These are the Evolutionary Reasons Why People Love Pets

We have all heard or read stories about pet owners' love for their animals. The cases where owners are willing to spend incredible amount of money on their pet's medical treatment are particularly notable. Many might say that it's just money and that the animal is worth everything, as the owner vowed to care for it in all situations when they took it in. However, considering the current economic situation, it would be naive to view the situation only from this perspective. Or is it?

According to current scientific understanding, it is possible that deep-rooted biological reasons explain why keeping and caring for pets is so important to us, regardless of their size or species. There are several evolutionary theories about why humans keep pets.

This Creates a Deeper Bond

The relationship between an owner and their pet usually involves a close emotional bond, unique in every case. Evolutionary theories explaining this relationship range from the biophilia hypothesis (humans’ innate attraction to the natural world from spiritual, cognitive, aesthetic, and intellectual perspectives) to child-like features (such as a high forehead, large eyes, small nose, etc.). Evolutionary biologist Stephen Jay Gould argued that Mickey Mouse’s appearance follows this tendency precisely. Over time, animators made this mouse more expressive with a larger head, higher forehead, shorter nose, and limbs. These features are also found in many popular cartoon characters.

Behaviors indicating a desire or need to care for someone can also strengthen this emotional bond. Research has shown that children and animals elicit stronger emotional reactions from us. Scientists explain this by saying that these beings need our protection, while we perceive an adult human as capable of standing up for or protecting themselves.

This is why stronger connections can develop between owners and species that require intense or special care and depend more on humans. However, this does not mean that the more care a pet requires, the stronger the bond will be between the owner and the pet. Problematic behavior, such as being unable to relax for fear that a reactive pet might attack others, can worsen the quality of the relationship.

Do Humans Keep Pets to Feel Important to Someone?

The cognitive abilities of the species in question are largely irrelevant as long as the owner can identify with the pet’s needs. How we define our relationship with the species is much more important. For example, we can consider a mouse a wild animal, a pet, or a pest, depending on the environment in which we encounter it and how we treat it accordingly.

Caring for an animal is a relationship-building activity that spans species. Interestingly, many veterinarians believe it is acceptable to feed a cat with an automatic feeder as long as it receives regular and appropriate amounts. However, this highlights that personal contact is crucial in this area, both for the animal and the owner.

The fact that pets need us is likely part of their charm. Exactly how the activities associated with them contribute to our well-being is still unknown. This is partly because different processes can occur in different people, and multiple mechanisms can work simultaneously to strengthen the bond. However, researchers have identified some recurring elements. These are as follows.

The Benefits of Pet Ownership

• Caring and Bonding: Taking care of another living being is a rewarding activity. It makes us feel good and creates a stronger sense of purpose.
• Supportive Companion: The presence of a pet can reduce loneliness. We often interpret a pet’s behavior as providing emotional support.
• Social Catalyst: Pets can act as social lubricants in many contexts. This can improve our personal relationships, increase social support, and facilitate contact with strangers. In other words, pets provide a topic of conversation and make us feel like we belong to a group, which is particularly important for people. How proudly do you say you are a cat person?
• Emotional Transfer: Most pets seem happy and carefree, which can be contagious. Our pets can help us create a more cheerful environment around us.
• Routine: Taking care of pets gives structure to our days, helping to reduce stress.

• Exercise: Many pets encourage us to be more active, which has neurophysiological and physical benefits.
• Learning: Learning something new, including about animal behavior, can be extremely rewarding, especially when we achieve a certain level of expertise.
• Physical Affection: Touch can have a powerful effect on us, making petting psychologically beneficial.

However, there are possible downsides to these processes that bring us closer to our pets while potentially causing social isolation. For example, if a pet’s behavior does not conform to social norms, or if we become so attached to and value them that we feel human relationships do not measure up. Despite these potential negatives, it is undeniable that our pets positively impact our well-being, life goals, and overall satisfaction. So, thinking this way, it is not so strange that an owner’s guinea pig’s life is worth an incredible amount of money.