At what age can cats harm a child's psyche

Spanish scientists analyzed data from nearly two thousand mothers and children, assessing the psychological state of seven- and eight-year-old schoolchildren. It turned out that children who kept cats at the age of four to five more often had emotional and behavioral problems in early school age. At the same time, children who grew up with cats in their first year of life did not show this pattern. The researchers emphasize that the data do not indicate harm from cats, and correlation does not mean causation.

Spanish scientists conducted a study analyzing data from nearly two thousand mothers and their children. The specialists assessed the psychological state of seven- and eight-year-old schoolchildren, including anxiety levels, hyperactivity, and communication skills. It turned out that children who kept cats at the age of four to five more often had internal emotional and behavioral problems in early school age. Notably, children who grew up with cats in their first year of life did not show a similar pattern. The presence of rodents, rabbits, fish, turtles, or amphibians in the home correlated with fewer behavioral difficulties, while birds and dogs showed no noticeable influence. The researchers emphasize that these data do not indicate harm from cats, and correlation does not mean direct causation. Other studies note the positive influence of felines, for example, on the development of empathy in children with autism spectrum disorders.