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Anxious cats just want real cuddles from their human

<div> <div class="copy"> Anxious cats aren’t comforted by the scent of their absent human alone. It just reminds them that their human is gone. Most cats that love their human form a strong bond and feel less stressed in their presence. You might often see your kitty snuggling up in your clothes and enjoy being around things that smell like you. However, in a new <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0168159121002318?via%3Dihub" target="_blank">study</a> published in Applied Animal Behaviours Science, researchers found that the scent alone isn’t enough to keep them happy when they are alone. “Olfaction (smell) is an important sense for cats, and it’s related to their social behaviour. But in our study, [owner-scented objects] did not have a stress-reducing effect,” says Kristyn Vitale of Unity College, US, who was part of the study. “The smell might even make matters worse for some.” As part of the study, cat owners put an item of clothing with their pets in an unfamiliar testing room. The owner then sat on the floor for a while before exiting the room and leaving the scented item with the cat. Most of the kitties paid no attention to the scented item and acted just as stressed as when there were no ‘comfort items’ available. In fact, 38% of actually became more vocal when the scented item was in the room. This suggested that the scent reminded them of their absent human and made them sad. But when the owners returned, most of the happy cats rubbed against their owners in a display of bonding. This is a sign of the Secure Base Effect, where the cats felt happy and secure in the presence of their human. In this simulation, the researchers showed that a scented item did not elicit the same secure base effect. The researchers suggest that leaving an item with a cat just isn’t as good and a real cuddle. Instead, they encourage owners to be present with their cat as much as possible to reduce anxiety. If it lets you.  <img id="cosmos-post-tracker" style="opacity: 0; height: 1px!important; width: 1px!important; border: 0!important; position: absolute!important; z-index: -1!important;" src="https://syndication.cosmosmagazine.com/?id=166105&title=Anxious+cats+just+want+real+cuddles+from+their+human" alt="" width="1" height="1" /> </div> <div id="contributors"> <a href="https://cosmosmagazine.com/nature/anxious-cats-just-want-real-cuddles-from-their-human/">This article</a> was originally published on <a href="https://cosmosmagazine.com">Cosmos Magazine</a> and was written by <a href="https://cosmosmagazine.com/contributor/dr-deborah-devis">Deborah Devis</a>. Deborah Devis is a science journalist at Cosmos. Image: VictorHuang/Getty Images </div> </div>

Family & Pets

Man makes “cuddle blanket” to hug his gran amid coronavirus pandemic

A man in the United Kingdom has shown he will go to great lengths to make sure his loved ones still get their daily dose of happiness despite the strict social distancing measures in place due to coronavirus. 29-year-old plasterer Antony Cauvin’s came up with an innovative method to maintain social distancing rules by placing a humble shower curtain between him and his granny. Antony altered the curtain to have arms so he could still hug his nana without touching her. He dubbed his ingenious invention as the “Cuddle Curtain” with his wife posting a video of it in use on Facebook on the weekend. Since then the clip has gone viral, with over 68,000 likes. <iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fmiriam.butt.92%2Fvideos%2F10163787073690551%2F&show_text=0&width=267" width="267" height="476" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe> Cauvin explained to Sky News that he first tested the idea with his parents. “We giggled about it but thought, “this could actually work”,” he said. In the touching video, Cauvin gets to hug his gran Lily for the first time in months. Cauvin disinfects the sleeves after every hug and requires that he and his grandma wear gloves for hygiene purposes. “We never touched any part of Grannan at all – I’m a believer in social distancing and don’t want to put anyone at risk,” he said. “When you’ve known someone all your life, to be able to hug that person again… it brought a tear to everybody’s eye.”

International Travel

High school student apologises to Prince Harry for “cuddling” Duchess Meghan

A British high school student made news around the world after he hugged the Duchess of Sussex during the royal’s visit to a school on Friday. Now 16-year-old Aker Okoye has apologised to Prince Harry for embracing his wife. Okoye, head boy at Robert Clack School in east London, came up on stage after Duchess Meghan invited a “brave young man” to volunteer to discuss the importance of International Women’s Day, which is celebrated on March 8. Okoye leaned in for a kiss on the cheek before telling his classmates, “She really is beautiful, innit.” The Duchess gave him a hug after he made his comments about the day. “Incredible confidence, don’t you all agree,” she said after Okoye left the stage. <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/tv/B9eqhs3J2uP/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <a style="color: #000; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/tv/B9eqhs3J2uP/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">The Duchess of Sussex visited Robert Clack School, to celebrate the women of the future, and also highlight the important role men and boys play in International Women’s Day. The Duchess asked a young student to come on stage and share his perspective on the importance of the day, and whilst much attention has been focused on his initial comment, what he shared beyond that was compelling and true. Please watch the full video and tag a man in your life, and have him share what #IWD means to him</a> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">A post shared by <a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/sussexroyal/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank"> The Duke and Duchess of Sussex</a> (@sussexroyal) on Mar 8, 2020 at 9:23am PDT </div> </blockquote> In a written letter to the Duke of Sussex published on The Sun, Okoye said he hoped his actions weren’t out of line. “I hope you didn’t mind me cuddling your wife,” he wrote, noting he was “just overwhelmed and shocked to see her arrive at my school”. Okoye said it was “a pleasure to hear [Meghan’s] speech and to speak in front of her as well. She is truly inspirational”. In an interview with Good Morning Britain, the student told host Piers Morgan: “It was one of those moments which I’ll cherish for the rest of my life.” The Duchess’ surprise visit to the school was her last solo official engagement as a senior royal before she and Harry step down on March 31.

Beauty & Style

Meet the 82-year-old grandpa who cuddles sick babies

For the past 12 years, David Deutchman visits Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Georgia, to hold and soothe babies in the neonatal intensive care unit. Without fail the 82-year-old will drop by on Tuesdays and Thursdays every week to cuddle babies when their families cannot be by their side. "It is very gratifying, not just because the babies are crying and you help them to stop crying," Deutchman told <a href="http://people.com/human-interest/sweet-icu-grandpa-cuddles-and-soothes-babies-too-sick-to-go-home-at-an-atlanta-hospital/" target="_blank">People</a>. "There’s a lot of stress for these parents. Having somebody tell them they can go get breakfast and assure them I’ll be there with their baby, it means something to them. It’s important." "There are a lot of benefits to that warm connection of being held - when a baby puts their face against your heartbeat, there’s a benefit there. I came to love it, but not just because of the connection with the babies, but the whole atmosphere of the hospital." Dubbed the "ICU Grandpa" by the staff and parents, Deutchman laughs that he gets “puked” and “pooped” on a lot. But he wouldn’t have it any other way. "If there’s anything I can do to make sure people are taken care of, that’s what I’m going to do," he said. <iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ZO3hqC6obAs" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe>

Caring

Koala cuddle school might be the best job in the world

Few animals are quite as cute as the koala, and the Gold Coast’s Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the only places in the world where you can cuddle these marsupials. To see what it takes to be a koala-cuddler, watch the video below: <iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/1R-QFQGWYuc" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe> So, there you have it! Think you’d be interested in a career change? Image credit: YouTube / Funny Pets

International Travel

This adorable kangaroo joey just wants a cuddle

Sometimes in life you just need a little bit of affection. In this video, an adorable mob of kangaroo joeys is hassling one of the volunteers at Our Haven Wildlife Shelter in Golden Beach, Victoria. And they’re just after a little TLC. The video, which you can see below, was shared on the shelter’s Facebook page and features Joe, a particularly insistent joey who clung onto the keeper’s leg, hoping for a smooch. <iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fourhavenwildlifeshelter%2Fvideos%2F1283271545113478%2F&show_text=0&width=400" width="400" height="400" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe> And who could resist that face? For more information on the sort of great work Our Haven Wildlife Shelter is doing for Australian animals at need, you can check out their website here. Have you ever had a cute encounter with a kangaroo?

International Travel

Sweet emu loves her morning cuddles

When you think of emus, we’re betting cuddles aren’t the first thing to spring to mind. However, despite their tough reputation, one little emu named Elsa has proven you can’t judge a book by its cover. Cosying up to Ash, a zookeeper at Symbio Wildlife Park, we can’t believe how much Elsa enjoys her morning scratches. It’s almost too cute to handle! Tell us in the comments below, have you ever gotten up close and personal with one of these majestic birds? Credit: Facebook/Symbio Wildlife Park via Storyful Related links: <a href="/lifestyle/retirement-life/2017/02/elderly-man-dancing-in-street/">Sweet elderly man dancing in the street will make your day</a> <a href="/lifestyle/retirement-life/2017/02/bride-asks-92-year-old-grandmother-to-be-her-bridesmaid/">Bride asks 92-year-old grandmother to be her bridesmaid</a> <a href="/lifestyle/retirement-life/2017/02/seniors-perform-carpool-karaoke/">Young-at-heart seniors perform hilarious carpool karaoke</a>

News

New study reveals dangerous reason you shouldn’t cuddle kittens

One would think there couldn’t be anything more innocent than a child nuzzling with a kitten, however, a new study has shown that cuddling a household feline could expose you to “cat-scratch disease”, an illness that can cause intense fever, pustules and, if complications occur, death. The disease is caused by bacteria that is transmitted between cats via fleas. The study, conducted by The Centre for Disease Control (CDC) in the US, took place over eight years. It surveyed over 13,000 cases of cat-scratch disease, and found that there were four-and-a-half outpatient diagnoses per 100,000 population each year, which is higher than expected. The most at-risk group is children aged between five and nine years old, among whom there were nine-point-four outpatient diagnoses per 100,000 population. Only a small minority of the cases documented resulted in death, though this was a more likely outcome if patients had hesitated to seek medical help. There are a few simple precautions to take to prevent the spread of the disease. Parents have been advised to discourage children from kissing and playing with kittens, and cat owners are advised to protect their feline friends from fleas, avoid any contact between their own animals and stray cats and always wash their hands after stroking their pet. Does this news discourage you from cuddling with cats? Let us know in the comments below. Related links: <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/family-pets/2016/09/infographic-explains-cat-behaviour/">Infographic explains cat behaviour</a> <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/family-pets/2016/09/15-pet-faces-too-cute-to-stay-mad-at/">15 pet faces too cute to stay mad at</a> <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/family-pets/2016/08/why-you-shouldnt-kiss-your-dog/">Why you shouldn't kiss your dog</a>

News

7 reasons why everyone should cuddle more

Whether it is your significant other, your new grandbaby or even your furry friend, who doesn’t love a cuddle session? If you’re not convinced here are plenty of other reasons you should snuggle up to your loved one tonight. 1. It reinforces emotional bonds When you cuddle, the hormone oxytocin is released which not only makes you feel good but helps you feel connected to others. Think of it like the on-verbal way of communicating. 2. It relieves stress Research shows that a cuddle from a loved one reduces the amount of stress hormone, cortisol, being produced. 3. It makes you happier Touching your loved one releases dopamine and serotonin, both of which boost your mood and helps curb depression. 4. It helps you sleep better As we’ve already mentioned, cuddling releases oxytocin that helps our bodies feel calmer, more serene and therefore more likely to feel sleepy. 5. It improves relationship satisfaction Research shows that small touches like kissing and cuddling help partners feel more connected, thus contributing to feeling happier and more satisfied in the relationship. 6. It strengthens your immune system Snuggling with your loved one stimulates the parasympathetic (or relaxation) system, which releases all those feel-good hormones. As there’s a strong link between the brain and immune system, feeling happy and optimistic boosts our immune system and helps fend off sickness. 7. It relieves pain Just like when a child falls down and you give them a kiss and hug to make them feel better, the simple touch of someone else helps lessen the pain, all thanks to that feel-good hormone oxytocin again. Related links: <a href="/lifestyle/dating/2015/08/ways-to-boost-libido/">4 ways to boost your libido past 60</a> <a href="/lifestyle/dating/2015/08/why-its-good-to-grow-old-together/">8 of the best things about growing old together</a> <a href="/lifestyle/dating/2015/07/words-to-say-in-relationships/">The 2 words people in relationships don’t say enough</a>

Relationships

Baby emus and joeys cuddle in adorable photos

Baby animals? Check. Snuggling? Check. In what might have been the cutest phenomenon ever, a baby kangaroo and two baby emus were caught cuddling at Victoria’s Wild Action Zoo. The chicks, named Eli and Edi, were born a few days ago, and have quickly taken to their kangaroo friend, eight-month-old joey, Reuben. <img width="499" height="630" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/8625/rexusa_2806021c_720-507x640_499x630.jpg" alt="Rexusa _2806021c _720-507x 640" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/> <img width="500" height="553" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/8626/rexusa_2806021d_720-579x640_500x553.jpg" alt="Rexusa _2806021d _720-579x 640" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/> <img width="499" height="530" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/8627/rexusa_2806021b_720-603x640_499x530.jpg" alt="Rexusa _2806021d _720-579x 640 (1)" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/> Related links: <a href="/lifestyle/pets/2015/08/pets-sleeping-in-bed/">Should you let pets sleep in your bed?</a> <a href="/lifestyle/pets/2015/08/signs-your-pet-is-sick/">10 signs your pet is sick</a> <a href="/lifestyle/pets/2015/07/pets-improve-health/">How can having pets improve your health? Let us count the ways</a>

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Anxious cats just want real cuddles from their human

Man makes “cuddle blanket” to hug his gran amid coronavirus pandemic

High school student apologises to Prince Harry for “cuddling” Duchess Meghan

Meet the 82-year-old grandpa who cuddles sick babies

Koala cuddle school might be the best job in the world

This adorable kangaroo joey just wants a cuddle

Sweet emu loves her morning cuddles

New study reveals dangerous reason you shouldn’t cuddle kittens

7 reasons why everyone should cuddle more

Baby emus and joeys cuddle in adorable photos

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