Laura Elin Pigott

Oxytocin appears to contribute to bonding between cats and their owners, with relaxed petting, cuddling and cat-initiated contact associated with increased levels in both animals and humans. The hormone may also reduce stress and support feelings of calm and companionship. Cats generally show smaller oxytocin responses than dogs and communicate affection more subtly, so respecting their comfort and allowing them to initiate contact is presented as central to building trust.

Research suggests that oxytocin contributes to bonding between cats and their owners, with gentle petting, cuddling, play and cat-initiated contact associated with increases in the hormone. The effects vary according to feline attachment style: relaxed, securely attached cats may show stronger responses, while avoidant or anxious cats can experience reduced oxytocin when interaction is forced. Cats generally display subtler social signals than dogs, including slow blinking and purring, and studies indicate that cat-human interactions may reduce stress. Dogs still tend to produce stronger oxytocin responses, likely reflecting their more social evolutionary history, but cats can form deep bonds when trust and personal boundaries are respected.

A runner’s high is not caused solely by endorphins. Research suggests that exercise activates several interacting brain systems, especially the endocannabinoid system, whose chemicals can cross the blood-brain barrier and produce calm, reduced anxiety, pain relief and wellbeing. Endorphins, dopamine, serotonin, noradrenaline and BDNF also contribute to pain regulation, motivation, focus, mood and longer-term cognitive benefits. Running alters communication between brain networks, potentially explaining feelings of mental clarity and immersion, while regular exercise can improve stress regulation, sleep, neuroplasticity and emotional resilience even without euphoria. The experience is most commonly associated with 30–60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous aerobic exercise, although genetics, fitness, sleep, psychological state and expectations influence whether it occurs.

Dogs can detect human emotions through vocal tone, facial expressions, body language and scent, with brain-imaging studies showing specialized responses to human voices and faces. Research also suggests emotional contagion between dogs and owners, while mutual eye contact can trigger an oxytocin feedback loop that strengthens bonding. Domestication appears to have enhanced dogs’ social and emotional abilities, although they likely respond to observable emotional cues rather than literally understanding human thoughts.

Recent research presented at the European Stroke Organisation Conference found that women aged 18 to 49 using combined oral contraceptives were about three times more likely to experience a cryptogenic stroke than non-users, even after adjustment for factors such as obesity and migraines. Other research involving more than two million women linked combined hormonal methods—including pills, patches and vaginal rings—to higher risks of stroke and heart attack, while a progestin-only IUD showed no increased risk. Synthetic oestrogen may promote clot formation, raise blood pressure and alter blood-vessel function, with smoking, migraines and genetic clotting tendencies potentially increasing the danger. The absolute risk remains low, but the large number of users makes the population impact significant. The findings underscore the need for clearer risk communication, more balanced contraceptive information and greater investment in women's health research, while recognising that pregnancy and the postpartum period carry higher clot and stroke risks.