Pets have never been a simple matter of just being fed - they are emotional, lonely, and in need of love, just like little children at home. Companionship is as essential as food and water for them.
Have you noticed that when you come home from work, your dog will wag its tail and pounce on you, even if it's too tired to lie on the ground, it will still rub against your legs; Will cats change from being cold and aloof, meowing around you and even jumping onto their knees to beg for touch? It's not that they're clingy, it's that they're telling you in their own way, 'I miss you, I need your attention.'
For dogs, they see you as their only "family" and "leader", anxiously waiting for your return every minute and second of being alone at home. If there is no one to accompany them for a long time, they may open their homes, bark randomly, and even cry secretly due to loneliness - this is not "mischievousness", it is their venting of anxiety; Cats may seem independent, but when you go on a business trip for a few days and only leave them at home, you will find them hiding in corners, not eating or drinking. That's because they feel the fear of being "abandoned" and need you to use touch and companionship to rebuild a sense of security.
Companionship is not just about "staying in the same space", it's about squatting down and playing with it for a while with a cat teaser, throwing its favorite ball and watching it run to pick it up, touching its head before going to bed and saying "goodnight". These seemingly trivial things are proof of being loved for pets: with your company, they will not feel like an "extra existence" and will live peacefully and happily.
A pet without companionship is like a small plant without sunshine - it may not wither immediately, but it will gradually become wilted: it doesn't like to move, has no appetite, and even suffers from depression, even its once bright eyes will lose their luster. And pets surrounded by companionship will be more lively and affectionate, even if they just nap at your feet, they will sleep particularly soundly.
Ultimately, we keep pets because we want pure companionship and healing; For them, having your company is the happiest thing in their lives. You grow up with it, and it grows old with you. This two-way companionship is the most precious meaning of raising a pet.
Differences in Companionship Needs of Different Pets
Dogs: Small dogs and companion dogs (such as teddy bears and teddy bears) have higher demands, and it is recommended to interact and accompany them for 1-2 hours every day; Large dogs need more exercise companionship and at least 30 minutes of outdoor interaction every day;
Cats: relatively independent, but require 15-30 minutes of interactive play every day (such as cat teaser sticks, laser pointers), as well as daily caressing and companionship;
Special stage pets: puppies/kittens, elderly pets, postoperative rehabilitation pets, anxious pets, require more companionship and comfort.
summary
Companionship is not an "extra effort", but a necessary prerequisite for raising pets - it determines whether pets can live a healthy and happy life, and directly affects the quality of the relationship between humans and pets. For pets, the companionship of their owners is an irreplaceable 'spiritual food', no less important than food and water.