Turns out, those snuggles with your furry friend mean more than you think!

A new study published in the journal Anthrozoös looked at how pet owners and their pets touch each other, such as stroking, leaning, and cuddling. The researchers found that it’s not just cute, it is also emotionally meaningful.

On average, people spend about 42 minutes a day in close contact with their pets, especially during relaxing moments, after being apart, or while doing things together.

Just like human-to-human touch, touching pets brings comfort, joy, and a sense of connection. The way owners and pets touch is often similar and mutual, your pet leans in as much as you reach out.

So next time you’re cuddling your dog or cat, know this: that bond is real, powerful, and good for both of you.

Source: Cham, C., Kaufmann, V., & Schirmer, A. (2024). Stroking and Leaning: The Give and Take of Social Touch Between Humans and Their Pets. Anthrozoös, 38(2), 407–426.