7 reasons why you should get a pet (if you work at home)
13/04/2010 send to a friend
Last night, we welcomed a co-worker into our home office. His name is Zorro, he's an awful typist, but a very cute 8-week-old black and white kitten (pictured). If you work at home and have thought about getting a pet, here are 10 reasons why you should.
- Because they're good for your health
According to research, dog owners tend to have lower blood pressure and cholesterol. Dr Deborah Wells, writing in the British Journal of Health Psychology, said pet owners in general tended to be healthier than the average person. - Because they're good for your children
Researchers at the University of Leicester found that children in pet-owning families have better social skills, speech and co-ordination, as well as more confidence. They're also less likely to suffer from allergies. Caring for a pet is also a great way to teach children responsibility and compassion. - Because they can help you make new friends
A Warwick University study revealed that 40% of dog owners say that they make friends more easily due to their pet. - Because they keep away uninvited guests
Cats are a more humane (or more feline) solution to a rodent problem. For larger intruders, guard dogs are the original home security system. - Because they give you peace-of-mind
A Cats Protection study of 500 cat owners showed that 82% found that their cat helped them overcome feelings of stress; 62% said that cat ownership helped them overcome feelings of loneliness and 75% sometimes preferred to share their feelings with their cat rather than with a partner or friend. It only takes 15 to 30 minutes with a dog or cat to feel less anxious. - Because they keep you fit
Owning a dog is one way to be sure of getting daily exercise at 'walky time'. And if you're a cat person, you can use your feline friends as weights! - Because they can increase your productivity
According to an American survey, having a pet at work created a more productive environment in 73% of firms. As we know, working at home is also good for productivity; work with a pet too and you'll race ahead of the competition.
- 10 Reasons to Love Your Pet - Petside.com
- 10 reasons why owning a pet is good for your health - Evening Times
San Sharma
San is community manager at Enterprise Nation, as well as the voice of @e_nation on Twitter.
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Comments
Author: &Mark
Date: 13/04/2010
Comment: Having 3 cats I can totally agree about them being able to de-stress you - just wish they could help with number 6 in your list! : )
Website: www.andMark.co.uk
Author: Claire Davis
Date: 13/04/2010
Comment: Ahhhhh how cute is Zorro!! I have a cat as well and when my mind is thinking and going into overdrive Clio always knows and comes to give me a cuddle!!
Claire
Website: www.midlandschaircovers.co.uk
Author: San Sharma
Date: 13/04/2010
Comment: Well, we haven't settled on Zorro just yet... We picked Elvis first, but he has a sort of Zorro-like mask, doesn't he?
Website: http://www.sansharma.com
Author: Claire
Date: 13/04/2010
Comment: I think it def suits him!!
Makes me want another kitten!!!
Website: www.midlandschaircovers.co.uk
Author: Richard Pattison
Date: 13/04/2010
Comment: I have two very sleepy old dogs who stay in my office with me, and I wouldn't have it any other way.
Frankie and Murphy are brilliant for de-stressing.
Maybe we could have a pet gallery in the near future?!
Website: www.precisionplans.co.uk
Author: San Sharma
Date: 13/04/2010
Comment: That's a great idea, Richard! Love to Frankie and Murphy.
Website: http://www.enterprisenation.com
Author: vicki lovegrove
Date: 13/04/2010
Comment: I agree, but we had to get rid of our cat because she gave my son allergies. The office feels very empty now she is gone.
Website: www.seventy-three.co.uk
Author: Ceri
Date: 14/04/2010
Comment: I have worked from home for 16 years- the first 13 of those I had a had the company of a gorgeous cat, who sat on my lap (and occasionally my keyboard) whenever I was at my desk. When she died it left a huge gap in my life, and made my office a much lonelier place to work. Fortunately (or unfortunately some days), my husband now often works from home too -Coco ( the cat) was a lot less trouble and far less demanding at mealtimes :-)
Website: http://www.fabafterfifty.com
Author: Sheena Whyatt
Date: 30/04/2010
Comment: I share my home office with 2 elderly lady cats, Winnie & Piglet, and a 13 month old golden retriever called Dylan.
My ladies are wonderfully serene and observe me toiling away with an air of tolerant amusement. Occasionally, I may be visited and my lap graced with a feline presence. Or, indeed my keyboard or notebook. All very civilised.
Dylan is not quite so good at the stress relieving bit, and having soggy chew toys lobbed in your lap during phone calls is a little challenging. Wiping dog slob off your laptop keyboard also not pleasant, and attempting to stop the defence of the household every time a pigeon has the audacity to land on the front garden not great for the nerves.
But - I wouldn't be without him.
Well.
Most of the time *wink*
Website: www.lightningtraining.com