Despite popular belief, a new study from the Open University in the Netherlands challenges the notion that pets always buffer stress. Researchers found that intense interactions with cats may actually exacerbate momentary stress in their owners.
Psychologist Mayke Janssens reported, "In cats, we even observed that a higher level of interaction was associated with a stronger link between stress and negative emotions."
The study collected data from 188 participants via ecological momentary assessment, pinging owners multiple times daily to gauge mood and interaction intensity. While both cats and dogs boosted overall positive emotions and reduced negative ones, neither species served as a direct buffer against immediate stress.
Psychologist Sanne Peeters speculated that passive cat interactions might be emotionally evocative in ways that don't match a stressed owner's needs. The team noted that the findings do not suggest one pet is superior; rather, owner personality is key.
Further research is needed to distinguish between positive and negative types of interaction. The study also cautioned that cat owners were underrepresented compared to dog owners, potentially skewing results.
