Scientists: Your Cat Doesn't Love You


(Photo: Andesine)

Cats are enormously popular as pets. In Europe, they recently overtook dogs as the most popular companion animal. You love your cat. But, animal behaviorists tell us, your cat doesn't actually love you.

Researchers at the University of Lincoln (UK) found that although dogs experience separation anxiety when their humans are absent, cats don't really care. As long as their physical needs are addressed, the absence of their humans is unconcerning. Sarah Knapton writes for the National Post:

“Previous research has suggested that some cats show signs of separation anxiety when left alone by their owners, in the same way that dogs do, but the results of our study show that they are, in fact, much more independent than canine companions.

“It seems that what we interpret as separation anxiety might actually be signs of frustration.” To find out if cats needed their owner to feel secure, the researchers observed how 20 cats reacted when they were placed in an unfamiliar environment together with their owner, with a stranger or on their own.

The study monitored the amount of contact sought by the cat, the level of passive behaviour, and signs of distress caused by the absence of the owner.

“Although our cats were more vocal when the owner rather than the stranger left them with the other individual, we didn’t see any additional evidence to suggest that the bond between a cat and its owner is one of secure attachment,” Prof Mills said.

The researchers insist that cat owners should take their findings as a compliment. A cat doesn't stay with you because it emotionally has to, but because it wants to. The National Post quotes cat expert Celia Haddon:

This study shows cats do not need their humans to feel safe, they look after themselves. But in a way that’s a real compliment. Cats won’t live in an unhappy home, they’ll just walk out.

-via Dave Barry

Love cute animals? View more at Lifestyles of the Cute and Cuddly blog

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I had a cat companion for 16 years. She would pile socks by the door when I was gone too long and ran to greet me upon every return even if her food bowl was full. She was sweet and loving and I loved her dearly in return.
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Total rubbish all my cats have really missed us
When we have gone on holiday. Even though we left them
At their own home. With family to care for them.
They have all said how the cats over the years really missed us.
I totally agree with the 1st persons comment
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I don't know but we had a cat that got really upset (at least acting that way) whenever she saw our suitcases as we were packing for a trip. Likely she was just upset that we would not be there to give her food in the usual schedule. Any other cats we had never exhibited that behavior.
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