Over 70% of dogs lost weight within 10 weeks when fed this nutrition
Delicious roasted chicken paired with tender vegetables in a succulent stew
Delicious roasted chicken paired with tender vegetables in a succulent stew
Over 70% of cats lost weight within 10 weeks when fed this nutrition
Over 70% of cats lost weight within 10 weeks when fed this nutrition
Precisely balanced nutrition with the delicious taste of minced liver & chicken to support 5 essential building blocks for lifelong health
Learn the scientific reasons why we have such strong connections with our pets, and what science says about the love between humans and our furry friends.
An Orange cat eating from a bowl filled with mixed food
Learn more about littermate syndrome in dogs and cats and how to successfully navigate adoption and early socialization processes.
Do you often hold your dog's head in your hands, gazing into his eyes while talking to him? Does the purring of your cat in your lap make your heart swell? Millions of pet parents adore their fur babies, and now science can explain the chemistry behind your love for pets and their love for you.
A Japanese study reported on by Science found that dog owners experienced a jaw-dropping 300 percent increase in oxytocin levels after spending a half hour with their dogs, including time gazing into their eyes. That locked gaze is key, the scientists found. In fact, the scientists saw no oxytocin increase in the dogs and owners who had spent little time looking into each other's eyes.
Oxytocin is a hormone that plays a powerful part in the bonding, trust and altruism between a mother and her infant. It's so powerful, in fact, that it is often called "the love hormone." Like the Japanese study found with dogs, oxytocin is released in both a mother and baby when the two gaze into each other's eyes.
While it can be proven that you have love for pets, have researchers proven that dogs love us back?
Young pets may need several visits in their first year for vaccinations. Adult pets generally benefit from annual check-ups, while senior or special-needs pets might require more frequent visits.
What about cats? Cats are often described as standoffish and likely do not require the same amount of attention that your dog demands from you. But can you love your cat? Can your cat love you?
Studies on whether humans can actually feel love for their cat are scarce, but Zak tackled the issue of whether a cat can feel love for you by conducting a test similar to the one he conducted with dogs. After ten minutes of play with their owners, the ten cats in Zak's study showed an increase of as much as 12 percent in oxytocin levels. While this is a significantly lesser change than the 57.2 percent increase Zak observed in dogs, it indicates that the effect of contact with humans is similar. The finding was unexpected. "At least some of the time, cats seem to bond with their owners," Zak told The Telegraph.
In perhaps a better indication of love, a study published by Behavioural Processes shows that a majority of cats actually like interacting with humans even more than they enjoy eating. A preference for petting over food? Now that is saying something.
So, that feeling of sadness when you have to leave your pet at home while you go to work, and that feeling of excitement your pet gets when you finally come home are signs of true love. Remember that the next time your pet accidentally goes potty in the house or scratches up your furniture.
Kara Murphy is a freelance writer and pet parent who lives in Erie, Pa. She has a goldendoodle named Maddie.
Over 70% of cats lost weight within 10 weeks when fed this nutrition
Delicious roasted chicken paired with tender vegetables in a succulent stew
Over 70% of cats lost weight within 10 weeks when fed this nutrition
Delicious roasted chicken paired with tender vegetables in a succulent stew
Learn more about littermate syndrome in dogs and cats and how to successfully navigate adoption and early socialization processes.
An Orange cat eating from a bowl filled with mixed food
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Our low calorie formula helps you control your pet's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
Our low calorie formula helps you control your pet's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.