Considering a Pet for Your Family? Think Twice About This

Have you ever thought about getting a pet for your family? Well, hold on a moment—there’s something you might want to consider first.

Growing up with pets can be incredibly beneficial for children’s physical health, apparently. Research suggests it can strengthen their immune systems and even help prevent diseases like ear infections and fevers. Plus, it seems to guard against eczema and may assist them in steering clear of food allergies.

Interestingly, certain furry companions—along with some scaly or slimy ones—can positively impact children’s mental health too. But, there’s one notable exception.

According to new research, it appears that having a cat when a child is between 4 and 5 years old could lead to increased mental health issues by the age of 7 or 8.

What the Researchers Discovered

The study examined data from nearly 2,000 mother-child pairs in Spain collected in the early 2000s. Mothers were asked about their children’s behaviors at ages 7-8, including feelings like fear and worry, as well as behaviors like hyperactivity and issues with socializing.

They categorized these concerns into two main groups: internalizing problems, which relate to emotions and peer interactions, and externalizing problems, focused on conduct issues like hyperactivity. The findings revealed that having a cat at ages 4-5 was linked to a heightened risk of both types of problems, especially ones tied to anxiety and depression. Interestingly, this link did not apply for kids who had cats at just age 1.

In contrast, kids who had less common pets—like rabbits, hamsters, fish, turtles, and salamanders—at ages 1 and 4–5 were found to have fewer internalizing issues when they reached ages 7-8.

So, in essence, those kids with the more unusual pets seemed less prone to developing emotional and behavioral difficulties.

As for dogs and birds, the researchers didn’t find a significant impact on children’s mental health either way.

Why Might Cats Be Different?

Children’s emotional connections are crucial for their development into healthy adults. They need those bonds—not just with people but with animals too—to build self-esteem and navigate relationships effectively.

According to the study authors, while kids typically learn emotional attachment from family members, they also develop these connections with pets. Having a supportive animal can reduce stress and help kids feel loved, while taking care of a pet can boost their confidence.

However, researchers suggest that cats might be less affectionate or more likely to show avoidant behaviors than dogs, and families with kids facing mental health challenges might prefer cats due to their lower maintenance needs.

It’s worth mentioning that the study doesn’t imply that owning a cat directly causes behavioral issues. It’s possible these challenges existed prior to the cat’s arrival. And maybe—just maybe—the influences of these pets on mental health don’t fully reveal themselves until later in adolescence.

Before you dismiss the idea of adopting a cat, there’s also previous research that paints a more positive picture of how cats affect kids’ mental well-being. For instance, a small 2021 study found that children with autism showed increased empathy, reduced anxiety, and fewer behavioral problems following the adoption of a cat. Additionally, another study indicated a stronger bond with a cat was associated with an improved quality of life in adolescents.