Your cat in a bad mood? The reason may be related to you

A new study reveals a close chemical link between the moods of cats and their owners. Levels of oxytocin and cortisol rose and fell synchronously, and the connection was stronger the greater the physical proximity. The study found that high levels of oxytocin in cats are associated with lower levels of cortisol in their owners.

A new study reveals chemical synchronization between the moods of cats and their owners. The study, which lasted a month and involved 19 cat owners and 29 cats, found synchronized levels of oxytocin ('the love hormone') and cortisol (stress hormone) between the cats and their owners. The connection was stronger the greater the physical proximity, and a link was found between high oxytocin levels in cats and lower cortisol levels and reports of fewer negative emotions in their owners. However, the researchers emphasize that the findings do not prove that cats improve their owners' mood, and it is possible that people who feel better tend to spend more time near their cats.