When it comes to the ongoing debate of dogs versus cats, we stopped keeping score a long time ago. But, here's a major point for the feline lovers: a recent study found that cats are just as loyal to their humans as dogs are.
Dogs today see their owner and their owner's families as part of their pack and will bond quicker than cats. This is because cats are more rogue than dogs and prefer to go it alone. Dogs also look to their owners for safety, security, and to have their needs met. Cats do not form these secure attachments.
It was concluded that relationships with cats are better because the perceived cost of such a relationship is lower. However, emotional closeness is greater with dogs than with cats.
Cats tend to favor one person over others even if they were well-socialized as kittens.
According to Discovery News' report on research on cat and human behavior, the No. 1 reason a cat likes female humans is because women tend to spend more time with cats. And the more attention they get from a person, the more likely they are to give the same amount of loving right back.
Communication with your cat is key
That communication style may not include physical touch—being a cat's favorite person doesn't necessarily mean they want you to pet. A cat's favorite person may be the one who makes them feel comfortable and safe just by being in the same room with them.
Cats are more likely to run and hide when faced with trouble. On the other hand, most dogs will instinctively protect their owners and their territory. They'll bark or growl to alert you to the presence of strangers, and many will even scare off intruders.
Cats form attachments to their owners that are similar to those that dogs and babies form with their caregivers. You really are more than just a source of food to your cat: A study published Monday finds that cats see their owners as a source of comfort and security, too.
“Dogs and humans are very similar and have lived together a long time. In a way it has been co-evolution. With cats, it is way more recent. They come from a solitary ancestor that isn't a social species.”
While a cat's gender doesn't seem to make a difference in terms of affection, Posluns notes that studies of cat personality also suggest it has little influence on the type of relationship with their owner.
Mammals release oxytocin when they feel love or affection for someone or something, and according to a recent study, dogs produce five times as much of this hormone upon seeing their human than cats do. Dogs are naturally very sociable creatures – and they have their wolf ancestors to thank for that.
Maybe most of all, we know cats feel love from the unconditional love they give to us. No one knows for sure if your cat is judging you, but either way, cats give us plenty of affection — and not just when a meal is about to be served.
Cats will miss their owners when they are gone, but the response to a cat missing you may vary. Some kitties may express their sadness through purring, meowing, or following their owner around, while others may show no outward signs of sadness. Here are some common signs your cat missed you: Meowing and Crying.
Cats show love and affection by purring, bunting, and rolling over onto their back.
Cats have the power to sense their owner's emotions. So, cats have the ability to feel whenever their owner is sad. Beyond sadness, domestic cats are also able to feel whenever their owner has switched moods and emotions.
Cats are often considered to be uncaring or disinterested toward their human family members, but this isn't true. Although cats don't need as much constant attention as most dogs, they do connect and bond with their humans, and they feel unhappy when separated for too long.
Sleeping with you provides them with security and an extra defense if a predator should launch a nighttime attack. They sleep with you because they trust you, they know you're not a danger and you can also provide an extra layer of defense if needed.
Close to 65% of all abused animals are dogs. Every year, more than 10 million animals die from abuse in the US alone.
It is not uncommon for cats to dislike being picked up, even if they're generally affectionate. There are some aspects of cat behaviour which might help to explain this. And some tips to help if you really need to lift your cat.
Male cats tend to be more social and affectionate with both humans and other cats. They commonly form strong bonds with other cats in the home, even when they are not from the same litter. Females, on the other hand, are often more standoffish. If you are looking for a cuddle bug, adopting a male may be your best bet.
While some cats enjoy being kissed, others will not. Some will feel love, while others will not see kissing as a sign of affection. There are better ways than kissing to show a cat affection that they will understand.
Cats also seem to remember kindness and return the favors later.