The study has found that dogs reciprocated these high hormone levels after interacting with their owner. The oxytocin in their blood increased by an average of 57.2% after play, while in cats it rose around 12%.

As such, this confirms that dogs are capable of feeling more love towards their owners, but it also confirms that cats really do feel some affection for their owners – contrary to assumptions that they’re aloof.

“I was really surprised to discover that dogs produced such high levels of oxytocin… the dog level of 57.2% is a very powerful response,” Zak commented.

“It shows these dogs really care about their owners. It was also a nice surprise to discover that cats produce any at all. At least some of the time, cats seem to bond with their owners,” he added.

Images: iStock

Do cats or dogs love their owners more? Science has the answer…