The Science of How Cats Form Relationships

The science of how cats form relationships

Are you a cat person? If so you know that cats have a reputation for being aloof and unfriendly. Which is a bunch of hooey, right? Cat parents know that their little bundles of joy are adorable creatures with the capacity for being just as friendly and affectionate as dogs. But have you ever wondered why your kitty seems to take to some people better than others?




Animal researchers have spent a good amount of time looking at how and why our furry friends create bonds with their humans. And the answers may surprise you!

According to scientists, the way we approach our pets makes all the difference in whether they respond with warmth or disdain.

Did you know that cats interact with humans based on a complex equation that includes gender, age and how much time they have available? In fact, scientific studies show that cats seem to have the best quality interactions with adult women!

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Why? Researchers believe that the ways humans approach their feline friends affects the quality of these relationships.

For example, adults usually get a cat’s attention before interacting with it, which allows the moggy to decide if it wants to acknowledge you, or keep pretending to be asleep!

In contrast, children (in particular boys) have a tendency to be more direct, simply reaching for or grabbing a pet. Everyone knows that cats like to first be addressed and recognized as the important figures they are, right?

But the differences in how we approach cats doesn’t stop there. Studies show that woman more often interact with felines on their own level, usually on the floor, whereas men are more likely to interact with pets when they themselves are sitting down.

Related: Cat Depression: Is It Real And How To Spot It

With all of these variations in approach considered, it should come as no surprise that cats tend to interact longer with their humans when they’re the one to initiate contact.

So, does this mean that society’s stereotype of the “cat lady” is true? Well if it is, score one for the ladies and their cats, because the bond between a pet and its owner is a very special thing indeed!

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20 Comments
  1. Tammy says

    We use to have a cat and I miss him a lot. For a cat, he was very friendly and loved being around us. But he enjoyed living outside, in the bard and would bring us one of his daily catches for us to approve. I guess. He was a funny cat.

  2. Guest says

    We use to have a cat and I miss him a lot. For a cat, he was very friendly and loved being around us. But he enjoyed living outside, in the bard and would bring us one of his daily catches for us to approve. I guess. He was a funny cat.

  3. Echo says

    This is so interesting. I know more women that own cats, but the men that do, have a VERY special bond.

  4. Leigh Anne Borders says

    We used to have a cat until I had a child that was allergic. I know quite well the bond they you wrote about. I had that and miss that to this.

  5. Guest says

    This is so interesting. I know more women that own cats, but the men that do, have a VERY special bond.

  6. Guest says

    We used to have a cat until I had a child that was allergic. I know quite well the bond they you wrote about. I had that and miss that to this.

  7. chen says

    Such an informative posts.
    Even though I’m not a cat person, I still find this super helpful. Will pass this to my friends who have cats.

  8. Marielle Altenor says

    I’ve had some pretty interesting interactions with cats in my neighborhood. Some were not very pleasant. Funny enough, my daughter is obsessed with the cat next door! lol

  9. Guest says

    Such an informative posts.
    Even though I’m not a cat person, I still find this super helpful. Will pass this to my friends who have cats.

  10. Blair villanueva says

    I agree with this. Like, most male cats likes me a lot. Especially when I greeted them when I passed by their party place. Hahaha cats are adorable.

  11. Guest says

    I’ve had some pretty interesting interactions with cats in my neighborhood. Some were not very pleasant. Funny enough, my daughter is obsessed with the cat next door! lol

  12. Guest says

    I agree with this. Like, most male cats likes me a lot. Especially when I greeted them when I passed by their party place. Hahaha cats are adorable.

  13. Khushboo says

    It is so interesting to understand such in depth information about cats. I am going to pass this post on to my friend who owns 2 beautiful Persian cats

  14. Guest says

    It is so interesting to understand such in depth information about cats. I am going to pass this post on to my friend who owns 2 beautiful Persian cats

  15. Elizabeth says

    What an interesting read, this! We’ve got two cats, and one of them is most definitely chosen me as her favourite!

  16. Guest says

    What an interesting read, this! We’ve got two cats, and one of them is most definitely chosen me as her favourite!

  17. lex says

    am stunned at the knowledge about cats one can really get out there, i like cats but not really as pets but just as the domestic animals they are and for their gentle nature. thanks for the eye opener.

  18. Guest says

    am stunned at the knowledge about cats one can really get out there, i like cats but not really as pets but just as the domestic animals they are and for their gentle nature. thanks for the eye opener.

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