I’ve been thinking a lot about lifestyle mockups lately, especially the ones we use for blankets and home décor, and I ended up wandering into some research about whether adding a cat or dog actually makes a difference. And honestly, it was such a pleasant surprise to see how much it can help. It turns out that when there’s a pet in the scene a sleepy dog curled up on a chair or a cat tucked into the corner people tend to linger a little longer. The whole image feels warmer and more inviting, almost like you’ve stepped into someone’s quiet afternoon. It creates this gentle emotional pull that a plain product photo just can’t match. I found myself smiling at the examples, because it really does change the mood. Of course, the blanket still needs to be the feature, but a pet resting nearby adds a sense of life and comfort without taking over. It’s the difference between showing a product and showing a moment that animal lovers can relate to.
Do your mockups with pets seem to get more attention, or do you prefer a clean, pet‑free look?
Here’s one of mine…When your Golden Retriever loves your fleece blanket you know it’s a keeper!
