Having a pet keeps you off very bad stuff in the long term. Interacting with those four-legged fluffy little friends of yours has been proven to reduce the levels of cortisol – the hormone of stress. Studies show that people who have pets have a lower risk of stores and heart attacks. And they are way more content with the quality of life in general – more feelings of social support and less feelings of loneliness. But pets aren’t made to give their love and care only. It has to be a mutually beneficial deal. For loving you unconditionally, your cat and dog must be treated with profound respect.