Photograph: Unsplash (free licence).
Quick answer: a team at Kyoto University found that cats with higher levels of oxytocin, the so-called bonding hormone, live with owners who show lower cortisol and fewer negative emotions. Owners who spent more time near their cat reported feeling more energetic. It is a small study and does not prove cause and effect, but it supports what many suspected: closeness with your cat matters.
Cats are often described as independent, yet science keeps finding evidence to the contrary. The latest comes from Japan and was reported in October 2026: a study published in the journal iScience looking at how the hormones of cats and the people they live with are related.
What the Kyoto study found
The team, led by researcher Saho Takagi, followed 29 pet cats and 19 owners for a month. They measured oxytocin and cortisol in urine samples, owners completed mood questionnaires and the cats wore a small device on their collar that estimated their distance from their people at home.
- Cats’ and owners’ oxytocin levels showed a positive correlation.
- Higher feline oxytocin was linked to lower cortisol and fewer negative emotions in owners, particularly less anxiety and confusion.
- Cats with more oxytocin tended to approach people more in a behaviour test.
- Owners who spent more time near their cat said they felt more energetic and vigorous. The number of years living together, however, made no difference.
What the study does not say
The authors themselves urge caution: the sample is small, most owners were women and the study lasted only a month. It does not prove that cats reduce their owners’ stress, nor that hormones synchronise; it only shows that the two occur together. What cat and owner were doing when close was not measured either, so the idea that stroking is the key remains a hypothesis.
How to nurture the bond with your cat at home
- Let them come to you: respect their pace and offer your hand to sniff before stroking.
- A short daily play session: two or three 10-minute sessions with a wand toy or a toy that mimics prey strengthen your relationship and reduce boredom.
- A quiet spot near you: many cats like to rest wherever their person is. A cave bed in the living room gives them security without losing sight of you.
- Scratching post and height: scratching and watching from above are part of their emotional wellbeing.
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Frequently asked questions
What is oxytocin?
A hormone linked to attachment and trust. It has been widely studied in dogs and people; research in cats is more recent.
Does having a cat reduce stress?
This study finds an association, not cause and effect. Living with a cat can support wellbeing, but it is no substitute for professional help if stress or anxiety are significant.
How can I tell if my cat is happy with me?
Common signs are approaching you of their own accord, greeting you with their tail up, slow blinking when they look at you or choosing to rest near you.
Keep reading
- Cat scratching posts: how to choose one and get your cat to use it
- How to choose a bed for your dog or cat
- Several cats at home: how to get organised