Research shows that cat ownership helps – and hinders – anxiety and depression. Here's how cats can affect mental health.
Cat friends are known to be the perfect antidote when you're feeling down or stressed, with pats, cuddles and gentle purring helping to put a smile on your face again.
It's no surprise that it's over45 millionAmerican households harbor at least one kitten.
But having a cat around doesn't always go smoothly for some. Pet ownership has also been linked to an increase in symptomsangstIndepression.
Scientific research on the impact of cats on our mental well-being is mixed.
“Having a cat has been proven to benefit onepositive impact on mental health, depression and anxiety, for many reasons and in many ways,” says a licensed marriage and family therapistCassandra Fallon, the regional clinic director at Thriveworks in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
Depression
One less2017 surveyfound that cat owners reported significantly less feelings of depression than dog owners, and other research below explores how cats can influence specific symptoms.
For example,lonelinessis a major symptom of depression, and feeling lonely has also been linked to the development of the condition.
But having a cat can help combat this by '[their people]a feeling of being needed[and] provide companionship,” explainsDr. Jamie Whittenburg,-inveterinarian at Cat World and director of Kingsgate Animal Hospital in Texas.
INSurvey from 2006found that single women (compared to those living with a partner or children) who had a pet were less likely to experience depressive symptoms.
Pet ownership is also foundlight updepression after the loss of a loved one.
Researchers in 2013
Angst
But it's not just depression symptoms that cats can help alleviate: our feline friends can also help reduce feelings of anxiety.
Researchers in 2008found that 44% of cat owners got “a sense of security” from their cats.
Compared to non-pet owners, othersresearchersfound that people with furry friends reported less anxiety. Research has also shown that cats (and animals in general) have a beneficial effect on reducing anxiety among peoplechildren with autismIn
The calming influence of cats may stem from a physiological effect, says Whittenburg. "Petting or cuddling your catcan lower the level of cortisol, the stress hormone, in your body,” she says. “This leads to feelings of calm and happiness, reduced heart rate and blood pressure, and calming anxiety.”
Plus, Fallon adds, being around a cat can help clear our minds of negative thoughts. “Physical touch and having a cat to care for helps us focus on a bigger picture than our internal [challenges].”
While all this evidence sounds good, there is research indicating that owning a cat – or pets in general – has no effect on depression or anxiety. For some, it can even worsen psychological symptoms.
A 2020 studyof adults aged 50 and older found no difference in depressive symptoms between pet owners and those without pets.
In the meantime, make sure you have a high level of attachment to a petincreasedsymptoms of depression and loneliness in a 2010 study. New Zealandresearcherssaw that people who lived alone with pets were "more likely to report diagnoses of depression and anxiety."
Two separate Japanese studies also examined the influence of cat ownershipteenagersInpregnant peoplerespectively.
Both found that people with cats had worse mental health. Although the causes were unclear, researchers suggested this may have been due to cat owners:
- are associated with lower self-esteem
- get less exercise and time outdoors (compared to people with dogs)
When it comes to anxiety, symptoms can also be exacerbated by behaviors and activities related to ownership.
Especially if you're a new owner, "it can be challenging," Fallon says. “Not knowing how to meet basic needs can promote worry and anxiety about doing something that could harm them.”
Other factors can also cause or increase anxiety. Cutler explains that some stressors can include:
- education
- behavioral problems
- litter box problems
- medical worries
- take care of the cat when you are not at home
- financial responsibility associated with ownership
It's not just humans who experience trauma, depression and anxiety: animals can experience it too. For example, felines can evolve
Furthermore, as intuitive creatures, cats are sensitive to the feelings and emotions of their owners, Whittenburg notes, and they can sense those emotions and become anxious.
According to Cutler, signs of cat anxiety include:
- aggression
- changes in sleep patterns
- loss of appetite and weight loss
- to hide or try to escape
- increased meowing or other vocalizations
- pace or difficulty relaxing
- increased care
“Any of these symptoms should prompt a visit to your vet,” Whittenburg adds.
Does 'transfer' apply to pets?
However, if you are experiencing depression, you don't have to worry about "transmitting" the symptoms to your cat.
“I believe that depression is not contagious, and that a clinically depressed owner is not a threat to their cat's mental health as long as they can properly care for it,” says Whittenburg. "I don't think there is a cycle between pet and owner."
As Whittenburg notes, “every person and every mental health diagnosis is different.” So if you have depression or anxiety, it doesn't necessarily mean that owning a cat will make symptoms worse.
However, she recommends that “owners talk to their doctor before getting a new pet if there is any possibility that the stress of caring for [it] could worsen their condition.”
If you're struggling with depression or anxiety, remember that support is always at hand. Fallon recommends that possible treatments include:
- talk therapy
- medicine
- participation in other activities that may lead to improved symptoms
And if your cat's behavior or the stress associated with caring for it is contributing to your symptoms, talk to a vet about "support needed or education about the unknown," Fallon adds.
Millions of people have a cat friend and report thisownership brings joy, security,and company. Study results also support such benefits.
However, some studies have found that being a cat parentbe able toincreases symptoms of anxiety and depression. This may be due to factors such as ownership-related finances, mischievous cat behavior, and pre-existing trust and esteem issues.
More research needs to be done – especially around cats – to better understand how the relationship between humans and cats can affect mental health. In the meantime, if you think your cat is contributing to your anxiety or depression, you can ask a doctor or veterinarian about steps that might help.
Still curious about pets and our mental health? You can take a deeper dive by visiting ourCentral hub for pets.
