Cats And Their Owners Seem to Share A Weird, Hormonal Connection

Reported by Yahoo · October 20 at 3:00 PM · Summary by Pawdeck

Scientists in Japan measured oxytocin and cortisol in 17 cat owners and 24 of their pet cats, drawn from a group of 19 owners and 29 cats. Owners whose cats had higher oxytocin tended to have higher oxytocin themselves and reported fewer negative emotions. The study was published in iScience.

Background

Oxytocin is a hormone involved in social bonding and rises during affectionate contact, while cortisol helps regulate the body's stress response and naturally fluctuates through the day. Hormone levels in a small observational study show association, not cause, and do not directly measure happiness or stress.

Why it matters

It suggests that the everyday closeness between cats and their people has measurable effects on both, which may help explain why many cats seem to be strongly attached to their owners.

Written by Pawdeck from the report by Yahoo. Background is general information, not advice about your pet; if you are worried, call your vet.