Whether it’s a rambunctious dog or cuddly cat, pets bring companionship and love into our lives. They’re also a great way to teach children about responsibility and compassion.
Research has found that pet ownership reduces stress, encourages exercise, helps people socialize and boosts the immune system. For aging adults who have difficulty maintaining a healthy social network, pets offer the chance to bond with an animal and can help them feel more connected to others.
Animals have been used in therapy — mostly dogs — for centuries. Sigmund Freud and Boris Levinson both brought their dogs into their psychotherapy sessions, and psychologists have used them in treatment of conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), schizophrenia and anxiety disorders.
But if you’re not ready for the responsibility of a full-time pet, or you or your loved one are living alone, a small caged animal could still add some fun and meaning to life. Here are some of the best low-maintenance pets that you can consider for yourself or your family.
rPET is a type of plastic that’s made by melting together two materials, terephthalic acid and ethylene glycol, under low pressure. The resulting liquid is then extruded and formed into a filament that can be used in 3D printers to create everything from toys to medical devices. It’s also the primary ingredient in many plastic bottles. PET is produced at the same time as other types of plastic and is recyclable.