As a dog owner, I’m used to the characteristics and traits of pooches. Though I have heard numerous stereotypes about cats (most notably, that they are not affectionate), I still consider the species a complete mystery. I sometimes wonder what is truly going on in the hearts and minds of our feline friends.
Well, one 2019 research study has me wondering less these days. Results show that the level of attachment and friendliness cats feel toward humans has been grossly underestimated. I suppose cats are just playing ‘hard to get’. (1)
Cat Research – It Is A Thing!
American researcher Dr. Kristyn Vitale of Oregon State University is an academic in animal behavior and animal-human interaction. More specifically within the animal kingdom, Dr. Vitale specialized in her training to study domestic cats, and today is considered a world-renowned cat researcher. Working across the States and in Japan, Dr. Vitale has examined colony cats, shelter cats, cultural differences between cats, and global cat cognition. Her work seems extremely popular seems among pet owners, and has been featured in international media outlets like the National Geographic and The Washington Post. (2)
Who Do Cats Love?
Dr. Vitale is well-aware that cats have a reputation for being aloof, independent, and difficult to bond with. But she also knows that feral cats can live in groups, and offer care to one another. So, putting her conflicting ideas to the test, she assembled a research team and designed a study to examine the way domestic cats respond to their pet parents. The study relied heavily on a human behavior criterion, which has been used in the past to establish attachment cue between infants and canines with their caregivers.
The results? Felines defied expectations and showed that, like children and dogs, they can form secure relationships with human caretakers. Dr. Vitale outlined in her research, “The majority of cats [65%] are securely attached to their owner and use them as a source of security in a novel environment.” Therefore, bonding is a skill not just unique to humans or canines and may be explained by a common quality that goes beyond just a couple of species. (3, 4)
Kitten Love
There are telltale signs that a cat may miss their caregiver, but they can be subtle. Watch how a cat reacts with the absence and then, the return of a caregiving human. A securely bonded kitty will be more relaxed, and less anxious with humans they love nearby. When away, the cat may vomit, become tense, and exhibit behavioral issues. Perhaps a cat will not present for petting or hugs, but if they seem happy to see you back after a day out then, chances are, you have a true attachment with your little fur-ball.
At present, Dr. Vitale is continuing her research by exploring how a cat’s ability to bond with a human is impacted by a stay in an animal shelter. “We’re currently looking at several aspects of cat attachment behavior, including whether socialization and fostering opportunities impact attachment security in shelter cats,” Vitale said. Vitale and her team know cat’s early life experiences can form negative attachment behaviors for the rest of their life (also like dogs and humans) – so it should be interesting to see what she finds out next! (1)
