Pets: who owns who? Café Psychologique 26 February

Pets are clearly popular: over half of British Households own a pet, or are owned by a pet! But the BBC reported in 2017 that pet ownership is falling, mainly due to economic pressures and an increase in people renting accomodation where pets are not allowed. However, some people seem unable to live without their pets. So much so that from the outside the relationship might not look just co-dependant, but that the owner is dependant on the pet. Certainly some pet owners lavish time, money and attention on pets that seem to hardly give them the time of day. Yes, we do mean cats. Other pets seem able to take over the household and all it’s disposable income in return for taking their owners out for a drag twice a day.

However, there are plenty of studies that show the psychological and physical benefits of pets, and plenyy of evidence from pet owners that they find pets add pleasure and fulfilment to their lives, regardless of the demands and costs they bring with them.

This café will explore the psychology of owning pets and the nature of the relationships we form to pets – whether we love them or loathe them.

Dr Carol Martin is a clinical psychologist and self-confessed cat owner. She will introduce this Café on Tuesday 26 February, 8.00 pm to 9.45 pm in Seven Arts, Chapel Allerton, Leeds. The Café costs £4 on the door.

There is a poster to download here: Café Psychologique February 2019

You can read how the Café works here:
Café Psychologique Rules