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Owners who spend more time close to their cats tend to have more positive moods
Phys.org • • health
Key Points:
- A Kyoto University study investigated the health impacts of cat ownership by focusing on the quality of the relationship between cats and their owners rather than ownership alone.
- The month-long study of 29 cats and 19 owners used hormonal analysis, proximity tracking, mood questionnaires, and behavioral observations to assess interactions.
- Results showed a positive correlation between oxytocin levels in cats and their owners, with higher cat oxytocin linked to lower owner cortisol (stress hormone) and fewer negative feelings.
- Owners' positive moods were more strongly associated with the physical closeness they shared with their cats than with the duration of ownership.
- The study suggests that the emotional bond and daily interactions with cats influence owners' well-being, helping explain inconsistent findings in previous research, though causation remains to be determined.
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