How does keeping a cat (and their brains) affect your brain?

Despite the reputation of the cats for independence, new research shows that we have a special connection with them; A link that Brain chemistry We are formed. The main substance of this bond, Oxytocin Is the name that is often referred to as’Hormone of loveThey say. This is the neurological chemical that is secreted in the embrace of the mother, child or friends. Trust and love Strengthens. New studies now show that Oxytocin It also plays an important role in the bond between cats and humans.

Oxytocin In many animals, including humans, it plays a key role in shaping social ties, creating trust and regulating stress. For example, an experiment in year 2 showed that secretion Oxytocin Human volunteers in financial games were more inclined to trust others. This hormone is also with suppression Cortisol (Stress hormone) and activate Paraxpius nervous system (Rest and relaxation system) helps the body to relax.

For a long time, scientists have known that friendly interactions cause secretion Oxytocin Becomes in their dogs and owners and a Cross -link link It creates. But until recently, much information was unavailable about the impact of this hormone on cats.

Subtle love of cats and new scientific findings

Cats are more subtle in showing their love. However, their owners often report the same warm emotions and stress reduction that dog owners experience; And studies are increasingly supporting these reports. For example, researchers in Japan reported in year 6 that short stroke meetings with cats, surface Oxytocin Increased in many owners.

In that study, women interacted with their cats for a few minutes, while scientists measured their hormone levels. The results showed that friendly call (cauding cat, talk with a gentle tone) with increased Oxytocin It is related to saliva, compared to a quiet rest without a cat. Many people find a snoring cat and research shows that this feeling is not only because of the softness of the cat’s crest. The act of caressing and even the sound of snoring can cause secretion Oxytocin Get in our brain. One study in year 2 showed that this secretion Oxytocin Caused by mild contact with the cat, to decrease Cortisol (Our stress hormone) helps in turn reduce blood pressure and even pain.

When is oxytocin secreted between cats and humans?

Research identifies specific moments that cause the hormone to be secreted in friendship between our species. Mild physical contact seems to be the main stimulus for cats. A study in February showed that when the owners were caressing, hugging or hugging their cats, the surface Oxytocin The owners as well as the cats rose; Of course, provided that this interaction is not imposed on the animal.

Researchers Oxytocin The cats were played with their owner during a 5 -minute game and embraced at home. Cats that were immune -dependent and started calling themselves (such as sitting on your feet or tipping head), a significant increase in the Oxytocin They showed. The more time they spent their humans, the greater the increase.

But what about cats who are less interested in hugging? The same study referred to different patterns in cats with anxious or stepping attachment styles. Setting cats (those who kept their distance) no significant changes in Oxytocin They did not show, while the anxious cats (who were constantly looking for their owner but were easily confused) from the beginning Oxytocin They had high. It was found that Oxytocin The sidelines and anxious cats are reduced after a compulsory hug. When interactions are easily respected by the cat Oxytocin It flows, but when the cat feels trapped in a corner, this transplant hormone escapes.

Maybe humans can learn from their cat friends in managing attachment styles. The key to linking a cat is to understand how they communicate. Unlike dogs, cats do not rely on long -term eye contact. Instead, they use more subtle signals. Most well -known “Slowly blinkIt is a kind of cat and a sign A sense of security and trust Is.

Are cats really less love than dogs?

It is true that studies are generally answers Oxytocin They find a stronger in the interactions of dogs and humans. In a year -old test, scientists Oxytocin The pets and their owners were measured before and after ten minutes of the game. Dogs after playing an average of 5 % on the surface Oxytocin They showed that while cats were about 2 percent. In humans, the surface Oxytocin During social interactions significantly increased. Studies show that contact with a beloved person, responses Oxytocin It produces more powerful than contact with strangers. Therefore, the happy welcome of a dog is similar to the feeling you experience when seeing your child or spouse.

Dogs, which are social animals and are domesticated for permanent companionship Biological planning Have been looking for an eye contact, caressing and approved by us; Behavior that secretion Oxytocin Stimulates on both sides. But cats of ancestors Isolated hunters They have evolved that they did not need obvious social gestures to survive. Therefore, they may be dependent behaviors Oxytocin Do not display easily or continuously. Instead, cats may be secretive behaviors Oxytocin Save themselves for when they really feel safe.

The trust of a cat is not automatic; It has to be achieved. But after granted, this trust is strengthened by the same chemical that creates a bond between parents, partners and friends. So, the next time your cat blinks slowly from the other side of the sofa or for a snoring on your feet, know that something else is happening: Oxytocin In both brains, you are increasing, which deepen trust and relieve the stress of everyday life. Cats in their own way, to Ancient Biology of Love They have come.