Owning a cat will change your brain. Here's how.

Owning a cat triggers oxytocin—the "love hormone"—in both humans and felines, fostering bonding and reducing stress. Research shows that gentle petting, purring, and slow blinking increase oxytocin levels in both species, though cats' responses are more subtle than dogs' (12% vs. 57% increase during play). This chemical connection explains why cats provide emotional comfort and can lower blood pressure, but only when interactions respect the cat's boundaries.