# The pet that may backfire for kids

> A Spanish study of 2,000 families found one common pet linked to more emotional and behaviour problems by age eight.
- Title: The pet that may backfire for kids · New York Post | Shortify
- Summary: A Spanish study of 2,000 families found one common pet linked to more emotional and behaviour problems by age eight. Cats at preschool age tracked with worse…
- Keywords: pets, child mental health, cats, parenting, research, news, entertainment, pet, may, backfire, kids, New York Post
- Source: New York Post — https://nypost.com/2026/09/12/health/pets-improve-kids-mental-health-except-one-which-makes-things-worse
- Published: 2026-09-12T18:28:12+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: pets, child mental health, cats, parenting, research, news, entertainment
## Pets are good for kids
Growing up with animals has been tied to stronger immune systems, fewer ear infections and fevers, less eczema and fewer food allergies.
## One exception showed up
A new study found that having a cat in the house at age 4-5 was linked to more mental health problems by age 7-8. Owning one at age 1 showed no such link.
## How they measured it
Researchers followed almost 2,000 mother-child pairs in Spain. Mothers reported on fear, worry and nervousness, plus disobedience, hyperactivity and trouble with friends.
## Both kinds of trouble rose
Cat ownership tracked with internalizing problems, the emotional and peer kind linked to anxiety and depression, and externalizing ones like conduct issues and inattention.
## Rabbits and fish won
Kids with less common pets, rabbits, hamsters, fish, turtles and salamanders, had fewer emotional problems at 7-8. Dogs and birds moved the needle neither way.
## Correlation, not blame
Cats may be less affectionate, and families with struggling kids often pick them for the low upkeep. The problems could have come first, and a 2021 study found cats helped autistic children.

> less affectionate, exhibit avoidant attachment
## Key takeaway

Cats at preschool age tracked with worse mental health at 7-8, but the study shows a link, not a cause, and other research says the opposite.