Apparently in the United Kingdom, over twenty five per cent of properties possess a pet cat and about a third keep a pet dog. The human need for the company of animals has meant that, over a long period of time, a number of species have been used to keep humans company to the extent that their behaviour is noticeably different from their wild relations.
It is this difference that leads us to define pets as domesticated, and why we are comfortable for cats, dogs, plus quite a few species of rodents and birds to share our homes with us. Of course, there are quite a few species of wild animals which are also kept as pets on occasions, but their behaviour dictates that they need to be kept in conditions which protect the human owner from their beast’s wild instincts.
Looking after a pet is generally accepted to provide the owner with some health benefits, as pets are usually able to decrease stress levels, and can increase the individual’s sense of self worth, as the pet needs the owner to provide the majority of its daily needs. Pets are also accepted to be a help to the elderly and for those with specific mental health complaints, as well as being a friend to those who live on their own.
The domestic dog is usually a loyal, trusting and friendly beast which will participate in games and fun, and with the right attention and training can be extremely obedient. The vast variety of different breeds ensures that there will be a pet dog for everyone – from the largest liveliest dog roaming a country estate to the most delicate little miniature breed usually seen being carried about in its celebrity owner’s shoulder bag! These spoilt celebrity pooches probably have their own quarters, a chef to make their food, a personal dentist, a regular date at the grooming parlour and an appointment for Laser eye surgery if need be!
Obviously, dogs can also be trained to help humans as well, as is the situation with guide dogs for the blind and hearing dogs for the deaf. To be able to train a dog so well that they can completely take over as eyes or ears is an incredible achievement. But I wonder what happens to guide dogs that have sight problems or hearing dogs that go deaf – do they have Laser eye surgery or hearing aids?!
The domestic cat is a very different type of pet. Cats are usually confident, independent and truly believe that everything should be arranged to suit them above mere humans. (Would you believe that I’ve looked after cats in the past?) At the same time, don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t train a cat! Although I would call it ‘educating’ as opposed to ‘training’ – it’s basically about the psychology! Cats are clearly lower maintenance than dogs in that they don’t demand to be exercised every day and can fend for themselves much better if you leave them on their own for more than a few hours. Whilst allowing them their freedom, I did always insist that they stayed indoors overnight – I couldn’t be doing with one of those cat flaps that uses a magnet or breaking a Laser eye beam or such technology to open and close it – I’m convinced I would have found a lot more than just my own cats in the house!
A lot of people decide to keep rodents, such as rabbits, hamsters, gerbils and rats, all of which make ideal pets, although hamsters usually sleep during the day, so are not such a good idea for young children who want to play with the animals all day. Rodents have to live in a cage (which should give them enough room to act normally without being overcrowded), but larger animals, for example rabbits, can be house trained and allowed to roam freely about the house. Also, ferrets can be housetrained and given the run of the house, and these creatures have become increasingly popular as house pets over the last few years. Personally, I would have concerns about permitting small animals like these to have the run of the house – I think I’d have|need|want[/spin] to fit Laser eye security beams across all exit points, as I’d be concerned about them escaping and getting lost.
A lot of people also opt to have pet birds, from chatty parrots and mynah birds to cages of finches, canaries and the like. Certain species such as parrots can be allowed some freedom in the house if the owner wants, but I must say that personally I’m not really keen on birds as house pets, because putting them in a cage is removing their freedom to show their instinctive behaviour and fly. (And yes, I realise the same thing could refer to anything in a cage, but for some reason it seems more wrong with birds.)
In general though, it appears obvious that humans and animals can live in the same house and be beneficial for each other as well. And for this we should give a nod to our distant ancestors who realised that it would be a good idea to encourage certain animals into their living areas. At a guess I would suggest that the original reason for doing so was to assist with hunting and pest control, but whether that is accurate or not, it’s something all animal lovers should be grateful to them for.