Feeling low? Your cat might not be the comfort you think, study suggests (opens original article in a new tab)

A study found that pet interaction temporarily improves mood but doesn't reduce stress, with cats showing no significant stress relief and possibly worsening mood compared to dogs, though the study had limitations in sample size and measurement methods.

• Interacting with pets improved mood short-term but didn't reduce stress
• Cats showed no significant stress reduction and might worsen mood compared to dogs
• Study had limited statistical power due to fewer cat owners and simplistic measurement methods
• Pets' personalities and interaction quality likely influence outcomes