The cuteness of cats actually triggers responses in our brains that have a positive impact on us
There are few things more charming than cute cats. Whether they run around the room in a fit of meows or purr in our laps, cats provide unlimited entertainment. Even when they knock glasses off the table or sit on our laptops while we try to work, they’re still so charming… and we can’t help but love them.
While we know that cats are adorable (and the millions of feline videos proliferating on social media certainly confirm this!), we wonder what exactly makes them that way? The cuteness of cats actually triggers responses in our brains that have a positive impact on us on an instinctive and psychological level. We spoke to two psychiatrists to explain how our furry feline friends can affect our mood and well-being.
Even for those who don’t like cats, it’s hard to deny the allure of a furry kitten. That’s because there are scientifically proven reasons why we find cats as adorable as we do. A study published in Frontiers in psychology found that cats’ faces have a similar emotional effect to babies’ faces, causing the brain to produce more oxytocin, also known as the “love hormone.”
“When we look at photos and videos, be they of cats, dogs or children, we establish a very deep connection with our emotional brain, entering into an intense harmony and having manifestations that imply very positive feelings such as comfort, companionship and even with a loving attitude “, explains the psychiatrist Fábio Scaramboni Cantinelli, professor at the Institute of Psychiatry of the Hospital das Clínicas in São Paulo.
Oxytocin released
For him, among other explanations, there is confirmation that this occurs due to the release in the brain of certain substances linked to well-being, such as serotonin, endorphin, dopamine – which is the neurotransmitter linked to the reward centre, but mainly to the aforementioned oxytocin.
Released into our brains under the right circumstances, oxytocin has the power to regulate our emotional responses in a way that makes us happier, more trusting, and more open to others. Thanks to oxytocin, we experience a feeling of comfort and calm that takes away anxiety and worry.
“Animals, and this is what we find in literature, are sentient beings (capable of feeling and experiencing feelings such as pain, anguish, loneliness, love, joy, anger, etc.), who have the ability not only to feel, but to transmit emotions. And since their love is usually very sincere, they convey this feeling of friendship, trust and extreme love that they feel,” says Cantinelli.
And that’s not all. He emphasizes that direct contact with pets also causes a very positive, healthy mood, pleasant to feel, and implies this connection with our deep emotional brain and the release of these feel-good substances that are endogenously linked to this condition.
Lovingness and compassion
“These substances bring an immediate, unlimited and absolute perception of deep love and compassion. A feeling of relaxation, of belonging,” says the psychiatrist, adding:
“The most positive sensations that human beings can experience are found unconditionally, and this word is important, in animals. This awakening of happiness, which is not regulated by any other issue in the complexity of human existence, is a state of very simple life and absolute happiness.”
Psychiatrist Danielli Admoni, residency supervisor at the Federal University of São Paulo, says the interesting thing is that people, in most cases, don’t look for these kitten videos that appear on the Internet. They are working, using their cell phone or computer for another purpose and suddenly a video appears.
“So, first there is the problem of the break. The person was concentrated on an activity and takes this break, which is something relaxing. Indeed, for any study or activity, everyone has their own routine, but the right thing to do is to give time to the activity and take a break for a while longer. Otherwise, the person will not be able to pay as much attention. And this simple fact of taking a break is a very beneficial thing. And, of course, there is the problem that the activity the videos are photos, the kittens are cute”, says the professional.
Identification
Danielli adds that in addition to the pause there is identification, and this is a craze, with videos that have millions of views. “We really like it when we see human activities in felines. For example, the cat playing with the iPad, dropping objects on the floor.” And he also mentions that there are studies that show that, in addition to making you think, these videos help reduce stress, anxiety and depression.
“Most likely, due to the release of dopamine, there is an activation of the limbic system, our reward system. In this way, the person does or sees something and has a huge release of pleasure through the release of this neurotransmitter So, we always look for this pleasure, this reward in the simplest way. And that’s what happens when we watch the video,” he observes.
And what exactly in cats causes our body to release these substances? In addition to identification with human activities, children’s characteristics, scientists say. Known as “social liberators,” the cat’s infantile characteristics — a large head with a round face, large forehead and eyes, and small nose and mouth — engage our protective and loving instincts. This may explain the meaning of the common expression “fur baby”.
So, considering all the fun facts about how cats can be powerful, mysterious, and cute at the same time, it’s no wonder that people can’t wait to get some affection, even just by watching a video that make them stop and laugh a little.
Sources:
Danielle H. Admoni: general, child and adolescent psychiatrist, residency supervisor of the Federal University of São Paulo (Unifesp/EPM) and specialist of the ABP (Brazilian Association of Psychiatry)
Fabio Scaramboni Cantinelli: psychiatrist at the Institute of Psychiatry of the Hospital das Clínicas of the USP (IPq/HC/FMUSP) and at the NuFor (Centre of Forensic Psychiatry of the IPq); head of Psychiatry at the ICESP (State Cancer Institute of São Paulo); professor at IPq/FMUSP and member of the Brazilian Psychiatric Association (ABP).
Women’s World website
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
