Shailene Woodley on How Adopting Her Cats Changed Her Life

Do you talk to your pets? Shailene Woodley is trying to play it cool. “What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas,” she says, tight-lipped and mischievous, before giving in. “Of course I talk to them!” She laughs. “I ask them about their days, about their dreams… I ask them their opinion on things.” 

Shailene Woodley is, of course, the enormously talented actor you know from Big Little Lies, the Divergent movie series, and upcoming gangster movie Motor City — which just wowed the audiences at both Venice and Toronto film festivals. But Shailene Woodley is also a pet mom to two rescued cats: Bear and Pharrah. And, just like us, her pets are the center of her world.  

“One of my favorite feelings in the world is when Pharrah curls herself into my lap while I’m reading or working on my computer,” she says. “It’s such a gentle way of expressing ‘I love you, thank you for making me feel safe’.” And, despite Bear being a little more energetic, he manages to make her feel the same. “When Bear wakes me up in the middle of the night with his nocturnal, rambunctious nature — despite how annoying it is in the moment when sleep is needed, just knowing he’s out there enjoying his life brings me unparalleled joy.” 

As anyone who has a pet knows that the impact on your life and your mental health is enormous. In fact, a study from Mars and Calm earlier this year found that 83 percent of pet parents admit their pet has had a positive impact on their mental wellbeing. That’s certainly been Shailene’s experience, too. “Having an animal in the house changes everything,” she says. “There is something mystical and transcendental about forming a connection with a being that doesn’t share language, but shares a consciousness with you.” 

It’s not all zen cuddles at the Woodley house, though: “Our routine is basically 7 a.m. ‘Meow, meow, meow’ and 6:30 p.m. ‘Meow, meow, meow, feed us lady!’” She grins. “They just make me laugh. Cats are straight up clowns. They make no sense. And there is nothing predictable about them.”  

She describes her bond with her cats as “pure”. “Pretense, manipulation, coercion … none of that can exist with cats. If you know, you know.” 

So committed to sharing the positive impact that adopting her cats has had on her, Shailene has partnered with Calm and Mars to record a Sleep Story called Finding Four Legged Friends. It’s part of Mars x Calm’s first ever pet-inspired content collection; a collection that also includes meditations, breathing exercises, and Moments of Calm. To support adoptive parents as they settle into their new role, they're also offering free three months of Calm Premium.

Despite the blissful contentment that Pharrah and Bear have brought to Shailene’s life, their journey together might not have happened at all if it wasn’t for her friends and Shailene’s willingness to open her home to kittens in need. 

Rescuing Bear and Pharrah was a team effort, but it was Shailene who gave them a new home. “Taking on two cats with my lifestyle was a lot to think about, but we’re making it work!” 

Thankfully, this story ended happily for Bear and Pharrah, but not all pets are so lucky. Globally, there are 12 million dogs and four million cats living in shelters, a heartbreaking statistic for any pet lover to digest. But, adoption brings hope. Not only does Shailene now get to experience the mental wellbeing benefits of the bond with a pet, Bear and Pharrah got to experience a new beginning. “To earn their trust, to exchange energetically, to make them feel safe … It is the most rewarding feeling.” In fact, a recent study showed that just three months after adoption, dogs show signs of increased confidence and cats show signs of bonding and calm.

If you are thinking about adopting a pet, there’s never been a better time. As part of the Mars Global Adoption Weekend (October 3-5, 2025), Mars is covering more than $185,000 in pet adoption fees in 21 cities in the US between October 3-5, as well as a number of other activations across the globe so both pets and new pet parents can start off on the right foot. 

It’s a decision you won’t regret. Shailene certainly doesn’t, especially at the beginning and the end of the day.. “My absolute favorite, favorite moment is in the morning, or in the middle of the night, or right before bed … When one is curled up in my neck and the other is curled into my belly or legs.” 

 “It is peace embodied.”