The idea that 'just having a cat nearby makes you feel better' might be a scientific fact. A research group from Kyoto University and Azabu University announced on October 15th that cat owners who spend more time in close proximity to their cats tend to have higher vitality. The research results were published on October 14th in the scientific journal 'iScience'.
The research group investigated the relationship between cats and their owners over approximately one month, involving 29 cats and 19 owners. They attached small Bluetooth devices to the cats' collars to measure their distance from owners, and also surveyed the owners' moods. Urine samples from 24 cats and their owners were analyzed to measure the concentrations of 'oxytocin,' related to affection and social bonding, and 'cortisol,' related to stress.
The study found a correlation: the higher the oxytocin levels in owners, the higher the oxytocin levels in their cats. Furthermore, owners with higher oxytocin levels in their cats reported fewer negative moods, and owners who spent more time in close proximity to their cats showed a tendency towards higher vitality.
According to the research, it was not the number of years owning a cat, but rather how much time was regularly spent near the cat, that correlated with the owner's positive mood. This suggests that not just owning a cat, but daily interaction and time spent together, are important.
Project Assistant Professor Saho Takagi of the research group points to the possibility that a physiological connection mediated by oxytocin is involved in the experience where owners feel comfort when cats sit on their laps and cuddle, or purr when petted.
The research group plans to further investigate how cats and humans influence each other in their daily lives.
