Science Just Learned Cats Produce Less “Love Hormone” Than Dogs

Science has a way of making us think about our dogs in ways we wouldn’t otherwise think. But who would have thought that one of the coolest things we can learn about our dogs comes from something scientists just learned about cats?

Source: @myhoondal

Recently we learned that dogs’ bodies produce oxytocin when in the presence of their human counterparts. Oxytocin is the hormone responsible for the human sensation of love. The levels of oxytocin in humans have been measured to show we produce more of it at certain times, like when we’re with our mates or offspring, or when we look at pictures like this:

Source: @prettygirldirtymind

The testing of dog levels of oxytocin revealed they get big bursts of the hormone every time they make eye contact with their bonded humans. So science basically told us, “Hey, your dogs really do love you. We checked, and the test came back positive.” But cats, not so much. Cats don’t really fit into the love equation.

Source: @fetch.pounce.love

Cats do in fact produce oxytocin in the presence of their humans, but their levels are far below those of dogs. In fact, dog levels of oxytocin were on average FIVE TIMES HIGHER THAN A CATS. As a strict dog lover, I’m not surprised, and am reassured to know the scientists weren’t either.

Neuroscientist Dr Paul Zak, who assessed the results of the test, said it best in an article on Metro: “It was… a nice surprise to discover that cats produce [oxytocin] at all. At least some of the time, cats seem to bond with their owners.”

But in defense of cats, dog levels of oxytocin are ridiculously high. So high that the results suggest dogs love us even more than we love other humans. What should we make of those results?

“I’m Not Leaving You, Mama!” This is What Love Looks Like.

UPDATE: Lizzie and Phantom are currently recovering in an outdoor koala ward within the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital . They’re doing swimmingly; Phantom is both gaining weight and exploring his temporary habitat. And of course, mama and baby are sharing more adorable cuddles! For most species in the animal kingdom, the bond between mother and baby is incredibly strong. That's pretty much inarguable. But last week, two koalas in Australia further proved it. After they were hit by a car, Lizzie and her joey, Phantom were welcomed into the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital. Six-month-old Phantom had escaped the accident unscathed. Lizzie, however, wasn’t looking so good, what with facial trauma and a collapsed lung. In order to survive, she needed to go under the surgeon’s knife. But this marsupial mama wasn’t alone during the life-saving procedure. Phantom accompanied her and clung to her as she received treatment. The vets let them be; Phantom was too y...

The Sound Of This Baby Rhino Wailing After Its Mother Was Killed By Poachers Will Haunt You

It’s one of the most sorrowful sounds you’ll ever hear, but it’s also a sad reality check for anyone who thinks protected species are safe from illegal poaching. In a video released this in July, a baby rhino named Davi cries for his mother after she was shot and killed by poachers. Most rhinos spend at least three years with their mothers before weaning, the Dodo reports, but Davi’s childhood was cut short at just 8 months old. The baby rhino stood close by his mother’s lifeless body until rescuers arrived. They fitted her with earplugs and a blindfold to calm his anxiety on the way to The Rhino Orphanage in South Africa. Source: YouTube/Terrence Daniels Davi huddles close to his mother’s dead body. It was there that Davi spent the night crying. “His calls for mom echoed deeply and urgently throughout the night, but two carers have been with him every step of the way,” caretakers posted . “At least he is in good physical condition [and] has no injuries...

VOTE YES ON 13 to End Cruel and Inhumane Dog Racing!

Greyhounds have been forced to run their hearts out for so many years in Florida. On average, a greyhound dies on a Florida track every three days. It is home to 11 of the remaining 17 greyhound tracks in the United States. Celebrities and animal welfare groups are coming together to urge the public to vote Yes on Amendment 13. Amendment 13 is a proposed constitutional amendment that would phase out greyhound racing in the state by the year 2020. The cruel and inhumane dog racing industry needs to end and the first step starts with the Florida vote. Voters in Florida will have a historic opportunity to save thousands of greyhounds. Photos: Facebook/Protect Dogs – Yes on 13 Pierce Brosnan, Owen Wilson, Ellen DeGeneres and many more celebrities are coming together to end greyhound racing, by signing a letter to urge people to vote Yes on 13. Protect Dogs-Yes On 13, is a grassroots campaign working to end the cruelty of greyhound racing in Florida. Aside from...

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