Importance of a pet

I saw that there was a sub forum about pets and I just couldn't contain myself. I own 5 pets, 4 birds and a cat. I've been dealing with depression on and off for 11 years now and lately stronger anxiety than usual. My pets have gotten me through a lot of dark times, especially my one bird named Piper (he's a green cheek conure). When I'm down, he's always on my shoulders asking for kisses, or try to play peek a boo with me, or simply cuddle with me when I can't get out of bed. I really do not know what I would do without that feathery little bugger.

Hello, mcrump, and welcome to Psych Central! What a sweet-sounding bird! My pets help me get through life, too.

Do your birds interact well with the cat? Does the cat ever try and taste the bird? My p'doc keeps on talking to me about getting a cat but a bird might be nice too. Are your birds noisy? Piper sounds like a lovely companion.

Pets get us out of our own heads....are made of Love & Warm...and teach us what is important in life.

The bond we have with our pets releases a hormone called oxytocin in our brains. Oxytocin is often called 'the love hormone,' which elevates our mood.

I agree with everyone get a pet as long has you can financely meet his/her needs. Pets can be expensive and I don't want you to get something only to find out that the cost of up keep is to much.

If you are thinking of a cat which I do recommend go to your local animal shealter they have a lot of cats and other animals. Cats and dogs really like to cuddle which can get you through a long night.

My dad has a blue front amazon parrot. The bugger almost outlived my dad. The bird Jed died when he was 44 years old and he could talk and say naughty words and was a cranky old man.

Good luck on your search. You can look at pets from the shelter on your computer before going down there

Hey Possum. I trained both my bird and my cat to get along with each other. Piper can be noisy at times especially when he's needy and wants my attention all day long. He used to scream until he got what he wanted until I trained him that he would get attention or treats when he does nice sounds. For example he beat boxes. We'll have a little beat box challenge or I'll sing to him which he just loves. A great starter bird I would recommend is a canary. They're easy to take care of, they have a beautiful sing and there's no handling or training. It's to get used to being around birds as i find they're very different from typical pets.

Yes the thing about cats is the ongoing costs. I was walking outside a while ago and I heard a singing canary and the sound was so pretty. I have a place where I could put it outside in the fresh air and also have it inside.

Have to say the love birds in oz are noisy.... though very cute. The plot thickens. When I was growing up my mum bred budgies and showed them. She had 300 of them...... They did love their milk thistles.