50 Wholesome Animal Pics To Give You Some Serious Animal Therapy (New Pics)

“Studies have shown that stroking a cat or a dog for just ten minutes can significantly reduce our stress levels. Showing your pet affection can also lower blood pressure and increase 'feel-good' hormone levels, and it is proven that dogs receive the same benefits when they are getting affection from us," PDSA Vet Nurse Shauna shared with Bored Panda that physical contact helps both the owner, as well as the pet.

"Cats may also get a 'feel-good' hormone boost when being petted, but the evidence is not as strong compared to dogs. This is not unexpected, due to how different the human-dog and human-cat bond is, and how they have been domesticated differently," she noted.

Bored Panda was interested in how owners can help comfort their pets if they happen to be frightened by loud noises or find themselves in an unfamiliar environment. There's no one-size-fits-all approach, you have to take cues from your pet.

“No pet owner will want to see their furry friend frightened, and it can be hard to know how to comfort them in their time of need. It’s important to follow their lead—if they want to be alone, let them, but just ensure they have a designated safe space to retreat to. If they seek reassurance from you, you can gently talk to them and try to distract them with healthy treats or playtime," Shauna, from the PDSA, explained to us.

"Find the right balance—if you comfort your pet more than usual, you can make them feel more unsettled and worried, but make sure you are there for them when they need you.”

Meanwhile, the Vet Nurse revealed to us how we can tell if our pets really do care about us. Unsurprisingly, it's a tad easier with dogs than with cats, who are slightly more subtle.

“Anyone who has ever owned a dog will talk about the unconditional love their pets show them, and probably the easiest dog body language to understand is a happy dog! There are some really clear signs to spot such as a high and waggy tail, relaxed ears and body. They may also be playful, leaping around you, or they may lean into you for attention and a stroke," PDSA representative Shauna said.

"Cats are a little different—you won’t necessarily find them leaping around you, but they will show their affection by coming to you for attention, and through claiming you as theirs by rubbing you with the scent glands in their body and face. A happy and relaxed cat will look at you with slow blinking eyes to show trust and affection, and communicate by purring, chirruping, or trilling at you."

Shauna also shared her thoughts about how we should interpret the 'gifts' that cats sometimes bring their owners. "Some say it is a sign of respect and is a 'present' for us whereas other opinions say that they bring their prey back to their home where they feel safe. Either way, it’s a nice (but unpleasant) sentiment!”