9 Science-Backed Reasons Pets Make You Healthier and Happier

Did you know that stroking your cat can make you calmer, and that watching your fish swim in their tank can actually ease tense muscles and lower your pulse rate? Interacting with animals has been shown to decrease levels of cortisol, a stress-related hormone, while increasing feel-good chemicals like serotonin and dopamine in your brain. In fact, according to a National Institutes of Health study, people recover from a stressful situation more quickly when they're with their pets than with a partner or friend.