Even cat people underestimate the cat-human bond. Many of them, while having a close relationship with their cats, believe that dogs form stronger bonds with their humans. A recent study shows that this may not be the case!
A research study at Oregon State University examined cats’ attachment to their humans. They specifically looked at how the cats responded in a strange environment. The same research had been done with dogs a year before.
The researchers were looking at secure versus insecure attachment. A pet with a secure attachment will explore the unfamiliar surroundings after being separated and then reunited with their humans. In an insecure attachment, the animal will exhibit stress behavior, either being too clingy with their human or avoiding them altogether.
This is how it worked with the cats and kittens in this study: the human and cat were placed in a room. The human sat in a circle and the cat could interact with her as long as he was in the circle too. After a couple of minutes, the human exited the room and left the cat. In another couple of minutes, the human returned to the room, and the circle.
The results showed that 65.8 percent of cats and 64.3 percent of kittens were securely attached to their humans, while 34.2 percent and 35.7 percent showed insecure, stress responses. The really interesting thing is this percentage is very close to infant-human attachment (65 percent secure). Dogs? They came in at 61 percent secure and 39 percent insecure.
So, according to this study, cats form secure bonds with their humans, and that bond may be even stronger than the one dogs have with their humans. Who knew? Well, I did… and anyone who has seen my human and work together probably know that too. What we all may not have known is that this type of close bond is far more common than you may think.
What’s the takeaway from this? Don’t underestimate your relationship with your cat. It really is special, and you are important to your cat.
I found out about the study here. If you want to see the detailed research, you can see it here (it also includes video!).
Three years later this is more true than before and it was totally true here back in 2019 or so when I commented.
I have a strong bond with Katie. And she has just as strong a one with me. She shows it in many ways I have written of,,or she has, rather…and many ways I have’t mentioned because I am very same old same old” about her…as her attachment and love toward me is remarkable…to me.
I’m glad they are finally studying cats as cats. What I found interesting was that they compared the attachment of cats to their people as similar to tiny humans and their parents. I know I have no doubt- I have only to look at Treeno if I do.
My cats are my everything. Prefer them to humans. They don’t particularly like each other but live me to pieces
My cats follow me everywhere. Their favorite room is the room I’m in. I used to have a cat who would cry when I left the house to go to work, run after me, and call me to come back.
My kitties are my babies <3
As I read this post both my cats are within 2 feet of me, 1 is pretty much attached to my shin.
My Sydney climbs up on my lap, sleeps with me at night, and purrs loudly!
MK always corrects people who say that to her!
Purrz!
Selina
Living beings bond with each other. I don’t know why researchers are so flabbergasted by this when it comes to cats.
Very interesting ! And it’s great that a study shows this. Purrs
I love my baby’s I think they love me.
Our cats are pretty secure. Chris is our most needy cat but he doesn’t stress out when I am not around. Frankie freaks out a little when I go outside but only because he wants to go outside too. He would ditch me in a second if I let him out.
Great blog post Sparkle
My Mother, who grew up with dogs, said that she had never seen such loyalty in an animal as I had with Shadow…a long-haired black cat with a white locket and huge yellow eyes. Shadow possessed the wisdom of the ages and could stare down the devil. I think this is why I prefer the company of cats to that of most humans.
Yes. They are very attached as we are to them. Very interesting article
Well, we know this is true!
We’re bonded mostly to the females here. Nothing wrong with the males in the house but the lady human understands us better.
I read another article on this over the weekend and I’m hoping to help my new boyfriend see how important my cats are to me. He’s not a cat person and appreciates that I am…but he still needs to understand the bond is more than just having a pet. I get that there’s cat hair everywhere and litter boxes to deal with, but it’s like diapers and drool for human kids. I don’t have kids of my own and my 2 kitties are the closest beings I have to compare to the love of a child.
I’m very bonded with my Pop.
My kitties are my family and better than any therapy with another human!
We knew that all along! Years and years ago, our mom befriended a neighborhood cat whose careless owner eventually moved away and left the cat behind. No matter how many times someone tried to take him away (we guess as an afterthought, since is was weeks later), the cat ALWAYS found his way back to our mom. He did this several times and knew she was someone who actually cared about him.
Excellent study and so true! Thank you for posting Summer.
Our Abysinian, Lexi, has demanded that we get her your 2020 calendar!!
This study couldn’t be more accurate!
I sooo agree! I learned first paw about that bond with my Angel Bobo……it was an amazing bond which I KNOW you understand! Cody is an extremely secure kitty and that makes me super happy!
My animals have been considered family all my life=dog, cats, birds, fish, but kitties hold an extra special place in my heart…Happy week ahead, sweet friends…XO…J
We read about that study and found it really interesting!
Purrs,
Tama and Genji
Studies show what we already knew – “Cats rule and dogs drool” !
Very interesting and makes sense to us.
Oh yes, cat-human bond is very strong!
Though, Niko has stronger bond with me while Goro does with his dad.
I didn’t need it confirmed by scientists, I know it from my cats 🙂
Why, oh WHY do the scientists have to compare what dogs do, to cats? Summer, I just don’t understand it. Do they compare fish to dogs, or hamsters, or parrots? Cats are cats, and dogs are dogs, and hamsters are hamsters. The scientists would get more respect from me, if they can figure out why some drivers go bat-sh*t crazy when in a roundabout…
We’re all pretty attached and bonded to our humans too sweet Summer!
We agree!!
The Florida Furkids
Most of us have a very close bond with our humom. While we are independent felines we want the closeness and demand attention at our whim. We enjoy playtime, brushing time, kneading time, petting time and of course treat/food time. We believe that felines have and demand more from our purrents than dogs. Great post Summer. Purrs
How true!!
Bodacious
The bond between you and your human is amazing. I always remember your human’s advice to make sure your cat knows ‘you have her back’. I am trying much harder with my shy babies to let them know I have their back through my behavior. It’s working and together we’re getting those shy ones more confident. Thanks to you and your Mom for sharing your knowledge.
I agree. I have had some very good feline friends
and/or companions.
I hate to be brief but you are correct Summer
I believe that Eric and Flynn had as close a bond with me as I did with them. When I had my first op they wouldn’t leave my side. They either both stayed with me, or took it in turns and one would never leave until the other was there.
We think that study is about right. We are very attached to mum,Julie especially.
Purrs,Georgia,Julie and JJ
I think I’m more attached to my kitties than they are to me! 😉