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Scientists Discovered a Surprising Chemical Connection Between Cats and Their Owners

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05.11.2026

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Scientists Discovered a Surprising Chemical Connection Between Cats and Their Owners

A new study suggests cats and their owners share a surprising hormonal connection that could help explain their emotional bond.

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If you have a cat, you likely know just how special the bond between human and feline friends can be. My little black kitty, Poe—named after the Gothic horror writer, of course—certainly boosts my mood (when he’s not being a complete a**, that is).

The same is true for many pet owners: According to a recent study published in iScience, A Cell Press Journal, the oxytocin levels of humans and their cats appear to rise and fall in sync. In other words, their moods and hormones affect each other. And before now, there’s been little research into this topic. 

“Cats are among the world’s most popular companion animals,” the study summary reads. However, “Owner-pet hormonal synchrony is documented in dogs but untested in cats.” 

The researchers set out to change this. 

The Chemical Connection Between Cats and Their........

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