pet best friend women explain their unexplainable bonds (2024)

“I live alone, and when I arrive home from work, there is nothing more heart-warming than having my nine-year-old poodle Lucy excitedly wagging her tail. And then at night, my 19-year-old Burmese cat, Oscar, snuggling up to me in bed like a hot water bottle. My pets give me something that humans don’t — unconditional love, both are great for secret-keeping, and they don’t judge me. Lucy has licked plenty of tears off my face without judgment, and always gives me a cuddle on cue.” – Anita, owner of Lucy and Oscar.

“A ‘pet’ goal I always had was to give one cat a beloved life. That cat is Fig. Fig putting his paw on my face every morning is, for me, a sign Heaven exists on earth. My daily gratitude begins with Fig wrapping himself around my feet in the morning when I make my morning tea, purring happily. Also, it’s oddly comforting having a miniature panther loyally follow you to the bathroom every time you go.” – Nikki, owner of Fig a Black Smoke Maine Coone.

“After an big operation I was in intense pain and very sad. Crashed out on medication on the couch and woke to have one cat curled up around my arms and the other around my legs. So out of character for both of these independent, non-lap-sitting moggies. But so comforting and calming for me.” - Fiona owner of Raphy and Bernie.

“I have two cats, a Birman and Ragdoll, and both are now 13. I know it sounds strange, but it wasn’t until those lockdowns – where they were sometimes the only living beings I’d see in a day - that I really noticed them; their full personalities and quirks. It’s not like I hadn’t loved them before, but being forced to slow down and spend almost every waking moment with them just made me realise they’re these funny little fluffballs. I’m so grateful I had them during that period – they made me laugh, gave me cuddles, offered me company and yes, we even had the odd conversation – always about how inadequate they felt their meal service was though.” - Amber, owner of Sassy and Purrl.

“I often joke that Cleo is my emotional support dog… but in reality, she needs me just as much as I need her. She’s been by my side for 11 years, and has been there for breakups, makeups, apartment moves and new jobs. She’s the kind of dog who knows exactly what I need: she’ll pester me for a walk when it’s sunny outside, but she’s also just as happy curling up for a day (or night) on the couch with some Netflix. There’s something about seeing her little face at the end of a hard day that makes me smile, and honestly, there are a few moments over our time together that I’m not sure I would have been able to get through if she wasn’t there for a snuggle and a walk. There’s something so instantly loveable about her, and although she can be a little cautious around new faces, once she’s decided she likes you, it’s hard to resist wanting to call her your own.” – Jess, owner of Cleo, who is a Cattle Dog x Mini Foxy x million other things

"Waking up to little five bundles of adopted floof snuggled up against you makes the mountain of litter and poop worthwhile. Better still when you've trained them to annoy your husband instead of you at 5am for breakfast bikkies. Despite the heartache of losing three, I couldn't imagine cats being absent from my life as each brings a unique personality that strengthens our family bond. Cats rock!" – Lynne, owner of rescues Chakotay, Tolstoy, Dax, Sarek and Sisko.

Protect your furry friend with Stella Pet Insurance

Did you know 74% of female pet owners are the main carer of their family’s cat or dog^? For women, pets are more than just their best friend. So at Stella we offer cover for a woman’s best friend so you can love them back.Sometimes your bestie can run into trouble, and when they do this could set you back a few hundred or thousands in unexpected costs. Stella Pet Insurance is designed with simplicity in mind, built with the help of vets to provide clear cover that’s easy to understand. So you can help get them the treatment they need and not leave you paying for sudden or unexpected vet bills if things happen. Visitstellainsurance.com.au/pet-insurance/for more details and get a quote in minutes.

"My ‘editor’, a grey moggy, always keeps me company while I'm working. She helps break the monotony of a long day sitting in front of a computer. The ultimate sidekick.” – Gen, owner of Cricket.

“As a motivational coach my dog has me covered. He suffered from epilepsy as a pup and it was so bad we considered putting him down. But we left it a bit longer and he started to improve. He also had me kicked out of multiple dog training schools for aggression; one trainer said he couldn't be rehabilitated. Now I can do Bondi to Coogee walk and back on a busy day without any issues. He's shown me that no matter who says you can't, with enough perseverance, you can achieve things. He does sometimes fail though, which serves as a good reality check, like the time he climbed on top of some cabinets to what he thought was a box of dog treats, only to eat an overdose of medication. He's an idiot but I love him; if he can't go, I don't go. – Jess, owner of recue dog Axl-Rose.

Brought to you by Stella Insurance.

^Source: Consumer survey on pet ownership and pet insurance conducted by Stella Insurance, July 2022.

Stella Pet Insurance is underwritten by Pacific International Insurance Pty Ltd (ABN 83 169 311 193) and distributed by Knose Financial Services Pty Ltd (ABN 38 620 795 735, AFSL 536651) (‘Knose’). Stella Underwriting Pty Ltd (ABN 72 633 811 319, AR 001282046) (‘Stella’) act as an authorised representative of Knose.

Any advice provided is general only and has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. You should consider the appropriateness of any such advice, theProduct Disclosure Statement (‘PDS’), and theTarget Market Determination (‘TMD’)available at www.stellainsurance.com.au before making a decision to acquire, or to continue to hold, the product.