Study Finds Dogs and Cats Boost Mood but Do Not Buffer Stress

Researchers from Open University, Maastricht University and the University of Basel surveyed 188 dog and cat owners using a smartphone‑based Ecological Momentary Assessment over five days, collecting nearly 8,000 momentary reports of mood, stress level and pet interaction.

The data show that being with a pet – whether a dog or a cat – is linked to more positive emotions and fewer negative emotions at the moment of contact. However, interaction with pets did not lessen the emotional impact of stressful events. Psychologist Mayke Janssens said, “Interaction with neither species acted as a buffer for negative emotions.”

For cat owners, higher levels of interaction were associated with a stronger relationship between stress and negative emotions, suggesting that, in some cases, cat contact may even amplify stress‑related feelings. The study concludes that while pets improve immediate mood, they do not function as a psychological shield against stress.