Can Cats Sense Depression & Anxiety in Humans?

• Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.

Cats can be highly attuned to their caretakers and can even sense depression and anxiety in their humans. That’s right, your cat knows when you’re sad or stressed. By using a combination of visual and auditory cues and observing physiological and environmental changes, they can get an idea of how you’re feeling.

We spoke with Dr. Erin Schroeder, a veterinarian and Wellness Pet Education Partner, to learn how cats sense emotions. With her expert insight, we explore how cats can detect depression and anxiety and boost mental health.

How Cats Sense Emotions

Cats use visual, auditory, physiological, and environmental cues to sense human emotions. Here are various ways that they pick up on signals that a person is anxious, depressed, stressed, or sad.

Visual

Cats are nothing if not observant, says Dr. Schroeder.  “Because they’re so tuned into patterns, even small shifts in behavior don’t go unnoticed,” she adds.

By regularly interacting with you and observing your behavior, your cat forms a mental picture of what’s “normal” for you. And they’ll be quick to notice when something is different, like a change in your posture or your typical movements.

Your cat may also be able to sense your mood based on your expression. Research on the subject is limited, but cats appear capable of interpreting human facial expressions. In a 2020 study published in the peer-reviewed journal Animals, the participating cats showed a functional understanding of highly arousing emotions like happiness and anger.

Auditory

When it comes to sensing human emotions, cats appear to rely almost as much on auditory clues as visual ones. In the 2020 study referenced above, cats were able to match human facial expressions with their corresponding vocalizations. Researchers used a purring sound to indicate happiness and a hissing sound for anger.

Experts have theorized that cats developed the ability to interpret human emotion to facilitate communication during domestication. This may explain why cats only meow at humans, not other cats. Over thousands of years, they developed a specialized language to communicate their needs and express their feelings to people.

Aside from having a general understanding of the sounds associated with certain human emotions, Dr. Schroeder says your cat can sense shifts in your tone of voice. Specifically, cats may know something is off when the pitch or pace of your speech changes. Additionally, your cat may also learn to associate sounds like crying with a negative emotional state.

Physiological

Along with visual and auditory clues, cats rely heavily on scent to understand their surroundings and navigate relationships. Pheromones—chemical signals released by glands in the face and paws—play a significant role in inter-cat communication. As such, your cat may also use their nose to tell what’s going on with you as well.

Though it hasn’t been studied in cats, research demonstrates that dogs are able to detect elevated cortisol levels in human breath and sweat. With their own sensitive nose, your cat might be able to tell when your body starts releasing higher levels of hormones like cortisol and adrenaline during periods of stress or anxiety.

Your cat might also pick up on physiological cues like changes in heart rate or breathing. Anecdotally, some cat parents have even reported their cats alerting to high blood pressure by lying down on their chest.

Environmental

Cats derive a sense of security from a predictable routine and environment. It won’t escape your cat’s notice if you stay in bed a few hours later than usual or restlessly pace around the house when you normally relax on the couch.

Dr. Schroeder suggests that this same sensitivity extends to the emotional climate of your home. When your cat senses you’re feeling depressed or anxious, for example, they may follow you more closely or offer more affection.

Your cat might not know exactly what your behavior means, but they’ll pick up on any change from the norm. In these ways, not only can cats sense anxiety and depression in their human companions, but they sometimes seem to mirror it.

Ways Cats Improve Mental Health

Cats can sense depression and anxiety in humans through a variety of means, but can they help alleviate symptoms? Research suggests yes.

Companionship

Cats have the capacity to form strong bonds with humans, making them excellent companions. Having a cat may reduce feelings of loneliness and social isolation, both of which are common in people with depression and anxiety. Whether your cat likes to cuddle or prefers to simply share your space, having them around can provide a sense of comfort.

Physical touch

From gentle headbutts to hours spent curled up on your lap, physical contact with your cat can boost your mood. In a 2023 Japanese study, just 10 minutes of feline interaction was associated with reduced cortisol and increased oxytocin levels. Oxytocin, also known as the love hormone, is shown to have a positive effect on stress, depression, and anxiety.

Routine and responsibility

Cats thrive on predictability, but building a routine around meeting your cat’s needs could benefit your mental health as well. A routine provides structure and a sense of security for both you and your cat. Plus, the responsibility of caring for a cat can offer a renewed sense of purpose.

Stress relief

Cats will purr to calm themselves, but purring is shown to be scientifically soothing for humans, too. Even if they’re not actively purring, studies have shown that petting your cat can reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and trigger the release of endorphins. And there’s also something to be said for the healing power of laughter when your cat gets up to their silly antics.

Cats as Therapy Animals

Though significantly less common than therapy dogs, Dr. Schroeder insists cats with the right temperament can make equally effective therapy animals. Therapy cats generally have a calm but confident demeanor. They’re friendly, patient, and happy to interact with different people in a range of environments.

Whereas dogs are known for their enthusiastic energy as therapy animals, cats often provide a quiet, comforting presence. They might rest peacefully in your lap, soothing you with their gentle purrs. Others provide positive distraction through play, or sensory comfort through petting and grooming sessions.

To determine whether your cat is a good fit for therapy work, check out the Standards of Practice in Animal-Assisted Interventions (AAI). When you’re ready, register yourself and your cat as a therapy team with an organization like Pet Partners to get started.