Kateryna Kadabashy, 22, Ukrainian, student
“I have a cat I adopted in 2011 [as] I have been wanting a pet since I was young.
“My pet helps me take my mind off the stress and focus on taking care of her. Pets are warm and fluffy, which makes petting them therapeutic. They are also sometimes funny, clumsy, [make you laugh] and laughing is healthy.
“All pets have different personalities, and figuring this out is exciting.
“I can’t imagine living without my pet. She greets me every time I come back home, she sleeps at my feet, and she constantly follows me around the house. When I travel and my cat is not with me, I keep feeling like she will appear any second.”
Noora Al Zaabi, 21, Emirati, student
“I have 17 rescue cats, most of which are going to be re-homed when they’re better.
“They help relieve a lot of [my] stress. I suffered from depression and anxiety, and my pets are constantly there by my side. They won’t judge me.
“My cats constantly make me laugh.
“My horse teaches me how to face challenges. He’s also teaches me how to be a good team leader. I have to be strong, be in charge and very focused when riding. Once I finish, I just lie on the grass while he grazes, and nothing else matters.
“I cannot imagine my life without experiencing the love an animal gives you. Your pet may not be your entire world but you certainly are theirs.”
Mazon Mohammad, 23, Emirati, student
“I have a pet cat I adopted in October 2016. Pets are a great way to improve your mood. Just being around an animal decreases your blood pressure that’s why people with pets are less likely to say they feel lonely. Having a pet makes you more active, develop empathy and increase your social connections.”
Haneen Haidar, 20, Lebanese, Student
“I can’t imagine my life without Stitch [her pet]. He is the sweetest. He is so kind and loves children.
“Usually, when I’m upset, Stitch will come and sit by me. It makes me feel like someone cares about me. Sometimes he will just come and put his paw on you if he feels you are upset.
“Pets fill your life with joy and the attention they give you is very sweet.
“For example, when my mom comes home, Stitch always dances around and jumps from excitement. You can see the smile on her face every time she comes home. It’s very sweet.”
Ranin Hamdoun, 21, Lebanese, journalist
“Five years ago, I had five pets, but now we only have one. Some died, others we had to give away.
“I don’t believe pets can relieve stress but they can add fun to your life. No matter how old they grow, they still act like children, so you always feel like you have a baby at home.
“When I am gone for a long time and come home, he immediately runs to me. I can’t imagine my life without my cat, as I’ve had him for 11 years. I tear up when I think that something might happen to him. He’s very old.”
Madison Kowalski, 22, American, sales director at GID Technologies
“We have 2 cats and a dog. They’re all adopted. As a person who works with animals for a living (I am a horse riding instructor), I believe animals help reduce stress through unconditional love.
“Pets always come to you no matter the emotions you give off. They make you laugh, are companionable.”
— Compiled by Liyana Al Abdul Salam and Sara Al Jneibi, interns at Gulf News
