University of Chicago Study: Countries with More Cats Show Higher Levels of Happiness

A study conducted by the University of Chicago and released on 2 October 2026 revealed a positive correlation between the density of domestic cats and the level of subjective well-being of the population in 93 countries. The university's senior researcher Dario and his colleagues compared national happiness indices with indicators of cat density, economic prosperity, and toxoplasmosis infection rates.

Subjective well-being, assessed through life satisfaction and happiness indicators, is increasingly viewed as a key indicator of societal development. Although economic factors such as GDP and household incomes are positively associated with well-being, they do not explain all the differences between countries. The researchers noted that having companion animals helps reduce loneliness, strengthen emotional bonds, and lessen stress.

As part of the work, the authors analyzed data on cat density, recent toxoplasma infection rates, and economic indicators. The results showed a significant positive association between cat density and the happiness index, while the correlation with GDP and incomes proved stronger. At the same time, in countries with a higher level of recent toxoplasmosis infection, the population's well-being turned out to be lower.

Even after statistically excluding the influence of GDP and incomes, cat density and infection levels remained among the strongest predictors of happiness. Wealthier countries, as a rule, have more cats, but at the same time a lower level of parasite infection. The researchers explain this by the fact that in affluent states cats are more often kept indoors, vaccinated, and given commercial food, whereas in less wealthy countries the animals more often roam freely.

The authors emphasize that the associations found are correlational in nature and do not allow for claims of cause-and-effect relationships. "We cannot claim that a greater number of cats makes people happier, nor that toxoplasma infection reduces well-being — however, these patterns are interesting and require further study," the researchers note. The work shows the need to take biological and ecological factors into account alongside traditional socio-economic indicators when analyzing the well-being of a population.

Thus, the study opens a new direction for understanding how human interaction with animals may be reflected in the societal level of happiness, and emphasizes the importance of a comprehensive approach to studying quality of life.