In one study, people with cats reported experiencing fewer negative emotions and feelings of seclusion than people without cats. In fact, singles with cats were in a bad mood less often than people with a cat and a partner. (Your cat is never late for dinner, after all.)
According to science, if you spend 15 – 30 minutes a day petting, cuddling, and playing with your cat, your overall mood can be boosted. This is the result of a rise in serotonin (feel good hormone) and a decrease in cortisol (stress hormone). Good feelings win!
Cats are beneficial to us from a mental and physical health perspective. Because of a cat's ability to calm us, lower our stress levels, and offer companionship, they are great therapy animals for a wide variety of uses and patients.
The General Social Survey shows that dog owners are much more content than cat owners, with 36% of dog owners calling themselves 'very happy', compared to only 18% of cat owners. Those who own dogs are also happier than those who don't, showing that dogs really do bring great joy to their owners' lives.
Pets, especially dogs and cats, can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, ease loneliness, encourage exercise and playfulness, and even improve your cardiovascular health. Caring for an animal can help children grow up more secure and active. Pets also provide valuable companionship for older adults.
Cats help our children with autism and ADHD by providing them with unconditional love. Cats are not concerned if your child has good social skills or can carry on a conversation. They love to be cared for and appreciated for who they are. Our kids can sense that and enjoy that love for them from their pets.
Can Cats Sense Anxiety and Anxiety Attacks? Research has demonstrated that cats can sense anxiety and anxiety attacks as well.
An interest in animals cracked the top 30 and, after diving deeper, Wealth-X found that the rich tend to be dog people rather than than cat people. One animal did beat out dogs as the favorite, though: horses.
The general pattern that comes out of both studies is that dog owners are more social, interactive, and accepting, and cat owners (who own cats exclusively) are more introverted, self-contained, and less sociable.
There is a fair amount of research to suggest that cat owners tend to be more trusting of other people, and also have the inclination to be more socially sensitive. Psychology Today also mentions that cat people often score higher in intelligence, and tend to be more intellectually curious.
Cats have been known to help with loneliness, anxiety, depression, and more, just like dogs. If you're looking for a pet that requires a little less attention, a cat might be your best bet. They still make for great companions, but they're also okay with being alone for a while.
Pairs are Happier. Despite their independent natures, cats are social creatures that need companionship to thrive. Left alone, a cat can develop behavioral problems, and in some cases, even show signs of depression. Cats in bonded pairs, on the other hand, are more likely to be better adjusted.
Mikel Delgado, cat behavior expert with Rover, confirmed that cats can, indeed, feel affection for humans. “Cats can have a lot of the same emotions that we do, including liking to be around us and enjoying our presence,” she says. “I believe they are capable of enjoying relationships with us and even loving us. ”
“Petting or cuddling your cat can reduce the levels of cortisol, the stress hormone, in your body,” she says. “This leads to feelings of calm and happiness, decreased heart rate and blood pressure, and a calming of anxiety.”
The most common emotional support animals for depression are dogs and cats. Emotional support animals can be used in several different environments, including schools, airports, college campuses and at home.
Emotional support animals provide comfort and stress relief to people suffering from mental health issues. Dogs are the most common type of emotional support animal because they are good at gauging human emotion and take well to special training.
Dog owners, for instance, are more likely to seek comfort from their pet in times of stress, more likely to play with their pet, and more likely to consider their pet a member of their family. Those differences suggest a stronger social bond with their pets, which could create a greater sense of well-being.
One of the key differences between the cat brain vs the dog brain is their cognitive function. As discussed, cats are independent thinkers and problem solvers, while dogs tend to be more socially intelligent and trainable.
According to a study done by the nutrition company, Canadae, they discovered that the person who makes the most effort is the favorite. People who communicate with their cat by getting to know their cues and motives are more attractive to their cat companions.
According to a study by Spectrem Group, 58% of millionaire pet owners have a dog. Only 37% own a cat. Only 3% keep fish, 2% birds and 2% have a horse. Those stats are far more canine-leaning than the rest of the country.
Either way, there's evidence that cats comfort humans when sad. "When pet parents are depressed, cats rub against them more often. It's likely your cat is responding to your emotional state by trying to comfort you or draw your attention," McGowan says.
Cats can sense how people are feeling, so your cat actually can tell when you're sad. “Cats can definitely sense when you are sad because they are highly attuned to your normal behaviors and moods, and if there is a change, they sense it,” Dr. Wooten told The Dodo.
All in all, even the most aloof and brooding cat will be able to pick up on your warmth and devotion. Whether they choose to admit it or not, they can sense when a person loves them (and hates them). So always make sure you're emitting good, kitty-positive vibes, and your cat will be sure to indulge in the lovefest.