look after your pet when you are in hospital, for example?
- At what times of day are you awake and at home? Evaluate for yourself whether, for example, you get to see a hamster that is nocturnal and sleeps during the day.
- What is your favourite food?
- Do you know the needs of your preferred animal species? Example: Some animals should be kept in pairs, like budgies. Don't force them into solitary confinement just because it makes them more trusting. You don't only want to be happy with your animal yourself, but you also want to make sure that your animal is happy...
If it doesn't work out with your own pet.....
The landlord has something against animals, you have an allergy or can't provide the animal with the conditions it needs for other reasons? Here is good news: To benefit from the health-promoting effect, it does not necessarily have to be your own pet. What is important is the contact as such, although it is of course much more intensive with one's own pet. But if you don't have this opportunity, a visit to your neighbour and his cat will do you good. Take your grandchildren's rabbit during the family holiday. They are relieved to know that it is well looked after in their absence. Or do you have working dog owners nearby who would be happy if you took Bello for a walk now and then? Local animal shelters are also always looking for people to walk their dogs. Positive side effect? You have animal and human companionship, because you often go out there in small groups.
