The psychologist ruled out an unambiguous positive effect of cats on humans

It cannot be unequivocally stated that cats have both positive and negative effects on human mental health due to a lack of scientific research. Maria Tsareva, a clinical psychologist at the Leleya School of Women's Psychology, told Izvestia about this on February 13.

As the doctor emphasizes, there is very little scientific data on the effect of cats on the human condition to unequivocally assert the existence of negative or positive consequences for human mental health.

"In general, there is not enough data to draw conclusions. There are no documented cases of a negative effect of a cat in bed on the psyche with a proven causal relationship. Most sources indicate only a statistical coincidence, but do not prove the impact of the animal on human mental health," she said.

According to Tsareva, clinical practice describes cases when a relationship with an animal becomes dominant and reduces a person's quality of life, but the root cause of this situation is the initial mental state, not the fact of contact with an animal. The doctor noted that there is no diagnosis of "animal dependence" in the international classification of diseases.

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In addition, the psychologist reported that physiologically and psychologically, people react to warm and fluffy in a similar way. So, for both women and men, contact with a cat in bed before going to bed can increase the level of oxytocin (the hormone of attachment), since rhythmic stroking of wool and the feeling of vibration during rumbling stimulates tactile receptors. This reduces feelings of loneliness and reduces anxiety if a person does not have an overt or hidden allergy, Tsareva explained.

"If a cat lies on its chest, stomach, or legs, its warmth and heaviness can act as an anti-stress factor by lowering cortisol (the stress hormone) levels. However, if a cat interferes with sleep, bites, and forces you to wake up at night, cortisol levels will increase," the expert noted.

At the same time, in the morning, the presence of a living being nearby helps to smoothly increase the level of dopamine (pleasure hormone) in both sexes, provided that the cat does not wake up the owner earlier than the expected time.

Andrey Rudenko, Doctor of Veterinary Sciences, said on February 4 that cats use behavioral strategies to manipulate people in order to provide themselves with comfort and resources. According to him, unlike dogs, they do not seek direct subordination and build relationships differently — through managing the owner's attention, resources and mood.

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