Scientists prove 'crazy cat lady' theory is a myth

A new study by the University of California has found no evidence that the "crazy cat lady" stereotype exists. Photo / 123RF

It's the news cat lovers (and single women) have been waiting for - research proves "crazy cat ladies" are not a thing.

According to the dedicated researchers at UCLA in California, who sifted through data from more than 500 pet owners, there is "no evidence" to support the long-held "crazy cat lady" stereotype.

The study, published in the journal Royal Society Open Science, addressed the idea that stereotypically, cat-owners are viewed as lonely and more emotional and depressed than dog owners. It found their was no evidence to support the idea that cat owners are disproportionately depressed, anxious or alone.

Academics even took into account a Facebook study of 160,000 US users that found those who posted cat photos were more likely to be single than dog owners. They also had 26 fewer Facebook friends, on average.

The most recent study was based on observations of how people reacted to distress calls from animals and also compared pet ownership with mental health-related or social difficulties.

"We found no evidence to support the 'cat lady' stereotype: cat owners did not differ from others on self-reported symptoms of depression, anxiety or their experiences in close relationships," the study said.

The study also found that pet owners are more likely to empathise with an animal's distress call versus non-pet owners.

Aside from quashing "crazy cat lady" theories, the study's overarching find was simple: people of all pet-and non-pet owning statuses were similarly depressed and anxious.