By Ella Meis OMAHA, Ne.- At an off-campus house near the University of Nebraska at Omaha, four roommates say their cats are more than just pets — they’re part of their daily routine.
Between classes, jobs, and busy schedules, the students say their furry companions help them stay focused and grounded.
“I work full-time, and when I’m at my ten-hour shift, I just miss him so much,” said Jaime Wysocki, a UNO student. “That’s my motivation to get through the day — because I know I get to come home to him.”
Each roommate has their own cat, and together, the animals bring structure and comfort to their home life.
“My cat is a registered emotional support animal,” said Payton Fitchner, another roommate. “I think he might have more anxiety than I do, but we do a good job of regulating each other’s emotions.”
The roommates agree that caring for their pets has helped them build better routines and take breaks when needed.
“No matter how many tasks you have in your day, you still have to make time to care for your pet,” said Rhiannon Spanjers. “It motivates people to think beyond themselves — and that structure makes a difference.”
Experts say pets can provide emotional stability and improve mental health — something these roommates say they experience every day.
Though the four study different majors and follow different schedules, they all agree on one thing: their cats keep them grounded and remind them to slow down.
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