The best animal companions for loneliness

• Loneliness is an unpleasant state we all experience at times; fortunately, an animal companion can help us resolve those lonely feelings.
• Dogs often prove to be great pets and they come with mental health benefits including stress and anxiety reduction, a boost in self-esteem, and improved social connection.
• Cats are also a popular pet; these loving, independent animals have proven to help with loneliness, depression, and anxiety.
• Rabbits are known for their sociability as well as their long life expectancy—they generate calm and are often used to help patients with mental health problems.
• Birds can also make for a helpful companion, as they are loving as well as intelligent: they are often used as therapy animals, and you can even have a conversation with some of them!
• Finally, hamsters are another good option if you’re looking for a companion pet, as they help with stress, as seen in hospitals like the Huntercombe hospital 

• Dogs: Man’s best friend

  Where do we even begin. Dogs are arguably the most beloved creature on the planet (though, cats certainly give them a run for their money). Most people wouldn’t even question this statement, but if you need some convincing: they’re happy, they’re playful, they’re goofy, they’re loving. Not to mention they offer mental health benefits:

  • They’re scientifically proven to lower stress in their humans.
  • They help their owners to conquer anxiety.
  • They boost our sense of self-esteem.
  • They support social connection.
    

    Cats: Friendly Felines

    Cats are one of the most common companion pets in the world because they’re extremely loving, but most cat owners love them for their independent nature too. Cats have been known to help with loneliness, anxiety, depression, and more, just like dogs. If you’re looking for a pet that requires a little less attention, a cat might be your best bet. They still make for great companions, but they’re also okay with being alone for a while.

    3. Rabbits: Social Butterflies

    While dogs and cats get most of the attention and applause, there are other pets out there that people love just as much—like rabbits! They’re extremely social and easily adapt to human companionship. In comparison to most small pets, they also have one of the longest life expectancies. Rabbits are often used in animal therapy and visit different mental health wards to generate calm among the patients. If you’re new to pets, a rabbit might suit you best as they are low maintenance (like cats), but they’re also there when you need them.

    4. Birds: Chatty Cathies

    Birds probably aren’t the first thing that come to mind when you think about a companion bet, but these creatures are actually extremely loving and intelligent. In fact, many birds have been specifically bred to become human companions, and who doesn’t want a pet that you can actually have a conversation with? For years, birds have been used as therapy animals, as they can provide many mental health benefits, just like the animals that precede them on this list.

    5. Hamsters: Helpful Rodents

    I mean, how could you not love something with a face like that? They may be rodents, but they are the most adorable rodents you can own, and they’re extremely cuddly creatures, too. They’re also great if you’re an extremely busy person as most of them don’t require constant attention, and they excel at entertaining themselves and their owners.