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Really, What Do Cats Think About Us?
Feb
Have you ever wondered what goes on in a cat’s mind when they look at us?
Cats, those charming and adorable furballs, seem to have this cool attitude that makes us feel like their followers. But guess what? We can’t help but adore them even more for it.
We’ve even reached a point where we take their faces and mannerisms into memes to describe human emotions, regardless if they are aware of us doing this or not. However, when it comes to interacting with humans, cats have their way of showing their affection. Oftentimes, however, they show their nonchalant side just to get what they want, unlike dogs who always crave attention.
According to cat expert John Bradshaw, cats do have their insights about humans, and in particular their owners. Based on his research, he found out about the following behaviours in humans.
Humans are just big cats.
Just like how pet cats use their tails to initiate communication, we humans also use our hands to express emotions and communicate. Cats don’t see this as a sign of dominance over them, but rather as an attempt to communicate in a way they can understand.
Based on his studies, Bradshaw came to realise that cats look at humans to be fellow big cats. This is because they still cannot distinguish humans from the other members of the cat family species.
Contrary to other beliefs, cats think that we humans, as big cats, are a clumsy species (but not stupid). This is because while big cats often trip on fellow cats their size, we humans often trip on them.
Cats don’t get along with their peers.
Some people believe that cats are just lone creatures and don’t want to interact with others, even their own kind. This is somehow true, but not entirely.
Cats can live peacefully in groups as long as they have a personal space for themselves and resources like food bowls and litter boxes aren’t shared with other feline companions. However, when it comes to living with humans and other pets, it’s a different story.
Cats tend to be more sociable and interactive with humans than their own kind. They also try to avoid confrontations with other pets in the household and would often resort to hiding or showing submissive behaviours when faced with aggression from other animals. This could be because cats see humans as their primary source of resources and care, while other felines are seen as competition.
Psychological stress among cats also affects their health. This puts female domestic cats at greater risk of conditions such as dermatitis and cystitis, as these are often linked to the increase of stress hormones in the blood.
A good solution to this is to keep two cats away from each other (in particular cats who don’t get along), and this has been proven to be effective.
Cats howl at us for a reason.
Sometimes, cats may howl or meow at their human owners for no apparent reason. However, according to Bradshaw’s research, this vocalization is actually a form of communication.
Just like how big cats communicate with each other through growls and chirps, domestic cats use meows and purrs to establish contact with humans. They may use different tones and frequencies to get their message across, such as a higher pitch for requests and a lower pitch to express affection.
Moreover, cats also use this as a strategy to gain attention or show discomfort. For example, if they are meowing with a high-pitched tone while looking at the food bowl, it could mean that they’re asking for more food.
On the other hand, cats who are meowing while looking at their litter box could mean that they need to urinate or defecate. These vocalizations may seem random, but they actually serve a purpose in communicating with humans.
They know us.
While they see us as big cats, cats also know that each of their owners has a distinct personality. They’re smarter than what we think about them, and they know what works with each member of the household. So yes, they know who among their owners would most likely wake up at random hours of the night to give them food.
Moreover, cats also have a keen sense of smell that allows them to detect changes in their owner’s emotions. Cats have a stronger connection with their owners and can sense when something is wrong or if they need comfort. This is why some cats tend to be more affectionate towards their owners during times of stress or illness.
Cats also knead us for a reason.
One of the most common behaviours observed in cats is their tendency to knead on soft surfaces, including their owners. This behaviour is actually a remnant from when they were kittens when they would knead their mother’s belly to stimulate milk production. However, even as adult cats, they still continue this behaviour as a form of comfort and relaxation.
When cats knead or purr on us humans, it is because they may be using the behaviour that they would use towards their mother. Domestic cats do this to humans to communicate, and to show that they are yearning for motherly love. And yes, they also solicit affection coming from us.
Cats leverage purring to heal.
Cats are known for their therapeutic purring, which can have healing properties both for themselves and for humans. The frequency of a cat’s purr is said to promote healing in bones and tissues, and it can also aid in reducing stress and blood pressure in humans.
Capable of purring in both inhalation and exhalation, cats utilise this skill not just for self-soothing and communication, but may also be a method to promote their own physical recovery after injury. This is why cats often purr when they are injured or sick, as it aids in their recovery process. So next time your cat purrs on your lap, remember that they may be using this as a way to heal and comfort themselves.
They understand routine and structure.
Some may assume that cats are random and unpredictable, but in reality, they are quite attuned to structure and routine.
Cats quickly learn the daily patterns of their household and adjust their behaviours accordingly. They may meet you at the door around the time you usually arrive home or display anticipatory behaviours such as pacing or meowing when it’s nearing their mealtime. This propensity for routine helps to create a stable environment, which is essential for cats to feel secure.
Moreover, studies have shown that cats can recognise their own names and respond to them. This indicates not just an understanding of routine but also a level of communication with their owners.
Seeking height is instinctual.
A common yet often overlooked behaviour is a cat’s love for high places. This penchant for elevation is an instinctual trait. By positioning themselves up high, cats can survey their surroundings and keep out of reach of potential threats. This behaviour reflects their desire for safety and control of the environment, which can be satisfied by providing cat trees or safe shelving for them to climb.
Additionally, cats see their owners as part of their territory, so they may also climb on top of furniture or shelves to be closer to them. This is why it’s not uncommon for cats to perch themselves on the highest point in a room when their owner is present. It’s a way for them to feel secure and in control while also being close to their human companion.
Cats use scent-marking as ownership.
When your feline friend rubs their face or body against you, furniture, or other objects, they’re not just asking for attention — they’re marking their territory. Cats have scent glands on their cheeks and flanks, and by rubbing against items, they release pheromones to claim ownership. This is their way of creating a comfortable and familiar-scented environment, essentially making those things a part of their domain.
Moreover, when cats share their scent with other members of their household, it creates a sense of bonding and social hierarchy within the group. So next time your cat rubs against you, remember that they are not just showing affection, but also asserting their ownership over you as part of their family.
Cats are complex and unique individuals.
No two cats are the same, and each one has its distinct personality, preferences, and behaviours. They have evolved to be highly adaptable creatures to survive in different environments, which contributes to their diverse range of traits and characteristics.
As cat owners, it’s important to understand that our furry companions are not just pets but complex and unique individuals with their own set of needs and desires. Taking the time to learn about their behaviors and motivations, we can better nurture our relationship with them and provide them with the love and care they deserve.
Cats may be mysterious creatures, but by truly understanding them, we can deepen our bond with these amazing animals.
So next time your feline friend does something quirky, remember, they’ve got a whole cat-tastic world going on in their heads.