Cats may have a reputation for independence, but emerging research suggests we share a unique connection with them – fueled by brain chemistry.

The main chemical involved is oxytocin, often called the love hormone. It’s the same neurochemical that surges when a mother cradles her baby or when friends hug, fostering trust and affection. And now studies are showing oxytocin is important for cat-human bonding too.

Oxytocin plays a central role in social bonding, trust and stress regulation in many animals, including humans. One 2005 experiment showed that oxytocin made human volunteers significantly more willing to trust others in financial games.

Oxytocin also has calming effects in humans and animals, as it suppresses the stress hormone cortisol and activates the parasympathetic nervous system (the rest and digest system) to help the body relax.

Scientists have long known that friendly interactions trigger oxytocin release in both dogs and their owners, creating a mutual feedback loop of bonding. Until recently, though, not much was known about its effect in cats.

Cats are more subtle in showing affection. Yet their owners often report the same warm feelings of companionship and stress relief that dog owners do – and studies are increasingly backing these reports up. Researchers in Japan, for example, reported in 2021 that brief petting sessions with their cats boosted oxytocin levels in many owners.

In that study, women interacted with their cats for a few minutes while scientists measured the owners’ hormone levels. The results suggested that friendly contact (stroking the cat, talking in a gentle tone) was linked to elevated oxytocin in the humans’ saliva, compared with a quiet resting period without their cat.

Many people find petting a purring cat is soothing, and research indicates it’s not just because of the soft fur. The act of petting and even the sound of purring can trigger oxytocin release in our brains. One 2002 study found this oxytocin rush from gentle cat contact helps lower cortisol (our stress hormone), which in turn can reduce blood pressure and even pain.

Snuggling with a cat can help suppress the stress hormone cortisol. Photo: nguyenhonstudio

When is oxytocin released between cats and humans?

Research is pinpointing specific moments that cause the release of this hormone in our cross-species friendship. Gentle physical contact seems to be a prime trigger for cats.

A February 2025 study found that when owners engaged in relaxed petting, cuddling or cradling of their cats, the owners’ oxytocin tended to rise, and so did the cats’ – if the interaction was not forced on the animal.

The researchers monitored oxytocin in cats during 15 minutes of play and cuddling at home with their owner. Securely attached cats who initiated contact such as lap-sitting or nudging showed an oxytocin surge. The more time they spent close to their humans, the greater the boost.

What about less-cuddly felines? The same study noted different patterns in cats with more anxious or aloof attachment styles. Avoidant cats (those who kept their distance) showed no significant oxytocin change, while cats who were anxious (constantly seeking their owner but easily overwhelmed by handling) had high oxytocin to begin with.

Oxytocin of avoidant and anxious cats was found to drop after a forced cuddle. When interactions respect the cat’s comfort, the oxytocin flows – but when a cat feels cornered, the bonding hormone is elusive.

Maybe humans could learn something from their feline friends on managing attachment styles. The key to bonding with a cat is understanding how they communicate.

Unlike dogs, cats don’t rely on prolonged eye contact to bond. Instead, they use more understated signals. The most well known is the slow blink. It’s a feline smile, signalling safety and trust.

Purring also plays a role in bonding with people. The low-frequency rumble of a cat’s purr has been linked not only to healing in cats themselves, but also to calming effects in humans. Listening to purring can lower heart rate and blood pressure; oxytocin mediates these benefits.

The companionship of a cat, reinforced by all those little oxytocin boosts from daily interactions, can serve as a buffer against anxiety and depression – in some cases providing comfort on par with human social support.

Are cats just less loving than dogs?

It’s true that studies generally find stronger oxytocin responses in dog–human interactions. In one widely discussed 2016 experiment, scientists measured oxytocin in pets and owners before and after ten minutes of play. Dogs showed an average 57% spike in oxytocin levels after playtime, whereas cats showed about a 12% increase.

In humans, oxytocin levels rise during meaningful social interactions. Studies show that contact with a loved one produces stronger oxytocin responses than contact with strangers. So, a happy dog greeting is akin to that rush of seeing your child or partner.

Dogs, being pack animals domesticated for constant human companionship, are almost hard-wired to seek eye contact, petting and approval from us – behaviour that stimulates oxytocin release in both parties. Cats, however, evolved from more solitary hunters which didn’t need overt social gestures to survive. So, they may not display oxytocin-fueled behaviour as readily or consistently. Instead, cats may reserve their oxytocin-releasing behaviour for when they truly feel safe.

A cat’s trust isn’t automatic; it must be earned. But once given, it is reinforced by the same chemical that bonds human parents, partners and friends.

So, next time your cat blinks slowly from across the sofa or climbs on to your lap for a purr-filled cuddle, know that something invisible is happening too: oxytocin is rising in both your brains, deepening the trust and soothing the stress of daily life. Cats, in their own way, have tapped into the ancient biology of love.

Laura Elin Pigott, Senior Lecturer in Neurosciences and Neurorehabilitation, Course Leader in the College of Health and Life Sciences, London South Bank University

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license.

The post What owning a cat does to your brain (and theirs) appeared first on CATFENCE.

Originally published in the Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery, “Meeting the Physical and Emotional Needs of Indoor Cats” outlines a comprehensive framework to support the wellbeing of cats living exclusively indoors.

While indoor living reduces exposure to many physical dangers, the statement emphasises that safety alone is not enough — emotional and behavioral needs must be prioritised equally.

Meeting the essential environmental needs of each cat will reduce their distress and the likelihood of behavioural disorders and stress-related medical issues. Central to a cat’s needs are five essential pillars:

The Position Statement serves as a resource for veterinarians to guide client conversations, behaviour consultations, and environmental enrichment plans. For cat caregivers, it offers an accessible way to evaluate whether their indoor cat’s needs are truly being met.

“Indoor-only cats are often assumed to be the safest, but it is more challenging to meet their needs, impacting their physical and emotional health and resulting in more caregiver concerns about behaviour,” said Ilona Rodan, DVM, DABVP (Feline), AdvCertFB, Chair of the FelineVMA Feline Welfare Committee. “This Position Statement helps caregivers and veterinary practices recognise the essential daily needs of cats who are often physically and emotionally underserved.”

– Source: FelineVMA

The post How to meet the physical and emotional needs of indoor cats appeared first on CATFENCE.

By Anne Quain, University of Sydney
Top photo: antibydni/Shutterstock

Cats may rule the internet, but humans often misconstrue feline behaviour.

Earlier this year, the Washington Post boldly declared cat’s aren’t jerks – they’re just misunderstood. This was prompted by research showing that, contrary to unhelpful stereotypes, cats are not antisocial. They can and do bond closely with humans.

The more we learn about cats, the more we realise they are complex individuals with unique personalities and preferences, capable of learning.

From understanding your cat’s language to keeping them safe and healthy – here are science-backed tips to improve the lives of your feline flatmates.

1. Pay attention to body language

Cats communicate with humans using body language and vocalisation. However, while cats direct meows at humans, and the meows vary depending on the context, humans are not great at decoding them. But we can read cat body language.

For example, slow blinking is likely to indicate a positive emotional state. Cats who are not happy (for example, don’t want to be touched) will freeze, move away, flatten their ears, hiss, or – if they feel they have no other option – scratch or bite.

It is better to allow cats to approach you on their terms, rather than pushing for social interaction. A cat approaching you with their tail up is giving a friendly signal, while a tail swishing from side to side signals annoyance.

Cats should always have the option to opt out of any interaction, like being touched. If you aren’t sure, just “ask”: stop patting them. If they walk away, they’re not keen. If they rub their head against you, they want to continue the interaction.

2. Provide a healthy environment

The American Association of Feline Practitioners and the International Society of Feline Medicine have agreed upon five pillars of a healthy feline environment:

1. A safe space so that cats can retreat if frightened.
2. Multiple, separated key resources (food, water, toileting areas, scratching areas, play areas and resting or sleeping areas) so that cats can comfortably conduct their daily activities.
3. Opportunity for play and predatory behaviour, such as games with wand toys that simulate hunting.
4. Positive, consistent and predictable human-cat interactions, respecting a cat’s choice about whether and how they interact.
5. Respecting the importance of a cat’s senses by avoiding undesirable stimuli (strong smells and loud noises), and providing desirable sensory stimulation (for example, use of catnip or silver vine).

These pillars provide a useful checklist. If you read this and realise your cat’s food and water are right next to the litter tray, you can improve your cat’s environment (and their experiences of eating and toileting) by separating these resources right now.

3. Clean the litter tray!

A litter tray may represent an unpleasant chore to you, but the importance of a spacious litter tray to your cat cannot be overstated. Cats prefer using a clean litter tray, even if they are the only cat in the household.

Cats like to spend time in the tray before, during and after toileting, and they generally prefer a large tray.

Poor litter hygiene is associated with a risk of urinary problems, which can be life-threatening.
A survey of over 12,000 Australian cat owners found that urinary problems were more common in households with a low number of litter trays per cat, less frequent removal of faeces from the trays, and the use of crystal-type cat litter.

If you switch the type of litter you provide, a slow transition is recommended to allow cats to get used to the change.

4. Read the room

Do you have more than one cat? Tension between household cats is common but often overlooked, as it’s not always physical fighting. Signs of inter-cat tension can include prolonged staring, or even blocking the use of resources such as the litter tray or cat door, to prevent other cats from using them.

In their 2024 intercat-tension guidelines, the American Association of Feline Practitioners note this can case chronic fear, anxiety and stress-related illnesses in cats.

Learning to recognise and manage tension between household cats can improve the welfare of all parties.

When you love your cat, it is tempting to seek to amplify the joy by adopting another. But many cats prefer to be the only cat in the household, and don’t cope well with a feline flatmate. If they have positive interactions with familiar, trusted humans, they’re unlikely to be lonely.

5. Keep cats and other animals safe

Historically, domesticated cats earned their keep protecting grain stores from rodents. But what constitutes responsible cat ownership has changed. Around 65% of Australia’s cat owners confine their cats indoors always, while 24% keep their cats confined at night.

A major driver for indoor-only housing of cats is their predation of wildlife. Another is concerns about roaming-associated risks to cats, including cat fights, infectious diseases (such as feline immunodeficiency virus or FIV), misadventure and motor vehicle trauma. But owners of cats kept entirely indoors were more likely to report “problem” behaviours.

Ideally, cats shouldn’t be allowed to free-roam unsupervised where they can harm wildlife, even within the bounds of the property where you live. More than a third of local councils in Australia now require cats to be contained overnight or 24 hours a day.

Outdoor access provides sensory stimulation, with different sights, sounds and smells. Alternatives to free roaming include providing access to a well-designed cat run, harness-training your cat, or supervising your cat.

Cats who don’t leave home unless they’re moving house or being taken to the vet, quickly learn to associate the cat carrier with a trip to an unfamiliar environment. It doesn’t take a genius to work out that a vet visit is imminent when the carrier comes out.

But that negative association can be changed. Cats who were rewarded with treats when they approached, stepped inside or rested in the carrier for six weeks were much less stressed during veterinary visits.

Cats are intelligent, and contrary to popular opinion, can be trained. The process can be enriching for cats and humans alike. With patience and commitment, you can train your cat – from a simple “sit” to voluntarily stepping into the cat carrier.

In short, give cats choice, respect their “cat-ness”, pay attention to their needs and try to see our world from their point of view. Your cat will be happier for it.

Anne Quain, Senior Lecturer, Sydney School of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

The post 5 tips from a vet to help your cat live their best life appeared first on CATFENCE.

Is it a sign of happiness, a call for attention, or something more?

Cats purr by rapid movement of the laryngeal muscles, orchestrated by neural oscillators in the brain.

Here’s the delightful Felix, a Siberian cat who lives with us here at catfence.nz. Isn’t his purr impressive?

While a purr often signals contentment, it’s a multifaceted expression, carrying layers of meaning and purpose in your cat’s life:

Contentment and comfort

The most recognised reasons cats purr is when they’re happy and relaxed. This could be while lounging in the sun, snuggling with you, or after a satisfying meal.

Healing and pain relief

Cats’ purring is their built-in healing mechanism. Ranging from 25 to 150 Hz, purring aids in tissue regeneration, bone healing and pain relief.

Mother-kitten communication

Kittens are born blind and deaf, but they can purr from a few days old, helping them communicate with their mother and bond effectively.

Stress and anxiety

Surprisingly, cats also purr when they’re nervous, stressed, or in in pain. Purring serves as a self-soothing tool, helping them calm down when distressed.

Attention-seeking behaviour

Sometimes, cats purr to get your attention and communicate their needs, such as hunger of the desire for interaction.

Sign of friendship

When cats purr around other cats of humans, it can be a sign of friendship and a non-threatening way to communicate their peaceful intentions.

Source: purrfectfence.com

The post Why does my cat purr? appeared first on CATFENCE.

Or that the pupils in cats’ eyes can expand up to 300-fold when it’s darker, while human pupils grow only 15 times bigger?

Although it may seem like cats are far more sensitive than us, there are some ways in which their senses are weaker. For example, cat vision is blurrier and has less colour than human vision.

For a really fascinating look at cat senses, see this article from National Geographic (you can get free online access by registering your email address).

The post How cats sense the world appeared first on CATFENCE.

You may wonder why your cat is doing this and how to stop it. In this article, we will explore the reasons behind this behavior and provide some tips on how to prevent it.

Why do cats scratch furniture?

Scratching is a natural and instinctive behavior for cats. They scratch to stretch their muscles, mark their territory, and sharpen their claws. In the wild, cats scratch trees or other rough surfaces to remove the outer layer of their claws and keep them healthy. Indoor cats may not have access to suitable scratching surfaces, so they may resort to furniture, carpets, or curtains instead.

How to stop your cat from scratching furniture

There are several ways to prevent your cat from scratching furniture. Here are some tips to try:

1. Provide suitable scratching posts

Invest in a few scratching posts that are tall enough for your cat to stretch out and sturdy enough to withstand vigorous scratching. (We recommend Big & Strong cat climbing posts.) Place them in areas where your cat spends most of their time, and encourage them to use them by sprinkling catnip or treats on them.

2. Trim your cat’s claws

Regularly trimming your cat’s claws can help reduce the damage they can do to furniture. It is best to start this when they are kittens so they can get used to it. We trim our cats’ claws every three weeks. If you’re unsure how to do it, ask your veterinarian or a professional groomer for advice.

3. Deter your cat from scratching furniture

There are several ways to deter your cat from scratching furniture, including:

• Applying double-sided tape or aluminium foil to the areas they scratch. Some cats don’t like the texture or sound of these materials and will avoid them.
• Using a citrus-scented spray or a spray that contains a bittering agent, which will discourage your cat from scratching.
• Placing a scratching post in front of the furniture they usually scratch.

4. Provide outdoor activities for your cat

Although some cats seem perfectly happy indoors, others will constantly remind their owners that they prefer the outdoor life.

Outdoor activities can be a great way to keep cats active and stimulated, which can help reduce their desire to scratch furniture. Consider installing a cat fence system to keep your cat safe and secure while they explore the outdoors.

Conclusion

Scratching is a natural behavior for cats, but it can be destructive to furniture. Providing your cat with appropriate scratching posts, trimming their claws, and using deterrents can help prevent this behavior. Additionally, providing outdoor activities for your cat can help reduce their desire to scratch furniture. With patience and persistence, you can train your cat to scratch appropriate surfaces only, and you’ll enjoy a harmonious relationship with your furry friend.

Image by Александр Смирнов from Pixabay

The post Why cats scratch furniture – and how to stop it appeared first on CATFENCE.

Families have lost loved ones. Homes have been washed away or toppled in landslides. Businesses and vital infrastructure have been destroyed. Many are still without water, power and communications.

It has also been an extremely hard time for many animals, including wildlife, livestock and pets.

The photo above shows part of a litter of kittens taken in by Franklin Cat Rescue. The text that accompanied the photo on their Facebook page is disturbing:

“These little dots with their umbilical cords still attached were saved from drowning in a flooding paddock; sadly, two of their siblings weren’t so lucky. Thanks to ‘Z’ for saving, drying and warming them and getting them to us. Our hearts are broken for those little angels & their mumma, whom we hope will reappear so we can help her.”

This was just one of many social media posts from pet rescue groups related to cats that had been abandoned during the cyclone, but found and rescued (luckily) by a kind person who happened to see them. And all of this was happening on top of another busy “kitten season” for our cat rescues, as a result of roaming cats who have not been desexed.

We are indeed fortunate that there are so many dedicated people – mostly unpaid – doing everything they can to care for these little creatures. A huge thank-you to all of them.

And good luck to all of you who are cleaning up and facing the daunting task of rebuilding after Gabrielle.

The post Animal rescuers among cyclone heroes appeared first on CATFENCE.

Kat is a veterinarian and lecturer in animal welfare in the School of Veterinary Science at Massey University.

Her research focuses on interactions between humans and animals to develop a nuanced understanding of why and how people make the decisions they do about how animals are managed.

Today, she spoke with Kathryn about a number of cat-related issues, including the value of keeping cats contained on the owner’s property.

Below is an edited version of the interview. You can hear the full interview at rnz.co.nz.

The post Cat containment discussion with Dr Kat Littlewood appeared first on CATFENCE.

Writing in a recent issue, Molly Kelsey looks at the best ways to keep your cat safely in your garden (while keeping other cats out).

Molly, aka the Cat Counsellor, shares our belief that contained cats are happiest when they have a rich environment including the things they enjoy. As she says:

• Cats love mint, honeysuckle and catnip. Plant some in a soil bed away from plants you don’t want dug up or slept on.
• Solid A-frame plant trellises can make great climbing structures for cats. Make sure they are stable, with no loose nails, and won’t tip over.
• Consider added hiding places such as crates that can be hidden with ground cover plants overtop.
• Ensure there is a nice sunny spot for sunbathing and other important jobs. Some cats will appreciate a dedicated outdoor litterbox – this can help reduce them using your garden beds.

Thanks Molly for a timely and useful article – and for helping let cat owners know that cats can be safe and happy at home (with help from catfence.nz). 🙂

The post Cat-proof gardens in Kiwi Gardener magazine appeared first on CATFENCE.

PLUS… To celebrate International Cat Day, we’re having a sale!

We’ll discount all Oscillot cat fence components by the value of the GST. Don’t miss this one-day sale, on 8 August only!

Simply enter the Coupon Code catday2022 when you order from catfence.nz, and your purchase will be discounted by the value of the GST.

The post International Cat Day: Tips on cat scent communication appeared first on CATFENCE.