September 26, 2025, 9:57 am | Read time: 6 minutes
Cats are considered independent—sometimes even distant. But scientific findings show that a deeper connection exists between humans and cats during cuddling than many assume. The key lies in a hormone that also connects mothers with their babies: oxytocin.
The “Cuddle Hormone” Also Strengthens the Human-Cat Relationship
Oxytocin, often called the “cuddle hormone,” plays a central role in interpersonal relationships. It is released during hugs or when rocking a child and promotes trust and emotional closeness. Several studies show that this hormone also plays an important role when cuddling with cats.
What Oxytocin Does for Humans and Animals
Oxytocin helps strengthen social bonds, reduce stress, and build trust. A study from 2005 already showed that people under the influence of oxytocin displayed significantly more trust in others during economic decision-making games. 1
Additionally, the hormone lowers the level of the stress hormone cortisol and activates the parasympathetic nervous system—the “rest-and-digest” mode—leading to physical relaxation.
While the effect on dogs has been known for some time, the interplay of oxytocin and cats has only recently attracted scientific interest. It turns out that cats can also trigger this biochemical cycle of closeness.
Oxytocin Release During Petting and Purring
Although cats show their affection more subtly than dogs, many cat owners report similar feelings of comfort and stress reduction. A Japanese study from 2021 found that short petting sessions with cats led to an increase in oxytocin levels for many owners.
A research team from Tokyo University of Agriculture, led by Takumi Nagasawa, examined how everyday interactions with house cats affect the physical and psychological condition of their owners. This was the first comprehensive analysis of the impact of cat contact on heart rate, hormone levels, and emotional states.
The study involved 32 cat owners (26 women, 6 men, average age 39.3 years) from Japan. Each conducted two test sessions at home: one with usual cat interaction (10 minutes) and another in quiet presence without active interaction (also 10 minutes). The order was random.
Emotional states were measured using a standardized scale, saliva samples were taken to determine oxytocin and cortisol levels, and heart rate variability was monitored via chest straps. The result: Oxytocin levels increased significantly compared to a quiet rest phase without touching the cat.
Do Cats Produce “Good” Stress in Us?
The researchers also observed that heart rate increased significantly when cuddling with the cat (from an average of 73.5 to 79.2 beats per minute), while parasympathetic activity—responsible for rest and relaxation—decreased. This means: Instead of relaxation, a state of heightened alertness or excitement occurred.
The hormonal reaction is also interesting: While the oxytocin level increased slightly after cat contact, it was not significant. In contrast, the increase in cortisol (stress hormone) positively correlated with heart rate and also with oxytocin. This coupling suggests a complex physiological interplay.
Emotional changes were also evident: The so-called arousal value (level of excitement) decreased significantly, even though the body was physiologically activated. Apparently, owners subjectively rated the interaction as calming, even though the body signaled the opposite—an intriguing contradiction. 2
Cuddling Together Raises Oxytocin–But Only With the Cat’s Consent
Purring itself also contributes to hormone release. A study from 2002 showed that gentle physical contact with a cat lowers cortisol levels and simultaneously releases oxytocin, which can reduce blood pressure and pain perception.
A study from September 2025 provides further insights into when exactly oxytocin is released in humans and cats. It showed that especially relaxed petting sessions, where the cat seeks closeness, raise hormone levels on both sides, similar to the Japanese study.
Scientists from South China Agricultural University investigated how different attachment styles of house cats affect their behavior toward the owner and the release of the hormone oxytocin. The study was published in the journal “Applied Animal Behaviour Science.”
Thirty cats with different attachments to their owners were included, evaluated using an established test. The researchers found that securely attached cats released more oxytocin in contact with their owners—and behaved more socially and with fewer problems than insecurely attached animals.
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It’s All About the Bond
The bond was determined using the “Secure Base Test” (SBT)—a method originally used for toddlers. It observes how cats behave toward their owners in an unfamiliar environment. The animals were divided into three groups: securely attached (eleven cats), insecure-anxious (eleven cats), and insecure-avoidant (eight cats). Interactions between cats and owners took place in the home environment. Additionally, saliva samples were taken before and after to measure oxytocin levels. Owners also completed a detailed questionnaire about their cats’ behavior.
The results show clear differences in behavior and hormonal reaction depending on attachment style. Cats with secure attachment showed a significant increase in oxytocin levels after cuddling with the owner (P = 0.03), while it tended to decrease in anxiously attached cats (P = 0.08). Additionally, the baseline oxytocin level in saliva was higher in anxiously attached cats than in securely attached animals (P = 0.03), which may explain the weaker hormonal reaction.
Securely attached cats more frequently sought active contact, showed more proximity behavior (like the so-called “approach-hovering”), and made fewer withdrawal attempts. At the same time, their owners were less likely to resort to “forced” physical contact—contacts that were visibly unwelcome to the animals and that they tended to block.
Statistically significant was also the connection between proximity behavior and oxytocin increase (P < 0.01) as well as between proximity behavior and the baseline hormone level (P = 0.01). Additionally, owners of securely attached cats reported significantly fewer behavioral problems and lower anxiety levels (P < 0.01). 3
The Key to a Good Bond? Understanding the Cat’s Language
The studies show: If a cat’s needs and boundaries are respected, oxytocin can strengthen the bond. However, if the animal is forced into closeness, the hormonal reaction is absent or even reversed. Therefore, it remains particularly important for a good bond to understand the cat’s language, meaning: to read its physical signals.
Unlike dogs, which communicate with direct eye contact, wagging tails, and constant proximity, cats use more subtle signals. The so-called “slow blink”—a slow blink—is particularly well-known as a sign of trust. Purring, head-butting, or an upright tail also have important functions. They show how the animal is feeling, and—especially—purring not only calms the cat itself but also the human by lowering heart rate and blood pressure, again mediated by oxytocin.
These regular, small moments of closeness can have a noticeable effect over time. They strengthen the emotional connection and provide psychological support—often comparable to human affection. This can also help with anxiety or depressive moods. Trust must be earned with cats. But when they give it, it is supported by the same hormone that shapes human relationships.