I love my cats. They are my constant companions. And I do mean constant. You know the theory that cats are independent and aloof? Not in my house. They follow me around. They keep me company when I work at my desk, often curling up on top of the very papers I’m trying to use. There is the occasional serenade for a client from the other side of a closed door, though fortunately that doesn’t sound quite as loud through a Zoom connection. Displeasure may be voiced if I am not readily available to sit with them upon demand. They can be extremely needy, but they are giving creatures too. Petting a cat gives me the opportunity to slow down, calm down, and breathe. They have a sixth sense, seeming to know when comfort is most needed, and curling up next to me in those moments. Playing with them, or watching them play with each other, is laugh invoking. They occasionally encourage me to nap in a warm ray of sunshine, but more often inspire me to stretch my body as long as possible. I am reminded to find joy in the little things in life. They are gentle, loving souls, providing unwavering, unconditional love. They are family, and I would be lost without them.

What about you? Does your home include pets? It’s estimated that 67% of U.S. households, or about 85 million families, have a pet. Dogs have the edge over cats at 50% of households compared to 34%. I’m in the minority on that one. However, with my two lovely felines I contribute to the fact that more cats (94 million) than dogs (90 million) are living in those same houses. And, of course, many families have a variety of animals. Living with pets can bring about many health benefits, and there’s more about that in the resources section below.

Every state has its own laws regarding what types of animals may be considered a pet, and the options aren’t limited to those seen in the image above. The most surprising possibilities are the tiger, cougar, fox, anteater, bear, and kangaroo. You can also have a pet skunk, porcupine, monkey or sloth. And for those whose tastes run to things that make me cringe, there are the alligator, snake and tarantula. I’m not saying that any of these are popular choices, only that in certain states some of them are choices. Want to know the most popular pet other than cats and dogs in any given state? Insider magazine compiled a list in 2018 and you can see those results here. [Note to self: Do not move to Illinois or Nebraska.]

I hope that you find as much happiness with your animals as I do with mine. And if you don’t currently share space with a pet, perhaps it’s time to consider doing so.