As a pet parent, you're never truly alone. It seems as if your cat or dog just knows when you need a snuggle or a hug. But is your pet aware of those emotional moments, or in other words, do dogs and cats have empathy?
Cuddling in your lap and giving you a lick are just a couple of ways that your fur baby shows you that they're tuned into your emotions. There's no denying that cats and dogs communicate with their human families on an emotional level. The question is whether this behavior means that they have empathy.
What Is Empathy?
Having empathy means being able to perceive and identify with another being's emotions, such as sharing in their sadness or joy. This can take the form of crying when you see someone cry or smiling when you see someone smile.
Do Dogs Have Empathy?
In a study on dog empathy published by Animal Cognition, researchers investigated the phenomenon of emotional contagion in dogs. Emotional contagion is defined as someone "catching" another's emotions. This study revealed that dogs respond differently to negative emotional sounds, like crying, versus positive emotional sounds, like laughing. It showed that dogs can match a person's emotional behavior, which is pretty amazing.
Another study in Animal Cognition revealed that dogs even display empathetic behavior toward strangers who are pretending to cry. Rather than shying away from the strangers, the dogs nuzzled and even licked the people who the dogs perceived to be in distress. The researchers who conducted the study, however, interpreted this behavior as an example of emotional contagion as well as a result of being rewarded for similar behavior in the past.
There are also indications that your dog's behavior change as a result of your emotions. For instance, if you're scared of the sound of thunder, your dog may recognize that fear and interpret it as something they should also be fearful of and start to shake or hide when a thunderstorm rolls in. Noticing that your dog's adept at picking up on your emotions can play a big role when you're training them.
Tasty Tips
Do Cats Have Empathy?
This question is a bit trickier to answer because, although they've been domesticated for nearly 12,000 years, cats tend to be more independent creatures than dogs. There simply haven't been many studies performed on cats, empathy and emotions — but that's starting to change.
BBC Earth, citing several studies, notes that while cats can learn to read their humans' facial expressions, this doesn't necessarily mean that they have empathy. Rather, it's likelier that cats have learned to associate their pet parents' positive emotions with rewards.
But despite this lack of measurable empathy, cats are still adept at picking up on nuanced human emotions. You just might not always notice your cat's responses to your emotions. Sometimes, it's all about reading a cat's body language. Ask any pet parent whose cat has curled up beside them during an emotionally charged situation. From placing their paws on your face to the "I love you" slow blink, your feline friend subtly shows their affection for you in a variety of ways. In fact, if they have the right temperament and social skills, your kitty could make a great service cat!
Empathy is a very human attribute, but there's no doubt that your furry friend is there for you during the highs, the lows and every moment in between.
Related products
Hill's Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Small Bites
Hill's Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin dry dog food is gentle on stomachs while nourishing skin & promoting a lustrous coat. In a delicious small bite size
Hill's Science Diet Adult Large Breed Lamb Meal & Brown Rice Recipe Dog Food
Supports healthy joints, lean muscle, and beautiful coat for large breed dogs
Hill's Science Diet Adult Chicken & Beef Entrée Dog Food
Chicken & Beef recipe with precisely balanced nutrition to keep adult dogs active and healthy
Hill's Science Diet Puppy Savory Stew with Chicken & Vegetables
Chicken & Vegetables recipe with great taste and precisely balanced nutrition to help your puppy build immunity and strong bones
Hill's Science Diet Adult Small & Mini Savory Stew with Beef & Vegetables Dog Food
A delicious complement to the nutrition of Science Diet Small Paws dry dog food
Hill's Science Diet Adult Small & Mini Beef & Barley Entrée Dog Food
Beef & Barley recipe with precisely balanced nutrition to keep adult dogs active and healthy.
Hill's Science Diet Adult Small & Mini Chicken & Barley Entrée Dog Food
Chicken & Barley recipe with precisely balanced nutrition to keep adult dogs active and healthy.
Hill's Science Diet Adult Healthy Cuisine Roasted Chicken, Carrots & Spinach Stew Dog Food
Delicious roasted chicken paired with tender vegetables in a succulent stew
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Perfect Digestion Chicken, Whole Oats & Brown Rice Recipe Dog Food
Science Diet's breakthrough nutrition supports ultimate digestive well-being & healthy microbiome for dogs age 7+
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Indoor Chicken Recipe Cat Food
Supports energy level and beautiful fur in mature indoor cats
Hill's Science Diet Adult Small Bites Chicken & Barley Recipe Dog Food
Supports lean muscle for dogs who prefer smaller kibble
Hill's Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin Can Variety Pack
Hill's Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin Variety Pack
Hill's Science Diet Adult Tender Ocean Fish Dinner cat food
Delectable chunks with tender ocean fish smothered in a rich gravy
Hill's Science Diet Adult Indoor Ocean Fish Entrée Cat Food
Precisely balanced nutrition for indoor cats with the delicious taste of savory minced seafood
Hill's Science Diet Adult Lamb Meal & Brown Rice Recipe Dog Food
Supports lean muscle and beautiful coat for adult dogs
Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Weight Large Breed Chicken Recipe Dog Food
Over 70% of dogs lost weight within 10 weeks when fed this nutrition. Delicious food in a large bite size.
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Savory Chicken Entrée Cat Food
Delicious taste of gourmet chicken in precisely balanced nutrition. Provide a synergistic ingredient blend to help support energy & activity level.
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Senior Vitality Chicken & Rice Recipe Cat Food
Improves Everyday Ability to Get Up & Go
Hill's Science Diet Adult Entrée Variety Pack Dog Food
Hill's Science Diet Adult Variety Pack
Hill's Science Diet Adult 11+ Small & Mini Chicken, Brown Rice & Barley Recipe Dog Food
For the unique nutritional needs of mature Small & Mini Dogs
Related articles
Littermates: Is Adopting Dog or Cat Siblings a Good Idea?
If you're considering adopting dog or cat littermates, learn some insightful information that might you decide if adopting siblings is really a good idea.
Bonded Pair Cats and Dogs Can Be Double the Fun
Learn about the special relationship between bonded pairs of cats & dogs and why it's a great idea to adopt both of them together.
Vet Recommended Pet Food Explained
Vet recommended. You see the words on everything from pet food to flea medication. But what does it mean and why should you pay attention?
How Much Water Should Dogs & Cats Drink Each Day?
Learn why water is vital to your pet's health, including how much water dogs & cats should drink per day and what to do if they drink too much/not enough.
Easter for Pets: How to Celebrate a Fun and Safe Holiday
From Easter Lillies to Easter Grass, learn key items to keep out of your pet's reach while they join in your favorite Easter traditions.
What Should I Do With My Pet When I Travel?
Learn helpful tips if you're considering leaving your pet when going on holiday, including ideas for who can watch them, options for boarding them & more.
Pet Food Sharing: Can Cats Eat Dog Food? (& Vice Versa?)
Learn whether it's safe for cats and dogs to eat each other's food, nutritional concerns to be aware of, and how to discourage this behavior.
10 Responsible Pet Care Tips
Get helpful pet care tips you can use every day, such as vet visit and identification advice, to keep your dog or cat happy and healthy.
Easy DIY Dog & Cat Toys: Nine of Our Favorites
Browse this comprehensive guide for several of our favorite DIY dog and cat toys that are sure to put a little pep in your pet's step.
Moving With a Pet: A How-To Guide
Discover helpful tips for moving with your pet including safety recommendations to keep in mind on moving day & pet behavior to watch for at your new home.
Adopting Special Needs Pets
Learn what it's like to adopt a special needs pet and how behavioral challenges or disabilities can be overcome to give them a proper forever home.
Does My Pet Hate Me?
Learn tips for bonding with your pet if you've ever thought, 'My dog doesn't like me, or 'Why do I have a standoffish cat?'
Keeping Your Pet Healthy: Important Questions to Ask Your Vet
Find helpful questions to ask your vet about your dog or cat for your next vet visit to ensure they are happy and healthy.
Importance of DHA in your Pet's Food
Learn about DHA, Docosahexaenoic Acid, a natural omega-3 fatty acid that is essential in the development of the brain and nervous system in cats & dogs.
Benefits of Antioxidants in Pet Food
Discover how antioxidants fight against free radicals in your dog or cat's body, and why they are so important to your pet's diet.
Adopting a Pet: What You Need to Know
Learn the basics of adopting a pet, including where to begin and common questions you should ask yourself when deciding which kind of pet is best for you.
Do Dogs & Cats Have Empathy?
Empathy is an important trait in humans, but can dogs & cats be empathetic as well? Find out what research shows about pets and empathy.
What Dog Breed is Best for My Cat?
Learn why some dog breeds are better for cats than others, including recommendations based on breed size & temperament, and tips for introducing them.
Understanding Sustainable Pet Food: How Your Pet's Food Impacts the Environment
Concerned about your pet's environmental impact? Learn how sustainable pet food can help you care for the planet without compromising pet nutrition.
Keeping Pets Calm During Thunderstorms
Is your dog scared of thunder? Does your kitty dart under the bed at the first rumble? Learn a few tips for keeping your pets calm during the storm.
Put your pet on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your pet's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
Put your pet on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your pet's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.