Many cat owners wonder if their feline friends truly bond with them or if cats are simply more independent than dogs. While cats are certainly more aloof than dogs, research shows that cats can and do form attachments to their owners and show preferences for particular humans.
Do cats bond with their owners?
Yes, cats can form secure and affectionate bonds with their owners. Studies of cat attachment styles show that most cats form a secure attachment to their owner or family. Cats who are securely attached use their owner as a source of comfort and security. They show signs of distress when separated from their owner and signs of comfort or relaxation when reunited.
Do cats prefer one person?
Cats may prefer one person who acts as their primary attachment figure. A study from the University of Lincoln found that cats form a strong attachment hierarchy. The cat’s owner was the predominant attachment figure, followed by other cohabitants the cat was familiar with. Strangers ranked low in the cat’s attachment hierarchy.
This bond with the primary attachment figure is likely the result of that person caring for the cat’s basic needs for food, grooming, play, petting, and companionship. Cats learn to associate that person with comfort, care, and security.
Why do some cats seem aloof?
While capable of forming attachments, cats are still independent animals. So they may seem aloof compared to dogs, who have been bred specifically to bond with people. Here are some key reasons why cats can appear detached:
- Less need for constant companionship than dogs
- More territorial than dogs
- Communicate in subtle ways that humans may miss
- Have not been selectively bred for strong attachment behaviors
Signs your cat is attached to you
Cats show attachment in some subtle, but telltale ways. Here are signs that your cat has bonded with you:
- Greets you at the door when you return home
- Follows you from room to room
- Sleeps on or near you
- Kneads and purrs when you pet them
- Grooms themselves in your presence
- Rubs against your legs affectionately
- Makes good eye contact with you
How to build a bond with your cat
To help build a strong owner-cat bond, be sure to:
- Play with your cat regularly using interactive toys
- Pet and groom your cat often
- Talk softly and use your cat’s name
- Give treats for behaviors you want to encourage
- Keep a predictable routine for feedings and playtime
- Provide a comfortable place for your cat to sleep near you
- Take your cat for regular veterinary checkups
Signs of separation anxiety in cats
Some cats become very distressed when separated from their attachment figure. Signs of separation anxiety include:
- Excessive vocalization
- Destructive behaviors
- Urination/defecation outside the litter box
- Agitation or restlessness
- Not eating
- Overgrooming
To ease separation anxiety, try the following when you are away:
- Leave familiar bedding or worn clothing with your scent
- Provide puzzle feeders and toys to keep your cat occupied
- Have someone come by to check on your cat and play
- Use calming pheromones or anti-anxiety medication if recommended by your vet
Conclusion
While they are more aloof than dogs, cats do form secure attachments and social bonds with their human caregivers. They rely on these attachment figures to provide food, shelter, care, and companionship. With time and positive caretaking routines, cats come to prefer their human attachment figures over strangers. By understanding feline attachment behaviors, cat owners can better bond with their kitties.