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PETS<br />
Did lockdown<br />
make cats more<br />
affectionate?<br />
For many cat owners, cuddling up<br />
with furry friends helped them<br />
cope during the pandemic. But how<br />
has this affected our companions?<br />
In the past year, more of us stayed<br />
home than ever before, and pets<br />
of all types were thrown by the<br />
change in routine. A new study<br />
from the Universities of York and<br />
Lincoln confirms this, with results<br />
noting that 65% of pet owners saw<br />
a change in their pets’ behaviour<br />
during the first lockdown in 2020.<br />
Nearly 36% of cat owners reported<br />
that their feline friends were more<br />
affectionate. And most owners<br />
noted that changes in behaviour<br />
were positive, with 10—15% saying<br />
their pets were more playful and<br />
20-30% noting that they seemed<br />
more relaxed.<br />
Scientists suspect the change<br />
in cats specifically being more<br />
affectionate is likely due to humans<br />
seeking extra contact, and their cats<br />
seeking more… treats.<br />
Even though the affection may be<br />
driven more by a cat’s belly than its<br />
heart, the benefits of contact with<br />
our pets can’t be denied. In a 2019<br />
survey by Cats Protection, nine out<br />
of 10 cat owners said owning a cat<br />
helps their mental health.<br />
Lockdown restrictions may<br />
be lifting, but it’s safe to say pet<br />
cuddles are always going to be the<br />
cat’s pyjamas.<br />
Writing | Kat Nicholls<br />
<strong>happiful</strong>.com | September <strong>2021</strong> | 11
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