Learning and Growth: Clicker training Mia wasn’t just about teaching her tricks; it was a learning curve for me as well. Each new trick we mastered together boosted my confidence and hers.
Pets have always been more than just companions; they play a pivotal role in enhancing our mental well-being. From the unconditional love of a dog to the calming presence of a cat, pets have a unique way of alleviating stress, anxiety, and loneliness. But how do we truly harness the therapeutic potential of our furry, feathered, or scaled friends? How can they aid in promoting mindfulness, reducing depression, or even enhancing social interactions? In this interview series, we are talking to veterinarians, psychologists, therapists, pet trainers, and other experts who can shed light on how to maximize the mental health benefits of having a pet. As a part of this series, I had the distinct pleasure of interviewing Albert Colominas.
Albert is the founder of Outdoor Bengal, a platform dedicated to the adventures and training of his Bengal cat, Mia. After moving from Barcelona to the U.S. and facing personal losses, Albert found companionship in Mia during the Covid-19 pandemic. Despite being allergic to cats, he chose a Bengal cat for their hypoallergenic traits. Their bond grew through clicker training and adventures, leading to educational content for cat parents. Their story and content have since reached over 100 million views, aiding thousands of cat owners. Today, Albert focuses on products and services to help others enjoy life with their cats outdoors.
Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series! Before we start, our readers would love to “get to know you” a bit better. Can you tell us a bit about your background and your childhood backstory?
I’m thrilled to be here, thank you for having me! I was raised by a working Catalan family, in Barcelona. My parents loved the outdoors. I spent most of my childhood in the mountains, hiking, skiing, and other outdoor activities.
In the vibrant city of Barcelona, I led a life that, on paper, seemed to tick all the boxes of comfort and success. But beneath that composed exterior was a spirit that craved adventure, a restless urge that whispered there was more to life than predictability.
I always felt this pull towards the unknown, a desire to explore beyond my youth’s familiar streets and stories. It’s this very sense of curiosity and yearning for discovery that eventually propelled me across the ocean to New York, marking the beginning of a true adventure.
Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you started your career?
The most interesting twist in my tale unfolded not long after I planted my roots in New York.
Life has its way of throwing curveballs, and mine came in quick succession. My long-term relationship ended, I lost my father, and then the world turned upside down with the pandemic. But in this swirl of change, I found a beacon of hope in an unexpected companion: Mia, a Bengal cat.
She not only pulled me out of my depression, she made me a better person.
Is there a particular book that made a significant impact on you? Can you share a story or explain why it resonated with you so much?
Certainly! B.F. Skinner’s work on operant conditioning left a profound mark on me. His book “Science and Human Behavior” opened my eyes to the power of positive reinforcement.
When I was grappling with how to connect with Mia, his principles of behavior modification provided a lifeline. Clicker training, rooted in these very principles, became our shared language. It was a revelation; here was a scientific approach that could foster communication across species.
Skinner’s insights into behavior didn’t just help me understand Mia better — they reshaped our entire relationship, turning our interactions into a dance of mutual understanding and respect.
Ok, thank you for all that. Now let’s move to the main focus of our interview. Can you share a personal story about how a pet has helped you or someone you know to improve mental wellness?
Certainly. During one of the most challenging periods of my life, when the loneliness of a new city and personal loss weighed heavily on me, Mia — my Bengal cat — stepped into my world. Her relentless energy and demand for engagement pulled me out of my introspection.
Through clicker training and our shared adventures, she gave me a sense of purpose and presence. She taught me that every day could be filled with small triumphs and discoveries. Mia didn’t just improve my mental wellness; she transformed my outlook on life, showing me that companionship can come in the most unexpected forms and have the most profound impact.
While human interaction is essential for emotional well-being, in what ways do interactions with pets offer unique benefits that human relationships might not provide?
Interactions with pets offer an unconditional acceptance that can be hard to find in human relationships. They provide a non-judgmental presence that allows us to be vulnerable without fear of criticism or rejection. Pets also live in the moment, teaching us to appreciate the here and now, which can be incredibly grounding. They don’t carry the complexities of language, which means our communication with them is more about emotion and basic needs, simplifying the way we relate and connect. This can be a respite from the often complex and emotionally charged dynamics of human interactions.
Can you explain how this works? How do pets, particularly common ones like dogs and cats, biologically and psychologically help to alleviate human stress levels and anxieties?
Pets can help alleviate stress and anxiety through several biological and psychological mechanisms.
Interacting with pets can lead to the release of oxytocin in the brain, a hormone that increases feelings of relaxation, trust, and empathy while reducing fear and anxiety. Moreover, the rhythmic petting of animals can have a meditative effect, lowering the heart rate and blood pressure.
Psychologically, the presence of a pet provides companionship that can combat feelings of loneliness and depression, offering a sense of purpose and routine that can structure and enhance daily life. Dogs and cats often provide nonjudgmental support and unconditional love, which can be particularly soothing during stressful times.
In the backdrop of global events like pandemics or natural disasters, how have you seen pets playing a role in alleviating anxiety and providing comfort? Can you share some instances where pets have been integrated into therapeutic practices? How do they complement traditional therapeutic techniques?
Pets have been a lifeline during global events, offering companionship and comfort amidst the isolation of pandemics and the turmoil of natural disasters. They provide a sense of normalcy and routine in uncertain times.
There are numerous therapy programs where animals, like therapy dogs, are integrated into mental health interventions, providing comfort to those in hospitals, schools, and disaster-affected areas. They serve as icebreakers, facilitate social interaction, and offer non-verbal support, complementing traditional therapy by providing relief that might not come as easily through conversation alone.
Cats and dogs enhance therapeutic practices by promoting physical touch, encouraging movement, and offering emotional support in a way that human therapists might not be able to replicate.
Not all pets are dogs or cats. From birds to fish to reptiles, how can individuals choose the right pet that aligns with their mental health needs?
I’m not a mental health expert and I talk from my personal experience. In my case, a cat gave me the right amount of interaction and challenge. I believe that choosing the right pet for mental health needs involves considering one’s lifestyle, environment, and the type of interaction desired.
Birds, for instance, can bring joy with their singing and social interaction, while fish are known for their calming effect as one watches them swim. Consulting with mental health and pet care professionals should help guide this personal decision.
How does the act of taking care of a pet — feeding, grooming, exercising — contribute to an individual’s sense of purpose and mental well-being?
The act of caring for a pet can greatly enhance an individual’s sense of purpose and mental well-being. It provides structure to daily life and creates a routine, which can be especially beneficial during times of stress or depression.
The responsibility of caring for another life can foster self-esteem and a sense of accomplishment. Furthermore, the physical activities involved in pet care, like walking or playing, can increase physical activity, which boosts mood through the release of endorphins.
The past 5 years have been filled with upheaval and political uncertainty. Many people have become anxious from the dramatic jolts of the news cycle. From your experience or research, what are your “Five Ways To Maximize the Mental Health Benefits of Having a Pet?”
1 . Routine and Responsibility: Establishing a care routine for Mia provided structure during the unpredictable pandemic days. Feeding, grooming, and training her each day brought a sense of normalcy to my life.
2 . Physical Exercise: Taking Mia for walks or playing with her indoors encouraged physical activity, which is crucial for mental health. These activities helped me stay active and uplifted my mood.
3 . Social Interaction: Mia became a social bridge, sparking conversations with neighbors and fellow pet owners. This was especially meaningful during times of social distancing.
4 . Learning and Growth: Clicker training Mia wasn’t just about teaching her tricks; it was a learning curve for me as well. Each new trick we mastered together boosted my confidence and hers.
5 . Mindfulness and Presence: Engaging in mindful activities with your pet, such as grooming or simply observing their behavior, can be meditative and calming. When I would brush Mia or watch her explore her surroundings, it helped me focus on the present moment, reducing anxiety about the future or stress from the news cycle. This mindfulness practice is something one can actively decide to do to improve mental well-being.
The loss of a pet can be deeply traumatic. How can individuals navigate this grief, and how does it compare to other forms of loss in terms of mental health impact?
Navigating the grief of losing a pet requires acknowledging the significance of the bond and allowing oneself to mourn. It’s essential to seek support from friends, family, or support groups, and remember the joy the pet brought into one’s life. The impact of this loss on mental health can be as profound as losing a human loved one, as pets often represent a source of unconditional love and companionship.
While I have personally experienced the deep loss of my father, I have not yet faced the loss of a pet. However, I understand that both forms of grief are intense and warrant a journey through mourning and healing.
You are a person of great influence. If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of peace to the greatest amount of people, what would that be?
I’m currently on a mission to help cat parents do more and better with their cats.
My mission is to shed light on the complexities of cat behavior, dispelling misconceptions and nurturing a more profound comprehension among cat enthusiasts and society at large. Through guidance on effective cat care practices, clear communication techniques, and activities that stimulate their instincts, we not only improve the welfare of our cats but also enrich the human experience, fostering a symbiotic relationship that benefits us both.
We are very blessed that some very prominent names in Business, VC funding, Sports and Entertainment read this column. Is there a person in the world, or in the US with whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch, and why? He or she might just see this if we tag them. :-)
If I could have a private breakfast or lunch with anyone, it would be Ricky Gervais. Not only does he share a love for cats, but his passionate advocacy for animal welfare resonates deeply with me. His commitment to protecting animals and using his platform to challenge societal norms around animal rights is inspiring.
How can our readers further follow your work online?
They can find most of our work and products on our website www.outdoorbengal.com or across social media under the handle @outdoorbengal.
Thank you so much for sharing these important insights. We wish you continued success and good health!
About the Interviewer: Wanda Malhotra is a wellness entrepreneur, lifestyle journalist, and the CEO of Crunchy Mama Box, a mission-driven platform promoting conscious living. CMB empowers individuals with educational resources and vetted products to help them make informed choices. Passionate about social causes like environmental preservation and animal welfare, Wanda writes about clean beauty, wellness, nutrition, social impact and sustainability, simplifying wellness with curated resources. Join Wanda and the Crunchy Mama Box community in embracing a healthier, more sustainable lifestyle at CrunchyMamaBox.com .
