Can Cats Sense Depression and Anxiety in Humans? Feline Empathy and Its Role in Emotional Support

Viral videos of cats running to their humans when they pretend to cry are just one of many signs that they might be more in tune with us than we realize. 

If you have a cat and you’ve ever had one of those days where everything seems to go wrong, you know the comfort they can bring when you just curl up with them and listen to their purr. 

Maybe you’ve had one of those days and as you plopped on the couch to zone out to Netflix, they suddenly appear. Two big green eyes staring into your soul lying down on top of you, letting you feel their calming vibrations. In that moment, the racing thoughts dissipate and all you can focus on is how utterly adorable they are. 

But is it just a coincidence that they’re around whenever you need them or can they really sense when you’re down? In this article, we’ll discover how cats understand and react to human emotions. Are they actually aloof or just independently intelligent? Let’s find out. 

How Do Cats Sense Human Emotions?

Cats are masters of observation. Like dogs, they can pick up on subtle changes in body language, voice tone, and facial expression. Just the way we move around the house can let them know when you’re not yourself.  

A popular study titled Emotion Recognition in Cats found that cats were more likely to approach their human when they used a calm and gentle voice (versus an angry or neutral one). This study suggests that not only can they sense our emotions, but they can even respond to whether or not we want to interact with them.

Another study also showed the bidirectional relationship we have with our cats. Interacting with them can shift both the human’s and the cat’s cortisol (stress) levels. This means that when we’re stressed, our cats can reduce our cortisol levels, and vice versa. It also suggests the potential that cats can sense our emotional state and respond in a way to help us both feel more relaxed and connected.  

Finally, cats are also creatures of habit, so if your routine is all off, they’ll definitely notice. They’re incredibly sensitive to their environments, so any shifts and they’ll wonder what’s going on. 

Signs Your Cat Might Sense Your Anxiety or Depression

Let’s say you had a day from hell and you’re ready to come home and unleash a primal scream into your pillow. You open your door, and before you plop on the couch, your cat starts weaving between your legs with a little furry figure-eight. Are they just hungry or are they giving you some love and affection (...or both)? 

Here are just a few ways that a cat might start acting differently after noticing heightened emotions: 

• Extra Cuddles: If your cat is more on the independent side but you notice they become extra affectionate when you’re upset, they might be sensing your need for comfort. It doesn’t have to just be cuddles, they might follow you around or just hang out nearby more.

• Energy Mirroring: Cats are good at mimicking, so if you’re moving around in a slow haze, they might seem even more lethargic and quiet, or calmer with fewer zoomies.

• Protectiveness: Sometimes cats can try to almost guard you by positioning themselves between you and other people or things (like the door). They might be trying to protect you. 

• Vocal Changes: Cats might start meowing more or differently if they sense your energy is off. They might be checking in or feel confused about what’s going on with you. 

• Presents: A (hopefully) toy mouse might end up on your pillow more often when you’re upset. They might be trying to feed you and cheer you up. 

Why Cats Make Great Emotional Support Animals

With their calming cuddly vibes, silly antics, and vibrating purrs, cats have a lot to offer when it comes to emotional support. 

Stress Relief

As billions of internet videos will tell you, cats are pretty great at distracting us and making us laugh. More than that, they can actually ease feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and depression. Cats usually have a calming presence in general (providing they’re not overly bored and stressed out, which can lead to excessive meowing, zoomies, and attention-seeking behavior).

Their purring is something incredibly unique, where the frequency can ground us and potentially calm our heart rates. Plus, if we have physical contact through cuddles and purrs, our nervous system may calm down even more. 

Purpose and Routine

Caring for them can also increase a sense of purpose. Now, a furry soul depends on you for love, attention, and basic healthcare and food. So when you’re having a hard day and they look up at you with those beautiful eyes asking to play, you can’t stay in bed and say no. 

They also add structure to your day since they truly love routine (like going to bed and waking up at the same time daily). Routine helps with anxiety and depression by offering predictability and a sense of control and stability, which helps us feel safer and calmer. One large review paper even found that disruptions to our routines make us more likely to feel anxious and depressed. 

Low Maintenance

Cats are usually pretty low maintenance. They need around 30-60 minutes of moderate activity a day to feel calm and healthy. If they’re an indoor cat, that can be reached through an exercise wheel and a few 10-minute playtime breaks (which is healthy for you to stay active and take non-screen work breaks). 

Feline Comfort: What Studies Say

A large review paper reported that pets and their owners develop strong connections, with pets offering emotional support particularly during moments of crisis. They might be able to offer extra support when our emotions are heightened, suggesting they understand when we’re off. 

Another study on cats with different temperaments highlighted that those with a calm, affectionate vibe especially helped their humans reduce stress and anxiety. Their heart rates were lower, suggesting that cats can physically calm us down. Even their mere presence impacted participants’ emotions, helping them feel more relaxed overall. 

Also, remember that cats are more likely to come to you and want to spend time with you when you speak to them gently and calmly. Just like humans, they’ll want to stay away from someone who’s angry, suggesting that they really do read our emotions through our tone as well as our facial and body language. 

Finally, a study on children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) found that about 30% formed a strong bond with their cat. So much so that they became almost glued together, with the cat following them around, greeting them when they got home, and sleeping together. Their close relationship actually improved the child’s social interactions within their own family. For example, one child who previously avoided physical touch began holding her mother’s hand when the cat was on her lap. Cats can quite literally open us up to feel more comfortable with emotional connections, even in challenging situations. 

How Cats Respond to Anxiety and Depression

Just like humans, cats all have their own unique personalities (or cat-onalitites). Each one might respond a bit differently to how you’re feeling. Some might be more affectionate, with certain breeds tending to cuddle more, like Ragdolls, Siamese, or Maine Coons (check out this article on the best emotional support cat breeds). Meanwhile, other cats might get more curious and playful, maybe in order to try and distract you. 

Cats might also stay nearby to offer a grounding presence, helping you stay in the moment. They’re great at living in the now and can be a good reminder for you to try and do the same. Plus, their natural tendency to want routine allows you to create a more structured day, helping to increase a sense of control and safety in its predictability. Plus, focusing on them might shift your attention away from any spiraling thoughts, giving you a bit of a mental break.

Finally, their rhythmic purr really can help while you’re feeling down. If they come to cuddle you, it might help regulate your emotions by calming your breath and heart rate. Put together, they can help manage stress, anxiety, and depression.

Ways to Foster a Deeper Bond with Your Cat

If you’re not feeling as connected with your cat as you’d like, there are definitely ways to build a stronger bond. Here are some tips:

• Regular playtime: Like most animals, cats love to be mentally stimulated. Without enough, they can get stressed (just like humans). That means they might become more aloof, anxious, and act out. Playing with them regularly (at least 30 minutes a day, which can be broken up into smaller time chunks) can strengthen your connection and make them happier. They’ll recognize you help them, making them feel more comfortable around you. 

• Routine: Cats love predictability. Inconsistent schedules can stress them out and make them not understand when you’re free to spend quality time with them. Try giving them a dedicated time daily where you can bond, like a bit of time when you wake up, before you go to bed, and when you get home from work. 

• Comfy spaces: We all know how much cats love boxes and trees. They feel safest when they have spaces where they can hide out and watch over their territory. Try adding more spots for them around your home and install some cat trees where they can sleep or play from up high. 

• Boundaries: Every cat has their own unique needs. Depending on their personality and history of any trauma, they might have very distinct likes and dislikes. You can build trust with them by respecting their boundaries (like no belly rubs, leaving them in peace while they sleep or eat, or waiting for them to come to you instead of vice versa). Their body language will tell you what they do and don’t accept (like swatting at your hand when it reaches for their belly). 

Certifying Your Cat As an Emotional Support Animal

If you have a mental health condition and your cat gives you emotional support, you’ll likely qualify for an ESA letter. ESAs don’t need specialized training, you just need a licensed mental health professional to certify that they help you.

With Pettable, for example, you can get matched with a professional who will meet with you online. You’ll explain your symptoms and how your cat helps you manage them. From there, they’ll decide if your cat meets the ESA requirements. If so, they’ll write a professional letter that qualifies your cat as an ESA and is valid for one year. With this letter, you’ll be able to take your cat to any new housing, even if they have a no-pet policy.

FAQs

Can any cat be an emotional support animal? 

Yes, any cat can qualify to be an ESA. They only need to provide emotional comfort that helps you manage your mental health symptoms. 

Do cats actually understand human emotions?

Cats are very observant and can pick up on when something’s off. They usually react to changes in our behavior, voice, and body language. While they don’t understand emotions the same way we do, they know when something’s wrong. 

Are cats better than dogs as emotional support animals?

It really depends on your personal preference and lifestyle needs. Some people might not be able to manage all the time a dog needs in a day (like 1-2 hour walks). Cats are more independent, allowing for a little more wiggle room with your time. They might feel less overwhelming, with some being super cuddly and just wanting to sleep 18-20 hours a day. 

The Unspoken Bond Between Cats and Humans

Cats have a special way of understanding and comforting us. From cuddles for comfort to silliness for distraction, they can do so much for our mental health. They can ground us in the present, keep us in our routines, and calm our heart rates when we’re upset. 

If you already have a cat in your life, or are looking to get one, just know that the bond runs deep. You can nurture your relationship and feel closer to them than you ever thought possible with an animal. They’re there to celebrate your happy moments with you as well as lay on your lap when you’re lonely — they'll stick around through it all and stay by your side, no matter what.