Cat owners have higher 'love hormone' levels

Key points

• Cat owners who spend time close to their pets may share higher levels of the so-called love hormone, oxytocin, with them, according to new Japanese research. Scientists at Kyoto University tracked 29 cats and 19 owners for a month, measuring hormones in urine and recording how close the animals stayed to their owners.
• Higher oxytocin in cats was linked to lower stress hormone cortisol and fewer negative moods in owners. Dr Saho Takagi said the quality of the bond may matter more than simply owning a cat.
• The researchers stressed the findings show links only, not cause and effect.