Current Pet Ownership Research Articles

The Influence of Pet Owners’ Empathy on Perceptions of Dog and Cat Distress Vocalizations and Caregiving Behaviors

ABSTRACT Although vocal communication between humans and domestic animals is common, there has been limited research on how humans perceive the emotional content of animal vocalizations. This study investigated the relationship between pet ownership and sensitivity to negative emotion in dog and cat distress vocalizations (n = 237; 57% pet owners). Empathy toward animals and empathy toward humans were explored as possible mediators. The links between pet owners’ levels of sensitivity to animal distress vocalizations, empathy toward animals, and pet attachment and the care they provided to their pets were also examined. The findings revealed that current pet owners perceived both dog and cat distress vocalizations to be sadder than current non-pet owners. The link between pet ownership and sensitivity to dog (but not cat) distress vocalizations was fully mediated by empathy toward animals, but not mediated by empathy toward humans. Sensitivity to negative emotion in distress vocalizations was not a strong indicator of the level of care provided to dogs and cats. On the other hand, higher levels of empathy toward animals and pet attachment might be better indicators of humans providing more stimulating and enriched lives for their pets.

Factors Associated with Children’s Humane Attitudes toward Animals

Abstract Various studies have suggested a range of different factors associated with children’s attitudes toward animals; however, in Chile, it is an area that has not been studied. The current study administered the Intermediate Attitude Scale (IAS, which measures attitudes toward the humane treatment of animals) to 286 children in third and fourth grade and analyzed its association with the following variables: type of school, grade, gender, current pet ownership, the recognition accuracy of dog facial expressions, and human-directed empathy. The association between the IAS and potential factors was measured through linear mixed models. Children with higher human-directed empathy scores, fourth-grade children, and children who were more accurate in recognizing the happiness emotion on the dog’s face were associated with more positive attitudes toward the humane treatment of animals. These findings contribute to the growing literature regarding the importance of positive attitudes toward animals and their connection to human-directed empathy.

Current pet ownership modifies the adverse association between long-term ambient air pollution exposure and childhood asthma.

BackgroundRecent studies suggest that household endotoxin and allergens can modify the impact of air pollutants on development of asthma; however, epidemiological evidence is limited and conflicting.ObjectivesTo investigate whether pet ownership modified the association between ambient air pollution and asthma in children.MethodsWe conducted a population‐based cross‐sectional study, the Seven Northeast Cities Study in China and recruited a total of 59,754 children from 94 schools during 2012–2013. Long‐term air pollutant concentrations, including airborne particulate matter with a diameter of 1 μm or less (PM1), PM2.5, PM10, and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) from 2009 to 2012 were estimated using a random forest model. We collected information of respiratory health in children using the Epidemiologic Standardization Project Questionnaire of the American Thoracic Society (ATS‐DLD‐78‐A). Regression models were used to evaluate associations between pet ownership and air pollution on asthma after adjusting for potential covariates.ResultsExposure to increasing levels of air pollutants was associated with higher prevalence of asthma, but associations were significantly attenuated in children who owned pets. For example, compared to children without pets, those who owned pets did not have an increased risk of symptoms of asthma (odds ratio, 1.01, 95% confidence interval: 0.78, 1.30), wheeze (0.96, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.76, 1.21), and cough (1.01, 95% CI: 0.87, 1.18) for each 10 µg/m3 increase in PM1 (P ‐int < 0.05). Similar trends were observed for other air pollutants. Dog and bird ownership decreased the associations of asthma and cough with air pollutant exposure. The main findings were consistent with a series of sensitivity analyses.ConclusionCurrent pet ownership may reduce the adverse impact of long‐term air pollution on childhood asthma. Longitudinal studies are needed to confirm this finding which could have important implications for public health.

The time window of pet ownership exposure modifies the relationship of Environmental Tobacco Smoke with lung function: A large population-based cohort study

There is a large body of evidence linking Environmental Tobacco Smoke (ETS) exposure with impaired lung function. However, it is not known whether exposure to pets modifies this relationship. To investigate if pet ownership changes the association between ETS exposure and lung function, a population-based sample of 7326 children, 7-14 years old, were randomly recruited from 24 districts in northeast China. Lung function including forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1s (FEV1), peak expiratory flow (PEF), and maximal mid-expiratory flow (MMEF) was measured by spirometry, while pet ownership time periods and ETS exposure were collected by questionnaire. Two-level regression analysis was done, with covariates controlled for. The results showed pet exposure in certain early lifetime windows modified the associations of ETS exposure on decreased lung function in children. Among children exposed to current ETS, those exposed to pets in utero had greater reductions in lung function (for instance: OR for reduced FVC (<85% predicted)=10.86; 95% CI: 3.80-30.97) than those not exposed to pets in utero (OR=2.32; 95% CI: 1.76-3.05) (pinteraction=0.005). While, children exposed to current pet ownership reduced the lung function impairment induced by ETS exposure during the first 2 years of life and/or ETS exposure during pregnancy, especially for FVC impairment. For instance, OR (95%CI) for reduced FVC (<85% predicted) was 0.81 (0.56, 1.18) and 1.42 (1.15, 1.74), respectively, for children with or without current pet ownership exposed to ETS during the first 2 years of life (pinteraction=0.010). Furthermore, pet type or number of pets did not significantly modify associations between ETS exposure and lung function. In conclusion, the timing of pet ownership modified associations between ETS exposure and lung function, pet ownership in utero and during the first 2 years of life significantly worsened the adverse impacts of passive smoking on lung function.

Pet ownership and survival in the elderly hypertensive population.

To assess the association of pet ownership and all-cause and cardiovascular mortality over a long-term follow-up among elderly treated hypertensive participants. Pet-ownership data from a subcohort of the Second Australian National Blood Pressure study were used. Participants were aged 65-84 years at enrolment (1995-1997) and responded to a pet-ownership questionnaire during year 2000. Participants' survival information was determined over a median of 10.9 years that includes Second Australian National Blood Pressure in-trial period (median 4.2 years) together with posttrial follow-up period (median 6.9 years). For the current study, end points were any fatal cardiovascular event and all-cause fatal events. Of those who responded to a pet-ownership questionnaire (4039/6018 - 67%), 86% (3490/4039) owned at least one pet at any-time during their life (current or previous pet owner), with 36% (1456/4039) owning at least one pet at the time of the survey. During the follow-up period, 958 participants died including 499 deaths of cardiovascular origin. Using a Cox proportional hazard regression model adjusting for possible confounders, there was a 22 and 26% reduction in cardiovascular mortality observed among previous and current pet owners, respectively, compared with those who had never owned one. A similar nonsignificant trend was observed for all-cause mortality once adjusted for potential confounders. Pet ownership was associated with an improved cardiovascular disease survival in a treated elderly hypertensive population.

An Exploratory Investigation of Animal Hoarding Symptoms in a Sample of Adults Diagnosed With Hoarding Disorder.

The extant research on animal hoarding has a dearth of information on animal hoarding tendencies in adults diagnosed with hoarding disorder (HD). In the present study, we investigated possible recurrent animal hoarding behavioral and symptom patterns in individuals diagnosed with hoarding disorder. Hoarding severity scores from baseline assessments for 65 community-dwelling adults diagnosed with HD were analyzed with respect to their present and past animal ownership characteristics. Approximately half of participants reported currently owning pets, and pet owners in the sample reported currently owning an average of two pets. Of the participants who reported currently owning animals, 10% reported having no rules for their pets' behaviors, 51% reported having made at least one sacrifice for their pets, 54% reported having had at least one pet in childhood, and 29% reported that they believed they have a "special ability" to communicate with their pets. The results of the present study suggest that animal hoarding is not necessarily present in individuals diagnosed with HD. No significant associations of current pet ownership characteristics with present hoarding severity were observed. Reported maximum number of pets owned in childhood was significantly correlated with present object hoarding symptom severity.

Feasibility of Home-Use Animal-Assisted Activities in Patients With Implanted Cardiac Electronic Devices

Animal-assisted activities (AAAs) are mainly carried out in institutions. The aim of this prospective pilot study was to assess the willingness of patients with cardiac implanted electronic devices (IEDs) to participate in AAA. The sample included 75 ambulatory patients (18 females, M age = 69 years), who attended an outpatient clinic for control of antibradycardic pacemakers ( n = 15) or implanted cardioverter defibrillators ( n = 60). Twenty-three percent were current and 48% were previous pet-owners. Current pet-owners were younger than non-pet-owners (63.5 vs. 72.0 years, p = .0003). Twelve patients (16%) showed interest in AAA visits. However, only two patients agreed to an AAA visit. Both patients were visited once, but declined further visits. Hence, AAA sessions at home were poorly accepted, mainly because the patients considered themselves too busy or healthy, or due to a general disinterest in AAA. Potential health benefits associated with AAA may not be feasible to investigate during home visits of AAA-teams in patients with IEDs who are healthy enough to leave their homes. For further studies concerning AAA in patients with cardiovascular diseases, we suggest focusing on institutions like rehabilitation centers or day care centers and on more severely sick, homebound patients.

Pups and Babes: Quantifying Sources of Difference in Emotional and Behavioral Reactions to Accounts of Human and Animal Abuse

ABSTRACTAnecdotal reports suggest that people may be affected more by media coverage of animal rather than human-related abuse. Findings of the extant research regarding this apparent effect are mixed and omit certain key variables that may drive differential reactions to abuse disclosure. The goal of the current study was therefore to examine whether differences exist between individuals' emotional responses and pro-social behavior (reporting abuse) with respect to human (infant), or animal (puppy), directed abuse, and the effect of demographic and personality variables (including empathy and attitude to animals) on these responses. One hundred and twenty-three university students (104 females, 19 males) were presented with two scenarios (randomly presented to control for order effects) describing identical abuse situations but with two different “victims”—namely an infant or a puppy. Immediately after reading each scenario they were asked to indicate how much what the infant/puppy went through “bothered” them, the likelihood of their contacting the police should they know or discover the identity of the attacker, and complete the Profile of Mood States (Short Form). Results indicated that although in general participants were more bothered by the infant-than the puppy-abuse scenario, this was mediated by whether participants were current pet owners, and their level of pet attachment. Specifically, those most attached to their pet were significantly more bothered by the puppy abuse scenario than any other group. Personality and demographic characteristics were also found to relate to mood disturbance, bother rating, and willingness to contact police following each scenario.

How Accurately Do Young Adults Recall Childhood Pets? A Validation Study

Epidemiologic research shows that pets influence human health, demonstrating both protective and deleterious health risks; therefore, valid definitions of pet exposure would enhance research. The authors determined how well young adults aged 18 years report their early childhood pets. Subjects in an established birth cohort from Detroit, Michigan, born in 1987-1989 (n = 820) were asked a series of questions about pets in the home during their first 6 years of life. Pet recall was compared with annual prospectively collected parental report from 12-18 years prior. Exposure to cats was correctly reported on average 86.3% of the time (95% confidence interval: 85.0, 87.5) and dogs 79.2% (95% confidence interval: 77.7, 80.6) of the time (P < 0.01). Cats and dogs were more likely to be underreported than overreported, from as few as 1.8-fold to as many as 8.3-fold (P < 0.05). Reporting differed by sex of the respondent and current pet ownership. No differences were found in reporting by those who experienced allergy symptoms near dogs or cats. Findings suggest good reliability of young adult pet reporting for ages 0-6 years but that childhood pet exposure may need to be assessed separately depending on the participant's sex and the outcome of interest.

Pet Ownership and Blood Pressure in Old Age

It has been proposed that pet ownership improves cardiovascular health. This study examines the relation of pet ownership with systolic and diastolic blood pressure, pulse pressure, mean arterial pressure, and hypertension in a large sample of older men and women. Participants were 1179 community-dwelling men (n = 498) and women (n = 681) age 50-95 years. Participants responded to a 1991-1992 mailed questionnaire ascertaining pet ownership, and they attended a 1992-1996 clinic visit at which systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) blood pressures were measured and use of antihypertensive medication was validated. Pulse pressure was calculated as SBP minus DBP. Mean arterial pressure was calculated as (SBP+DBP)/2. Body mass index, waist-hip ratio, and information on other potential confounders were obtained. Average age of participants was 70.4 +/- 10.8 years; 30.0% reported current pet ownership. Mean SBP was 137.5 +/- 21.4 mm Hg, and DBP was 76.1 +/- 9.3 mm Hg; 55.6% were hypertensive (SBP >or= 140, DBP >or= 90 or taking hypertension medication). Pet owners were younger and slightly more overweight and they exercised less than nonowners; owners were somewhat more likely to have diabetes and to use beta-blockers. In unadjusted analyses, pet owners had lower SBP, pulse pressure, and mean arterial pressure, and a reduced risk of hypertension (odds ratio = 0.62; 95% confidence interval = 0.49-0.80). However, after adjustment for age and other confounders, pet ownership was not associated with systolic or diastolic blood pressure, pulse pressure, mean arterial pressure or risk of hypertension. Results suggest that pet ownership is not independently associated with blood pressure, vascular reactivity, or hypertension.

The Role of Pet Ownership and Attachment in Older Adults

AbstractAustralia is preparing for a population increase in persons aged over 65 years, which will likely result in increased mental health needs for this group. Sub-clinical levels of depression, anxiety and loneliness are common in older adults. Older adults are also more likely than any other age group to live alone. Research has suggested that older adults living on their own often report companion animals as providing important social support. Thirty-two community-dwelling older adults, between 60 and 75+ years of age, took part in this study examining attachment to pets in an older cohort. Previous or current pet ownership was a requirement for inclusion in the study in order to account for possible bias of nonpet owners on reporting pets as a positive influence on wellbeing. Results found support for the psychometric properties of a relatively new attachment scale designed for older adults. Results also indicated limited support for a relationship between pet attachment and quality of life in the study group. Implications for clinical work with older adults and areas for future research are discussed.

Current cat ownership may be associated with the lower prevalence of atopic dermatitis, allergic rhinitis, and Japanese cedar pollinosis in schoolchildren in Himeji, Japan

The aim of the study was to clarify the relationship between current pet ownership, passive smoking, and allergic diseases among the Japanese children. From 1995 to 2001, we distributed the Japanese edition of the questionnaire of the American Thoracic Society and the Division of Lung Diseases (ATS-DLD) to survey allergic diseases among 35,552 6-yr-old children at primary school in the city of Himeji, Japan. We analyzed the data by multiple logistic regression and calculated adjusted odds ratios for environmental factors, including passive smoking and pet (dog and/or cat) ownership. There were no significant relationships between the prevalence of asthma and current pet ownership and passive smoking. However, current cat ownership was related to a significantly lower prevalence of atopic dermatitis [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 0.79, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.67-0.93], allergic rhinitis (aOR: 0.71, 95% CI 0.57-0.89) and Japanese cedar pollinosis (aOR 0.57, 95% CI 0.44-0.75). Strikingly, passive smoking was also related to a significantly lower prevalence of allergic rhinitis (aOR 0.83, 95% CI 0.77-0.89) and Japanese cedar pollinosis (aOR 0.81, 95% CI 0.74-0.88). Current cat ownership was associated with a lower prevalence of atopic dermatitis, allergic rhinitis, and Japanese cedar pollinosis. In addition, passive smoking was also associated with a lower prevalence of allergic rhinitis and Japanese cedar pollinosis.

THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN EXHALED NITRIC OXIDE AND ALLERGIC SENSITIZATION IN A RANDOM SAMPLE OF SCHOOLCHILDREN

Van Amsterdam JGC, Janssen NAH, de Meer G, et al. Clin Exp Allergy. 2003;33:187–191To determine whether there is a relationship between levels of exhaled nitric oxide (eNO) and sensitization to common allergens.A convenience sample of 450 schoolchildren (7–12 years of age), of a total random sample of 2504 children in the Netherlands, were enrolled.Children were recruited from 7 public schools and were assessed for allergen sensitization with skin prick testing and/or specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) radioallergosorbent testing (RAST) with common environmental allergens, including dust mite, cat, tree, grass, dog, and mold allergens. eNO was measured with a standard protocol. Families were also asked to complete a questionnaire regarding the home environment, family composition, education, and passive smoke exposure. Associations between eNO levels and sensitization to common allergens were analyzed with adjustments for age, gender, gas cooking, unvented water heaters, passive smoke exposure, and having a cold during sampling.Of the total 450 children studied, 9% had a lifetime history of asthma, with 10% reporting wheeze in the previous year, 8.2% had a history of hay fever, and 29.1% had a history of eczema ever. Of the 319 children who underwent skin prick testing, 29.5% had ≥1 positive test result, 21.9% for indoor allergens and 15% for outdoor allergens. Of the 229 children who underwent specific IgE RAST, 32.3% had ≥1 positive test result, 23.1% for indoor allergens and 21.8% for outdoor allergens. The geometric mean level of eNO was ∼1.5 times higher among children sensitized to indoor allergens, compared with nonsensitized children (P < .05), and this was increased to 2 times higher when a cutoff value of ≥2 positive tests was used for either indoor or outdoor allergen sensitivity. eNO levels gradually increased with increases in positive allergen tests. There was no association between eNO levels and current pet ownership. The association between allergen sensitization and eNO was much stronger among children with a history of wheezing, compared with children without wheezing (relative increases of 1.24–1.47 among nonwheezers and 1.56–3.44 among wheezers).This study found a positive association between eNO levels and levels of allergen sensitivity in a random sample of schoolchildren in the Netherlands. The association was stronger among children with sensitization to indoor allergens and children with a history of wheezing. Association with sensitization to outdoor allergens was not as strong, which the authors proposed might be related to the larger particle size of pollens preventing their entry into lower airways. The mechanism of these elevated eNO levels is not known, but the authors proposed that exposure to allergens could lead to inflammatory changes in the lower airway without causing signs of clinical asthma.The authors concluded that allergen sensitization was associated with elevated levels of eNO in a random sample of children, most without outward signs of asthma.eNO has been shown in many studies to be a useful marker of inflammation among asthmatics, but this study demonstrated an association between atopy and eNO levels. It has been suggested that eNO may be a useful screening test for asthma, and perhaps some of these asymptomatic atopic patients are evolving asthmatics. Although eNO devices have received Food and Drug Administration approval, their cost has limited their use to research settings to date.

Relevance of early or current pet ownership to the prevalence of allergic diseases

Clinical & Experimental AllergyVolume 32, Issue 8 p. 1259-1259 Relevance of early or current pet ownership to the prevalence of allergic diseases T. A. E. Platts-Mills, T. A. E. Platts-MillsSearch for more papers by this authorM. Perzanowski, M. PerzanowskiSearch for more papers by this authorJ.A. Woodfolk, J.A. WoodfolkSearch for more papers by this authorB. Lundback, B. LundbackSearch for more papers by this author T. A. E. Platts-Mills, T. A. E. Platts-MillsSearch for more papers by this authorM. Perzanowski, M. PerzanowskiSearch for more papers by this authorJ.A. Woodfolk, J.A. WoodfolkSearch for more papers by this authorB. Lundback, B. LundbackSearch for more papers by this author First published: 19 August 2002 https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1365-2745.2002.01487.xCitations: 1 Giles Sims, Arzneimittelwerk Dresden GmbH/elbion Meißner Str. 191, D-01445 Radebeul, Germany. E-mail: giles.sims@elbion.de Read the full textAboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InRedditWechat No abstract is available for this article.Citing Literature Volume32, Issue8August 2002Pages 1259-1259 RelatedInformation

Early, current and past pet ownership: associations with sensitization, bronchial responsiveness and allergic symptoms in school children

Studies have suggested that early contact with pets may prevent the development of allergy and asthma. To study the association between early, current and past pet ownership and sensitization, bronchial responsiveness and allergic symptoms in school children. A population of almost 3000 primary school children was investigated using protocols of the International Study on Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC). Allergic symptoms were measured using the parent-completed ISAAC questionnaire. Sensitization to common allergens was measured using skin prick tests (SPT)s and/or serum immunoglobulin (Ig)E determinations. Bronchial responsiveness was tested using a hypertonic saline challenge. Pet ownership was investigated by questionnaire. Current, past and early exposure to pets was documented separately for cats, dogs, rodents and birds. The data on current, past and early pet exposure were then related to allergic symptoms, sensitization and bronchial responsiveness. Among children currently exposed to pets, there was significantly less sensitization to cat (odds ratio (OR) = 0.69) and dog (OR = 0.63) allergens, indoor allergens in general (OR = 0.64), and outdoor allergens (OR = 0.60) compared to children who never had pets in the home. There was also less hayfever (OR = 0.66) and rhinitis (OR = 0.76). In contrast, wheeze, asthma and bronchial responsiveness were not associated with current pet ownership. Odds ratios associated with past pet ownership were generally above unity, and significant for asthma in the adjusted analysis (OR = 1.85), suggesting selective avoidance in families with sensitized and/or symptomatic children. Pet ownership in the first two years of life only showed an inverse association with sensitization to pollen: OR = 0.71 for having had furry or feathery pets in general in the first two years of life, and OR = 0.73 for having had cats and/or dogs in the first two years of life, compared to not having had pets in the first two years of life. These results suggest that the inverse association between current pet ownership and sensitization and hayfever symptoms was partly due to the removal of pets in families with sensitized and/or symptomatic children. Pet ownership in the first two years of life only seemed to offer some protection against sensitization to pollen.

Relevance of early or current pet ownership to the prevalence of allergic disease

Relevance of early or current pet ownership to the prevalence of allergic disease

Asthma and allergy in Turkish university students: Two cross-sectional surveys 5 years apart

prevalence of asthma and allergic diseases is increasing worldwide. We investigated the first-year university students to a) determine prevalence of asthma, and allergic diseases, b) compare prevalence with a similar study conducted in 1994, and c) investigate determinants of asthma, current wheeze and seasonal rhinitis. an ECRHS based questionnaire was distributed to 5,406 students and completed by 4,639 (response: 85.3 %) in september 1999. Information from the students residing in Turkey was used in the analyses (1,800 boys, 2,712 girls). prevalence % of asthma (symptom and/or medicine), current wheeze and seasonal rhinitis were 2.1, 6.9 and 12.7 in boys, and 2.5, 7.2 and 14.5 in girls. Current smoking, pet ownership and family atopy was reported more frecuently in 1999 than 1994. Cough and seasonal rhinitis increased almost twofold. Asthma diagnosis and attack rate was similar in 1999 and 1994. Family atopy, pet in childhood, smoking and passive smoking in childhood increased the risk of asthma, and current wheeze. Family atopy, passive smoking and current pet ownership increased the risk of seasonal rhinitis. increased rate of smoking and pet ownership could contribute to the increased prevalence of asthma and allergic diseases in the last 5 years.

Re-Evaluation of the Companion Animal Bonding Scale

ABSTRACTThis study re-evaluated the Companion Animal Bonding Scale (Poresky, Hendrix, Mosier and Samuelson 1987) using a wide range of developmental levels. Participants included 714 individuals (284 boys and 430 girls) from fourth grade to undergraduate college status. The elementary, middle, and high school students were enrolled in a public school system in a large metropolitan area and the college students were enrolled in a medium size state university. The sample included 600 Caucasians and 114 members of other ethnic groups. Only responses from current pet owners (n=610) were included in data analysis. Analysis of the Companion Animal Bonding Scale revealed three factors related to human-animal attachment: (1) emotional bond/affectional tie, (2) physical proximity, and (3) caretaking. The caretaking factor found in this study differs from the third factor (animal responsiveness and autonomy) reported by Poresky et al. (1987). The three factors in this study also differ somewhat from those reported by Poresky (1997). The results of this study are discussed within the context of attachment theory.

Exposure and sensitization to cat dander: Asthma and asthma-like symptoms among adults

Background: Several pets, such as cats, dogs, and rodents, are known to produce allergens. Despite the clinical and laboratory evidence that exposure to pets can cause bronchoconstriction in sensitized subjects, the results of population studies have been contradictory. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between cat ownership and the prevalence of asthma, asthma-like symptoms, and bronchitic symptoms among subjects 20 to 44 years of age in Vancouver, Canada and to determine whether sensitization is responsible for such an association. Methods: Two thousand nine hundred ninety-nine (88%) randomly selected subjects responded to a mail questionnaire. Of these, 504 participated in laboratory examination, including allergy skin testing. Results: One thousand nineteen study responders (34%) were pet owners at the time of the study (current owners). Current pet owners were found to have a higher prevalence of current asthma, asthma-like symptoms, and bronchitic symptoms compared with those without pets. Cat owners had significantly higher risk of having current asthma and asthma-like symptoms. In the subset who had allergic skin tests, we found that those who were allergic to cat dander had a significantly higher risk of current asthma than those not allergic to cat dander and not owning a cat. Conclusion: This study provides evidence that sensitization to cat dander is a more important risk factor for current asthma and asthma-like symptoms than cat ownership itself. (J Allergy Clin Immunol 1999;103:60-5.)

Pets as transitional objects: their role in children's emotional development.

Children's use of pets as transitional objects and the contributions of pets to children's emotional well-being were examined. The sample included 94 boys and 80 girls in preschool through Grade 5; 70% were current pet owners, and 30% were not pet owners. Each participant was individually interviewed using a structured interview format of 20 questions for current pet owners and three questions for non-pet owners to assess perceptions about the role of friendships between animals and humans, shared activities between children and pets, ways animals and humans communicate love for one another, types of verbal and nonverbal communication and interactions between animals and humans, and ways animals provide love, security, and emotional support to humans. Analysis indicated that children perceive their pets as special friends, important family members, and providers of social interactions, affection, and emotional support. Results are discussed in terms of the parallels between children's use of inanimate transitional objects and their use of pets as transitional objects.