A volunteer opportunity at some Pittsburgh-area animal shelters is as beneficial to humans as it is for pets: cuddling, particularly with kitties. Beyond helping to socialize shelter cats to prepare them for adoption, cuddling can have stress-relieving physiological benefits for humans, according to scientists at Washington State University, who studied the issue. “Just 10 minutes can have a significant impact,” said Patricia Pendry, an associate professor in WSU’s Department of Human Development, in a press release. “Students in our study that interacted with cats and dogs had a significant reduction in cortisol, a major stress hormone.” At the same time, social interaction between people and pets can increase levels of the “happy hormone” oxytocin, according to Dr. Jeremy Barron, medical director of the Beacham Center for Geriatric Medicine at Johns Hopkins, in a release. These are reasons why many universities bring out shelter dogs and cats on campus during exam time to help lower students’ stress levels.

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