The effects of owner-cat interaction on oxytocin secretion in pet cats with different attachment styles

Abstract

The caretaking and interactive style of owners affect the behavioral health of pets. Research has indicated that attachment style is correlated to the social-cognitive ability and behavioral health of dogs, and oxytocin might be involved in the human-dog affiliative social interaction and emotional attachment. Studies that evaluate the relationship between attachment behavior, owner-cat interaction, and the potential roles of oxytocin are non-existent in pet cats. To address the current gap in knowledge, we recruited 30 pet cats of different attachment styles, as determined by the secure base test (SBT) and observed behaviors of the cats and owners during the free owner-cat interaction. Salivary samples were collected in cats before and after the owner-cat interactions for the detection of oxytocin. Additionally, a questionnaire was conducted to collect individual and behavior-related information of cats. Oxytocin release during free-owner-cat interaction varied in cats of different attachment styles. Oxytocin increased in securely attached cats (P = 0.03) whereas it tended to decrease in cats with an anxious attachment (P = 0.08). The baseline salivary oxytocin in cats of anxious attachment was at higher level (P = 0.03) than securely attached cats. Cats of different attachment styles interacted differentially with their owners (P = 0.02). Overall, securely attached cats initiated more interactions, showed more approach-hovering behavior and fewer escape attempts, and their owners exhibited less forced interactions in comparison with owners of insecurely attached cats. Cat approach-hovering behavior was positively correlated to an increase in oxytocin during free owner-cat interaction (P < 0.01) and negatively correlated to the baseline oxytocin (P = 0.01). Cats with secure attachment style also showed fewer behavioral problems and had lower fear score (P < 0.01) compared to insecurely attached cats. In summary, we found that cats of different attachment styles varied in their occurrence of behavioral problems, and exhibited different interactive style with owners and change of oxytocin during owner-cat interaction which is likely due to the varied basal oxytocin in cats of different attachment styles. The reason for the varied basal oxytocin levels in cats of different attachment styles requires further study. The results of the current study increased our understanding of the relationship of human-cat interaction and cat attachment behavior, and the oxytocin-related endocrinal mechanism that might be underlining the emotional connection between pet cats and owners.