Studies show cats can recognize human emotional distress and often respond with affectionate behavior.
Cats seem capable of empathetic concern. They become more attentive and comforting to crying owners.
Cats may smell biochemical changes that occur with mood disorders. Pheromones signaling stress and anxiety.
Cat parents report their intuitive cats offering comfort when they are sad or grieving a loss.
Purring may help heal humans emotionally. The vibrations are calming and can lessen anxiety, fear, stress.
Cats often jump on their sad owner's lap to get closer and offer soothing purrs and paw kneading.
Some cats bring "gifts" like toys or prey to their distressed owners to cheer them up.