Do you prefer dogs or cats? Curious facts about Chileans and their pets revealed by a study

They greet us by wagging their tails, rubbing their legs and even occasionally licking their tongues. THE pets They have become an important part of the family and Chileans’ homes have become their safe spaces. where they receive protection, prizes and lots of love.

Dogs, cats, fish, reptiles, rabbits and rodents are the pets that Chileans usually choose. as company in your home, according to a recent study by IKEA the Swedish furniture and decoration brand that arrived in the country two years ago.

After surveying 875 pet keepers from the metropolitan areas, Valparaíso and Biobío, the research showed that 82% of respondents own one or more dogs, 50% have one or more cats, 4% prefer reptiles or fish and only 1% choose to have rabbits or rodents.

And Chileans seem to be real animal lovers, well There are an average of two pets per household in Chile, the study says.

But in addition to providing relevant figures on the eternal fight between dog lover and the cat loversYes, The brand wanted to go further and explore what Chileans experience with their pets at home.

These are the curious facts which emerge from the study.

The study Animals at homeaim “to delve into the transformation that the role of pets in families has undergone over time until today”, Javier Grez, Core Area Manager of IKEA, assures The Third

And, by collecting valuable data, the brand can focus on creating and designing products that are tailored to the needs of guardians and their pets.

In this sense, some of the respondents’ answers were surprising, because The relationship that Chileans have with their pets seems to be very special and close.

In this line, the 69% of respondents say their dogs live inside their home. Instead, People who have cats living at home reached 91%.

72% of respondents said they enjoyed their home more because of their pets, which indicates a strong bond between these small animals and Chileans. Furthermore, in the majority of homes (86%), pets have a place assigned to them (especially among young people aged 18 to 39).

But, Why did you get your pets in the first place?

When asked what was the main motivation for incorporating an animal into your home, here were the answers:

• Because another person in the house brought it (23%).
• Because I liked it (23%).
• Of emotional support, to help me with my mood (23%).
• For have company (18%).
• So that take care of the house (7%).
• to haver a healthier life (6%).

Apparently, pets in Chile are very pampered by their owners: If you’re one of those who likes to snuggle up to your pet during naps or at night, you’re not alone. 55% of Chileans say their pet sleeps on top of the bed.

In addition, 79% admit to not having purchased products to protect their furniture from the antics of their pets.

AND, What do Chileans usually do with their pets?

A third of respondents said they typically include their furry companions in their social activities and 50% always or sometimes include them in their vacation planning.

A sweet fact is that Half of people over 60 always or sometimes consider their pet to play music at home.

And to make them feel comfortable, many people invest in adapting their home to the needs of their furry babies: they buy padded beds, plates made of good materials and furniture that serves as shelter or for climbing.

In this sense, according to the IKEA study, The products that people renew the most for their pets are: food and water bowls (54%) and toys (44%).

Regarding toys, the survey showed thatOnly 42% of tutors decide to buy them in stores, while 13% create their own toys from available items they have at home.

In addition, Only 14% of guardians ensure their spaces in the home match the pet supplies they have purchased. Additionally, 63% of respondents say they do not take the time to choose items for their pets that match the design of their home, especially women (71%), compared to men (51%).

At IKEA, they launched a pet-focused collection called OUTDOORS: There are products designed for the well-being of pets, but also for a functional and aesthetic design. For example, olfactory mats for dogs, bowls for food and water and a non-slip mat, for the most naughty and messy animals.

For kittens, IKEA has launched a square-shaped house that can be inserted into open furniture to contribute to the order and aesthetics of the home, while the animal rests in a comfortable and safe space.

Previously, two pet experts spoke with The Third about the importance of adapting homes to pets: their quality of life depends on the spaces we can offer them.

Fernando Carrasco, veterinary doctor of The Cool Dogs Vet And Keka Leiva professional dog trainer and master in clinical ethology from Nomade, assured that It is important to prepare the spaces, depending on the animal you have.

For example, if you have one or more cats, having scratching posts will be essential so that they do not attack the sofa, curtains or walls. If possible, it will be good to place the shelves high up so that they can climb.

As for dogs, it is important to stimulate them with toys (which can be purchased or made at home with egg cartons, cardboard, empty plastic bottles or comfort rolls) and not to forget their daily walks, essential for them to reduce their anxiety levels. . anxiety.

And that’s it Giving all the love to our pets does not only translate into petting them and giving them snacks, but we must also care about their well-being, their nutrition, their health, their comfort and that they have a safe and enriched space. so that they can function properly.