Feeling Down? Research Shows Watching Cat Videos is Good for You

Internet Cat Video Sensation, Maru

Do you love watching cat videos online? A study at Indiana University reveals you're not alone, and may reveal the reason why.

Feeling down? Want to feel better, get rid of negative emotions and have more energy? Watch some cat videos!

Yes, that pop culture pastime and Internet entertainment phenomenon, watching cat videos, does much more than waste time at work or cause you to ignore that burning smell coming from the kitchen...

It may actually make you more productive at work!

If you're a typical Cat Lovers Only reader, you're addicted to cats. Yeah, go ahead, you can admit it. We all can admit it.

We have OCD. Obsessive Cat Disorder. OK, so that's not really a thing, or maybe it is, I just haven't bothered to look it up. I do, however, want the tee shirt.

If you're like the rest of us, when you see a kitten, either online or in purrson... you become jello. Sometimes you're a squeaking, screaming pile of jello. Covered in cat hair.

What you may not realize, however, is that watching cute kitten videos may actually have a profound psychological effect on you. In a good way.

The IU Bloomington Newsroom reports:

"The Internet phenomenon of watching cat videos, from Lil Bub to Grumpy Cat, does more than simply entertain; it boosts viewers' energy and positive emotions and decreases negative feelings, according to a new study by an Indiana University Media School researcher.

The study, by assistant professor Jessica Gall Myrick, surveyed almost 7,000 people about their viewing of cat videos and how it affects their moods. It was published in the latest issue of Computers in Human Behavior. Lil Bub’s owner, Mike Bridavsky, who lives in Bloomington, helped distribute the survey via social media."

That explains all the positive feedback I get concerning cat videos, as well as my own experience. For example, watching Maru slide into the box always gives me a lift.

Here are some of the findings:

• Participants reported feeling more energetic and felt more positive after watching cat-related online media than before.
• They had fewer negative emotions, such as anxiety, annoyance and sadness, after watching cat-related online media than before.
• They often view Internet cats at work or during studying.
• The pleasure they got from watching cat videos outweighed any guilt they felt about procrastinating.
• Cat owners and people with certain personality traits, such as agreeableness and shyness, were more likely to watch cat videos.
• About 25 percent of the cat videos they watched were ones they sought out; the rest were ones they happened upon.

The conclusion? If you're in a slump, have writer's block, feeling sad, or need to tackle a big important task... watch some cat videos. If you're at work, just tell your boss that you'll be even more productive in just a few minutes.

Now, I'd like to know... do you notice a difference in your mood or energy level after watching cat videos?

And, since I don't want anyone feeling down, here are some videos to get you started. Let me know if you feel any better after watching these...

For Your Viewing Pleasure

New momma cat nurses abandoned pit bull puppy...

Maru demonstrates his skills by getting into 2 boxes at the same time...

How cats react to seeing themselves in the mirror is always interesting...

And when you add babies, well, I know, that's just not fair...

Source: IU Bloomington Newsroom

Funny Cat Videos

Cat Lovers Only

Want More Kitties in Your Inbox?

Thank you! You have successfully subscribed to our newsletter.

Want More Kitties in Your Inbox?

Join over 4,000 other cat lovers...

Yes, I Want More Kitties!