Do Cats Care About Their Owners? What Science Tells us About Feline Attachment
Society portrays cats as independent and standoffish. While the former might be true (depending on your cat), the latter couldn’t be further from the truth. Cats express their emotions differently than their canine counterparts. While a dog might jump and wag its tail when you walk through the door, your cat might simply glance in your direction. This doesn’t mean your cat doesn’t care about you, it just means your cat is showing affection differently than what you’re used to.
Do Cats Really Care About Their Owners?
Most cats have secure attachments to their owners, viewing them as a source of safety, not just a source of food.
Being that they’re man's best friend, dogs have been the subject of the majority of research done on cognitive and psychological development in pets. However, a 2019 study done by the Department of Animal and Rangeland Sciences at Oregon State University has shown us vital research into the emotional attachment of domesticated felines. This study shows that most cats view their owner as a source of safety, not just a source of food.
This was tested by categorizing the cats as having a secure or insecure attachment. The majority of the cats had secure attachments to their owners. Owners would spend 2 minutes in a room with their cat, then two minutes out of the room. Once the owner re-entered the room, researchers observed the cat's behavior. Cats with secure attachments were calmer once their owner came back, and continued exploring the room calmly. Cats with insecure attachments would avoid the owner completely or spend excessive amounts of time on the owner's lap.
What this shows is that cats don’t express their love as vehemently as dogs do, but they still feel it just as strongly! While there is still more research to be done on feline attachment, this study proves that cats are capable of forming long-lasting and genuine attachments to their owners.
How to Tell if Your Cat Loves You
Cats show their emotions differently than dogs. They are more subtle in their expression of love. That doesn’t mean they don’t love their owners just as much.
There are a few key affectionate behaviors to look for in cats. Purring is the most common behavior people think of when they imagine a “loving cat”. Cats purr when they feel comforted, safe, and relaxed. Especially if it involves chin scratches!
Side note: Cats also purr when they are in pain. It can be difficult to tell when a cat is sick or in pain, so being aware of both reasons why your cat might be purring is important. If you have concerns, contact your veterinarian.
Other behaviors to look for in a happy, comfortable kitty:
grooming you
rubbing their head/cheek on you
showing their belly
slow blinking
These are all signs that your cat feels love and affection towards you!
Never worry about if cats care about their owners again. Yes, they do!