Pets are an important part of family life for many people. Most dog and cat owners will tell you that their pets occupy a place in the family second only to their children, and in some cases, the pets and kids hold equal rank.

If you are thinking about bringing a pet into your family, you may be wondering which kind – cat or dog – is the better fit. Read on for a closer look at family life when it includes a cat and a toddler.

"Bringing a pet – particularly a cat – into the home can have great outcomes," says Dr. Jane Brunt, veterinarian at Cat Hospital at Towson in Baltimore, Md. "Several scientific studies have shown that the bond between people and animals has significant health benefits!"

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), pets can decrease blood pressure, cholesterol levels, triglyceride levels and feelings of loneliness.

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