A survey study exploring the effect of having cats as a companion animal on the mental wellbeing of women in the United Kingdom

Abstract

Background: For a long time, cats have lived closely with humans, providing joy, support, and protection. This bond likely affects the mental health and overall wellness of their owners. Despite mixed evidence on the mental health benefits of pet ownership, data specifically on cat ownership is limited. This study tries to explore how owning a cat influences women's mood and emotional well- being, and how companion cats impact mental health. 

Methods: An exploratory quantitative survey was conducted using an anonymous online questionnaire distributed through social media. Data collection occurred over four weeks, with a total of 60 participants completing the survey. The collected data were subsequently analysed using SPSS. 

Results: The study revealed that 80% of respondents had a high emotional attachment to their cats, and 98% interacted frequently with them. The mean Warwick Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale (WEMWBS) score among female cat owners was 47.8. Among respondents, 54% had only one cat, while the lowest mean WEMWBS scores were found in those with more than five cats. Participants who had owned a cat for over 10 years had the highest mental well-being scores, in contrast to those who had owned a cat for less than one year. Regarding age, the highest mean score of 55.5 was observed in the 75-84 age group, and the lowest mean score of 40.7 in the 18-24 age group. White respondents had higher mean WEMWBS scores compared to other ethnic backgrounds, with no Black participants. A statistically significant association was found between emotional closeness and mental well-being in female cat owners (p=0.001). 

 Conclusion: This study provided significant insights into the relationship between the number and duration of cat ownership and the mental well-being of female owners, a topic not clearly addressed in previous research. Future studies should explore the specific factors influencing varying levels of well-being among cat owners and to better understand the complex relationship between human-animal bonds and mental health.