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 means that they need to enjoy a certain independence. They are agile, smart, intuitive and have tremendously developed senses, such as sight and smell. When we talk about their behavior, many questions can arise, for example, why do cats choose a person? Although it cannot be generalized, since each kitten has its own characteristics, there are some factors that may determine the reasons why a cat decides to stay by a person’s side forever. Our goal, in this oneHOWTO article, is to try to discover them.
You may also be interested in: Do cats recognize people?
Index
- What is the relationship between cats and humans?
- Why do cats get attached to a person?
- How to know if I am the person who has chosen my cat
What is the relationship between cats and humans?
Cats are domestic animals that, in general, enjoy being in the company of people , whom, it must be made clear, they 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 guardians, caretakers, companions …
A cat can be the best animal companion we have and show all its affection, but it also indicates its rules of coexistence. He will climb on your lap when he feels like it and will become invisible in any corner of the house when he wants to be alone.
This does not mean that the emotional 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. Cat behavior is simply 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 the same as that of a dog, although there are some differences in the way he expresses it.
Why do cats get attached to a person?
When a cat chooses you it is always for a reason. We don’t know to what extent the popular belief is true that some animals, cats among them, have a sixth sense, which makes when they look at you it seems 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, who does not know, even rubs his legs, asking him to pay attention , while avoiding another. Why have you chosen it? It is part of the mysterious halo that always seems to accompany felines.
In addition to these situations that are sometimes surprising to us, 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 intend to leave your side, among other things because:
You take care of their basic needs
It is the first point and the most obvious. If your house does not find the food it requires , your cat may take out the hunting instinct of it and escape to find food. It can also happen (quite more likely) that you try to go to the neighbor’s house, maybe you end up choosing him! In addition, cats are very scrupulous about cleanliness and if yours does not have a proper litter box, he will not like it either. Therefore, if he chooses you, it is because you have this part covered.
You provide a pleasant environment
A place to rest, a toy with which it can be entertained and activated, a scratching post , an environment without excessive noise… all this adds up so that your cat is attached to you.
You give them love without overwhelming them
Each cat is unique, but they all have that plus of wanting to maintain a certain independence. Your cat has chosen you because you respect his space , although you also know when he needs a caress and pampering. 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 moments of play shared with their human companions. Throwing a ball at him, pretending to hide, putting his toy somewhere he can’t easily get to… these are activities that reinforce your bond. In addition, cats are attached to those people who have carried out the socialization process based on positive reinforcement , that is, making them understand and obey based on patience and rewards when they learn something or do well, not based on yelling or punishments when we don’t like what they do. If you punish and yell at your cat frequently, sooner or later he will leave you.
Do you understand
Cats are much more expressive than it may seem at first glance. His way of meowing, the fact of getting entangled between your feet when he wants something or the rich body language (his look, the position of his ears or tail) have a meaning (he is sad, angry, happy, in heat…) . The better you interpret your cat’s signals , the more attached it will be to you .
We recommend you read this other post on How to take care of a baby cat so that you know what its needs are from the beginning.
How to know if I am the person who has chosen my cat
If you have lived with a cat for a long time and you notice that it is usually cheerful and calm, it is clear that it is comfortable and has chosen you. However, he is not always so easy, especially if he has been in your house for a short time and you have doubts about whether he is with you because he has chosen you or because he has no other choice. As we have said, his behavior 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 her joy when you come homeafter leaving her alone for a few hours. He greets you at the door, walks up to you and meows happily.
- He is generally calm, he does not get scared when you approach him nor does he show any aggressive attitude.
- It doesn’t hesitate (when it feels like it) to get on your lapwhen you’re on the sofa and it begins to knead with its legs to accommodate itself on your abdomen or legs. Also, he purrs with pleasure .
- He likes to snoop but does not make a move of wanting to escapein the face of any carelessness (open doors or windows).
- At the time of playing, it is pure vitality and, in addition, it goes belly up, a proof of absolute confidence in you.
- When he is calm and half asleep, he looks at you and blinks slowly. This gesture is said to be the way cats blow kisses.
Since you now know a little better why cats choose a person and some details to know if yours has chosen you, we recommend that you now read these other articles on the Signs that my cat loves me and Ways to show my cat that I want it