Do Cats Really Like Humans? Debunking the Myths and Uncovering the Truth

Summary:

The internet is obsessed with cats, but do cats really love humans? In this Q&A blog post, we explore a recent study that attempts to answer this question. The lead author of the study, Kristen Vital from Oregon State University, shares her insights on the study and discusses cats’ attachment to their owners. The post also discusses how the study was conducted, what behavioral measures were used, and how cats compare to dogs and humans. Lastly, we also explore potential future research questions and the broad implications of this type of research.

What was the study about?
How was the study conducted?
How do we know when a cat is under stress?
How do cats compare to dogs or even humans?
Why are some cats mean sometimes?
What do we know about what’s going on in a cat’s head?
What are some future research questions around cats and their relationships with humans?
Can this research impact veterinary medicine or encourage more people to become cat owners?
Why should a dog person give cats a chance?

What Was the Study About?

The study aimed to assess cats’ attachments to their owners and determine if they use their owners as a source of security in unfamiliar places. The study found that the majority of cats do use their owners as a source of comfort and security, even if they might not display it in the same way as dogs or humans.

How Was the Study Conducted?

The study involved bringing cats and their owners to a new place, which was a laboratory, for two minutes. After two minutes, the owner left the room and the cat was alone for two minutes, which is a mild stressor for the cat. The researchers measured the number of meows the cats produced both when they were alone and when the owner returned to the room. The study found that the cats produced high levels of vocalization when alone, indicating high rates of separation distress, which decreased drastically when the owners returned to the room.

How Do We Know When a Cat Is Under Stress?

The study measured cats’ stress levels through vocalization, which was manifested in the number of meows the cats produced. An increase in vocalization indicated a higher level of stress, while a decrease in vocalization indicated the relief of stress.

How Do Cats Compare to Dogs or Even Humans?

The majority of cats, around 65%, were found to be securely attached to their owners. Cats that were insecure in their attachment either excessively clung to or avoided their owners. These are the same responses seen in dogs and humans, indicating that cats form attachments in a similar way to other social species.

Why Are Some Cats Mean Sometimes?

As with any animal, it’s all about individual personality types. Some cats are more independent and maybe don’t prefer social interaction. Sometimes people misread cat body signals or may not know how to interact with them. Cats don’t have as many facial muscles as dogs, which makes it harder for people to read their body language.

What Do We Know About What’s Going On in a Cat’s Head?

While reading cat’s body language can provide insights into their behavior, we can’t say definitively what they’re feeling or thinking. We shouldn’t anthropomorphize and attribute human traits to animals. But through reading their body language and behavior, we can say if they’re behaving in a secure or insecure way.

What Are Some Future Research Questions Around Cats and Their Relationships with Humans?

Some potential research questions include how familiar a person needs to be with a cat to form a secure bond, and whether cats develop social bonds with each other.

Can This Research Impact Veterinary Medicine or Encourage More People to Become Cat Owners?

More research needs to be done to determine whether cats form attachments or develop separation anxiety disorders. Understanding that cats see their owners as a source of security can help owners better understand their cats’ behavior and how their behavior can impact their cat’s behavior.

Why Should a Dog Person Give Cats a Chance?

Cats vary greatly in their social behavior, just like dogs. Finding an individual whose personality matches yours is key. So, going to the shelter and finding a cat that’s rated as highly social and trying it out is a good idea. Cats might not always show love the same way dogs do, but they do depend on their owners as a source of security.