We all know how great pets can be to look at, but do you know how beneficial they are to your mental health? A Cat, dog, hamster or even a fish all contribute to a happier and healthier you. Does this mean go out and adopt a cat (or any animal in general) immediately? Yes. But the point of this article is to inform you of how your little furry friend helps you in the long run.

1.) They guard you at all times

This one applies mostly to dogs, but I've met some pretty protective cats in my day. When a pet protects you by guarding your door or barking at a stranger at the door, it gives you the feeling of relief. Pro Tip: Get a dog with an intimidating bark, little dogs aren't that scary. Cats aren't all that scary either, but they might scratch.

2.) They act as vacuum cleaners

This one could also be closely related to dogs and how quick they are to eat anything dropped on the floor, but I've witnessed first hand my cat stealing food off my plate (I wasn't too impressed). Animals eating food that's fallen on the floor helps you because it saves you from having to clean it later. Pro Tip: Don't let your pet eat chocolate. That's a big no-no.

3.) They rely on you for literally everything

From going on walks and feeding daily, to cleaning the litterbox and just being there, your pet needs you. The feeling of knowing that there's something/someone that needs you in order to survive provides you with a sense of purpose. Pro Tip: If you've had a terrible day at school/work, just think about your furry friend or fish waiting for you to get home.

4.) They act as alarm clocks

Let's all be honest, nobody likes waking up to be an adult. Sure, you can snooze that annoying default ringtone on your phone. But you certainly can't snooze a cat walking on your head or a dog licking your face. So get up, feed your animal and face the day! Or you could go back to sleep, your choice. Pro Tip: Coffee and naps are your best friends when you own an animal.

5.) They fill an empty nest

Did you once have a house with a child/children, but now they're grown up and your house is getting a little lonely? There's a pet for that! All you gotta do is drive to your local shelter and adopt a little friend (or five at once, no judgment here) Pro Tip: Don't call your new animal(s) your "babies" because then your kids come home to visit and things get awkward.

6.) They are great conversation starters

Going for a walk with your dog and have a stranger compliment it? Have your cat as your lock screen and have someone behind you at the grocery store ask about it? I feel you on that one. You start talking about your animal and then start showing the slideshow of pictures with You Are My Sunshine playing in the background while the person is trying to leave. Just remember it's their fault, they asked. Pro Tip: If someone asks how many cats you have and then replies with "that's it?", run. Run all the way back to your animals.

7.) They get rid of rodents/pests

This is where my cat shines, killing all the bugs. If you have an outdoor cat, they really shine now. Cats will chase snakes, chipmunks/squirrels, mice, basically anything that moves. Dogs also are hunters because they help you hunt. Depending on the breed, they also hunt anything that moves, for example; foxes, deer, and sometimes bears. Pro Tip: Indoor cats are equally as fun as outdoor cats, so keep your cats inside.

8.) They can be calming

Yes. I know coming home from a long day of class or work and seeing a mess of toilet paper from your dog or pieces of a broken coffee mug on the floor isn't calming. But, keep in mind that your pet can't talk and, therefore, can't give you attitude or say something stupid like maybe someone at work may do. Just the silence and petting your animal can calm every nerve that people throughout the day got on. Pro Tip: Try not to get too mad at your pet, they don't know any better. So scold a little, but make sure they still know you love them.

9.) They decrease the feeling of loneliness

If you have no kid or significant other, then your nights can get pretty lonely. Not when you have a little ball of fur to cuddle with! Having another presence there with you to watch just one more episode will easily make you feel less lonely. Pro Tip: They might not pay attention to the show so you might need to fill them in before continuing to the next episode.

10.) They love you unconditionally

To you, they may just be a pet. But, to them, you're literally their entire world. Without you, who knows where they'd be. When you get your heart broken by that one guy/girl who promised to not be like the others, who's gonna cuddle with you and lick your tears? That's right, your pet will. They'll sit with you while you cry and use up another box of tissues. They'll cuddle with you while you finish that tub of ice cream and plan how you're going to get your revenge. Your pet will always be there to comfort you because you're their life and they'll do anything to keep you happy. Pro Tip: Don't share your ice cream with your pet AND don't actually carry out with your revenge plan.