Do cats hold the secret to happiness? An international study reveals unexpected correlations

An international team of researchers analyzed publicly available data from 93 countries in a study published in the journal "PLOS One" in October 2026, aiming to examine the relationship between happiness levels, domestic cat density, and exposure rates to the parasite "Toxoplasma gondii," for which cats are the primary host.

More cats.. higher happiness?

The study results showed that countries with larger numbers of cats relative to their population tend to record higher levels of happiness, while higher exposure to the parasite was associated with lower levels.

However, the researchers emphasized the need to treat these results with caution, as the study is based on a comparison between countries and does not prove that raising cats causes happiness, or that infection with the parasite directly leads to its decline.

They also noted that some countries may have a significant impact on the overall results, citing China, which recorded a relatively high level of happiness despite having a lower cat density compared to most other countries.

An unexpected paradox regarding the parasite

One of the most notable findings of the study is that countries with higher cat density recorded lower levels of exposure to the "Toxoplasma gondii" parasite, which contradicts the belief that an increase in cat numbers necessarily means a higher risk of infection.

Although cats play a fundamental role in the parasite's life cycle, they are not the only source of transmission to humans, as infection can occur in other ways.

While most healthy people infected show no clear symptoms, or have limited symptoms, the infection can cause serious complications in high-risk groups.

Previous research has linked infection with the parasite to some mental disorders, including anxiety, depression, and schizophrenia, but the existence of a statistical correlation is not enough to prove that the parasite directly causes these conditions.

Wealth and cat care methods.. influential factors

The researchers took the level of wealth into account, as a factor that may influence happiness levels and patterns of pet ownership and care.

In wealthier countries, there may be greater potential for regular veterinary care, the provision of commercial cat food, and keeping them indoors, which are factors that can influence the chances of exposure to the parasite.

In this context, biologist Javier A. Borráth-León, from the Ramón de la Fuente Muñiz National Institute of Psychiatry in Mexico, explained that the findings challenge the assumption that an increase in cat numbers automatically means higher exposure to the parasite, emphasizing the importance of considering other factors, such as pet care practices, sanitation, and socioeconomic conditions.

What is the importance of the results for public health?

The importance of the happiness study goes beyond personal satisfaction, as levels of psychological well-being are linked to multiple aspects of life, including public health, productivity, and quality of life.

Stress, anxiety, and unhappiness may be linked to declining productivity and an increased need for care and support services, which makes understanding the factors associated with happiness a subject of increasing interest to researchers and policymakers.

This study is part of a body of research investigating the relationship between pets and human health, including studies that have explored the potential link between the presence of companion animals and slowing cognitive decline. However, these findings, in turn, need to be evaluated in light of the nature of the available evidence and the extent of its ability to prove a causal relationship.

Will future studies settle the debate?

Researchers believe that understanding the relationship between cats and happiness requires moving from comparisons between countries to studies that follow individuals over longer periods, comparing cat owners with non-owners.

Such an approach would help determine whether cat ownership is associated with improved psychological well-being over time, and the extent of the influence of other factors, such as economic status, mental health, and the social environment.

In conclusion, the study does not provide conclusive evidence that cats are the secret to happiness, but it reveals a complex relationship in which biological, social, and economic factors overlap, confirming that understanding psychological well-being requires deeper research that goes beyond statistical correlations toward explaining their causes and mechanisms.