While scrolling through the post, it’s hard not to notice the obvious: humans and pets share an uncanny similarity between each other, some sort of special bond that doesn’t exist between other species. “Some similarities between humans and their pets are that they both need food and water, they both need shelter, and they both need love and attention. As simple as that - love is all we need,” pet behavior expert Yuliia Popyk from Petcube told Bored Panda in an interview.

“But if we dig deeper, then it is important to say that humans and their pets share a special bond,” she said. Popyk explained that we are both social creatures that enjoy each other’s company and form strong attachments. “Pets provide us with unconditional love and companionship while we provide them with food, shelter, and care.”

Moreover, we also share many physical and behavioral similarities with our pets, which likely contributes to the strong bond we form with them, Popyk argues. “For example, we both have fur or hair, we both walk on four legs, and we both make similar vocalizations. We also have similar brain structures and hormones associated with emotion and bonding.”

There is evidence that just like family members and close friends, pets and their owners can become alike over time. “A study in the Journal of Research in Personality found that people who scored high in agreeableness and conscientiousness tended to have pets that were also rated as high in those traits. The study’s authors suggest that people may choose pets that are similar to themselves or that they may treat their pets in ways that cause the pets to develop similar personality traits,” Popyk explained. Interestingly, the study found that dog owners were more likely than cat owners to be outgoing, energetic, and lively, Popyk said.

Meanwhile, cat owners were more likely than dog owners to be analytical, independent, and introverted. “The study also found that people who owned both cats and dogs were more likely to be open-minded and creative than those who owned just one type of pet.”

She added that there is no doubt that if your family member required emergency care, you would definitely provide it. “Same with pets. If you want to make sure your pet never gets in trouble and makes you a nervous wreck, consider choosing an Emergency Fund which pays for your vet bills in any life-threatening situation, but vet appointments or not severe cases are not eligible for coverage.”

According to the pet expert, some people may choose a dog breed that is similar to their own personality, while others may choose a breed that is the polar opposite. “It really depends on the individual,” Popyk argues.

However, it is possible that people may subconsciously choose an animal that they feel is similar to them in some way. “For example, some people who feel shy or introverted may be attracted to animals that are also shy or introverted. Conversely, people who feel extroverted or outgoing may be attracted to animals that are also extroverted or outgoing.”