Just based on the overall fervor that dogs have when they greet you at the door, even when you've been gone for a mere 15 minutes, is certainly indicative of love. But is it the ultimate test?
Well, according to science, this debate can finally be put to rest as oxytocin, otherwise known as the "love hormone," shows that dogs do indeed have more love for their owners than cats.
From Book Maester:
Oxytocin is often referred to as the “love hormone” or “bonding hormone” because it is associated with social bonding, trust, and positive social interactions. People who are in love have elevated oxytocin levels when they see their loved ones.
Determining the exact nature of love or affection in animals is challenging due to differences in how different species express emotions and bond with humans.
Dogs and cats have different ways of expressing affection and forming bonds with their owners, and these differences can make it challenging to definitively state that one species loves their owner more than the other.
Dogs are known for their social nature and loyalty. They often display overt signs of attachment, such as wagging their tails, following their owners around, and seeking physical contact. Dogs have been bred over centuries to work alongside humans and are often referred to as “man’s best friend” for their strong bonds with people.
Dogs tend to show more obvious signs of attachment and loyalty to their human owners than cats do. Some studies have shown that dogs’ oxytocin levels rise after interacting with their owners, indicating a positive emotional response.
When humans and dogs engage in positive interactions, such as playing, petting, or cuddling, both species experience an increase in oxytocin levels.
Several studies have used non-invasive methods such as urine or blood samples to measure oxytocin levels in dogs before and after interactions with their owners. These studies have found that oxytocin levels tend to increase after positive interactions, suggesting a positive emotional response to the presence of their owners.
Cats are often considered more independent and less overtly social compared to dogs. This doesn’t necessarily mean that cats don’t form attachments to their owners or experience positive emotions. While they may not display the same exuberant behaviors as dogs, many cat owners can attest to their feline companions showing affection in their own unique ways. Cats may purr, knead, or curl up beside their owners, which can also be signs of attachment.
Well, scientific evidence or not, both cats and dogs are amazing, loving creatures, but dogs are certainly what you could call more "needy" in comparison to their feline counterparts.
