Overview
- The INMA analysis, published in the World Journal of Pediatrics, examined 1,893 families from València, Sabadell, Asturias and Gipuzkoa.
- Continued ownership of ‘other animals’ such as fish, turtles or hamsters was linked to fewer emotional problems at ages 7–8.
- Having a cat only at ages 4–5 showed a slight association with more emotional or behavioural symptoms in mid-childhood.
- No significant associations were found for dogs or birds, nor for a combined measure of having any pet.
- Exposure was measured at ages 1 and 4–5 and outcomes at 7–8, with authors noting potential selection and reporting biases and recommending larger, longer follow-up studies.