# Exploring Cat–Human Interaction as a Psychosocial Resource in Autism and ADHD: Risks, Engagement, and Well-Being

## TL;DR

This study explores how interactions with cats affect mental health in people with autism, ADHD, or both, finding that certain cat-human dynamics can influence well-being.

## Contribution

The study provides new insights into how cat-human interactions specifically impact psychological outcomes in neurodiverse populations.

## Key findings

- Autistic and ADHD traits are linked to higher anxiety, depression, and suicidality.
- Neurodiverse and neurotypical individuals engage with cats in similar ways.
- Negative cat-human factors like poor cat health or anxious cat behavior are associated with worse mental health outcomes.

## Abstract

Animals may offer vital psychosocial support, particularly for neurodiverse individuals. However, evidence surrounding the effects of pet ownership remains equivocal, especially in relation to cat–human dynamics. This study explored the relationship between cat–human-related factors (CHRFs) and psychological well-being in a sample of 127 adults, including individuals formally diagnosed with autism (30), ADHD (15), and/or co-occurring autism and ADHD (AuADHD; 22). Participants completed measures assessing neurodiverse traits, CHRF engagement, and symptoms of anxiety, depression, and suicidality. Spearman’s correlations analysed the relationships between CHRFs, neurodiverse traits, and well-being. Kruskal–Wallis tests established group differences in well-being and engagement in CHRFs between individuals with and without neurodevelopmental differences. The findings confirmed that autistic and ADHD traits were positively associated with greater anxiety, depression, and suicidality. Autistic individuals reported significantly elevated anxiety and depression; co-occurring diagnoses (AuADHD) were associated with heightened anxiety. Neurodiverse and neurotypical individuals demonstrated similar patterns of CHRF engagement. Several CHRFs, such as anxious cat behaviour, inability to provide for the cat, poor cat health, and close proximity, were linked to negative well-being outcomes. These findings highlight the nuanced, bi-directional nature of cat–human interactions, underscoring the importance of mitigating negative relational factors to support mental health in neurodiverse populations.