That cats choose their owners is a phrase that is repeated and that, to a large extent, is true, because a cat is never with someone if he does not want to. They are sociable animals, but with a very special character, which makes them need to enjoy some independence. They are agile, smart, intuitive and with senses, such as sight and smell, tremendously developed. When we talk about their behavior, many doubts may arise, such as, for example, why do cats choose a person? Although it cannot be generalized, since each cat has its own traits, there are some factors that may determine the reasons why a cat decides to stay next to a person forever. Our goal, in this article, is to try to discover them.
How is the relationship between cats and humans
Cats are domestic animals that, in general, enjoy when they are in the company of people, who, it must be made clear, never end up considering their ‘owners’. Of course, they are not things but living beings, and when we say that we own a cat, we express it with this word because we feel responsible for its health and well-being, but we can also express it as tutors, caregivers, companions …
A cat can be the best animal companion we have and show all his affection, but he also indicates his rules of coexistence. He will climb on your lap when he feels like it and become invisible in any corner of the house when he feels like being alone.
This does not mean that the affective bond that can be created between a person and their cat is not as solid as the one that usually arises in the case of dogs. Simply cat behavior is different and peculiar. Sometimes, of course not always, it can be a bit difficult to gain the trust of a cat, especially if you have adopted one that is already a few years old and that, perhaps, has been picked up from the street, but with a little patience and if he decides to choose you, his fidelity and dedication can be exactly like that of a dog, although there are some differences in their way of expressing it.
Why cats become attached to a person
When a cat chooses you, it is always for some reason. We do not know to what extent is true the popular belief that some animals, cats among them, have a sixth sense, which makes when they look at you seem that they are discovering how you are or how you feel.
Surely you have ever witnessed how, when arriving with a group of friends at a house where there is a cat, the animal approaches a person, in particular, that he does not know, even rubs on his legs, asking him to pay attention to him, while shunning another. Why did you choose it? It is part of the mysterious halo that always seems to accompany felines.
In addition to these situations that are sometimes surprising, if you have a cat that is very attached to you, there are several factors that undoubtedly affect your good relationship. Your cat has chosen you and does not plan to leave your side, among other things because:
You take care of their basic needs
It is the first and most obvious point. If your house does not find the food it requires, your cat may take out its hunting instinct and escape to look for food. It can also happen (much more likely) that you try to go to the neighbor’s house, maybe you end up choosing him! In addition, cats are very scrupulous with cleaning and if yours does not have a sandbox in conditions will not be comfortable either. Therefore, if you choose it is because this part is covered.
You provide a pleasant environment
A place to rest, a toy with which you can entertain yourself and activate, a scraper, an environment without excessive noise … All this adds up so that your cat is attached to you.
You give them affection without overwhelming them
Each cat is unique, but everyone has that plus of wanting to maintain some independence. Your cat has chosen you because you respect his space, although you also know when he needs a pet and a cuddle. If that balance is maintained, he will not want to separate from you.
You play with him and educate him with positive reinforcement
All cats, not just puppies, enjoy playtime shared with their human companions. Throw a ball at him, make you hide, place his toy somewhere he can’t easily reach… They are activities that strengthen your union. In addition, cats have attachment to those people who have made the socialization process based on positive reinforcement, that is, getting them to understand and obey based on patience and rewards when they learn something or do it well, not based on shouts or punishments when we do not like what they do. If you punish and yell at your cat frequently, sooner or later, he will leave you.
You understand him
Cats are much more expressive than it may seem at first glance. His way of meowing, the fact of getting tangled between your feet when he wants something or the rich body language (his look, the posture of his ears or tail) have a meaning (he is sad, angry, happy, in heat …). The better you interpret your cat’s cues, the more attached she will be.
We recommend you read this other post about How to care for a baby cat so you know what their needs are from the beginning.
How to know if I am the person who has chosen my cat
If you have been living with a cat for a long time and notice that it is usually cheerful and calm, it is clear that it is comfortable and has chosen you. However, it is not always so simple, especially if you have been at home for a short time and you have doubts about whether he is with you because he has chosen you or because he has no choice. As we have said, their conduct and general behavior are the first clue but not the only one. Some details that can confirm that you are the chosen person are:
- Your cat expresses his joy when you get home after having left him only a few hours. He greets you at the door, approaches you and meows happily.
- He is generally calm, does not panic when you approach him or shows any aggressive attitude.
- He does not hesitate (when he feels like it) to climb on your lap when you are on the couch and begins to knead with his paws to accommodate your abdomen or legs. In addition, he purrs with pleasure.
- He likes to browse but does not make a gesture of wanting to escape before any carelessness (open doors or windows).
- When it comes to playing, it is pure vitality and, in addition, it puts belly up, a test of absolute confidence in you.
- When he is calm and half sleepy, he looks at you and blinks slowly. It is said that this gesture is the way in which cats throw kisses.
As you already know a little better why cats choose a person and some details to know if you have chosen yours, we recommend that you now read these other articles about the Signs that my cat loves me and Ways to show my cat that I love him.
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