It used to be that when it came to pets, people thought only dogs strongly attached to their families. They assumed that cats were loners and too aloof to care about their humans’ coming and goings. That may not be the case, especially in the last few decades. And I’m actually an illustration of why!
Back in the olden days — meaning more than 100 years ago, so yes, literally the olden days — cats were primary part time human companions. They mainly lived outdoors, perhaps in barns, and came and went as they pleased. Sure, some of them became attached to family members, but it wasn’t that common, and it wasn’t that tight of a bond.
But more recently, say, in the past 40 or so years, people have increasingly wanted more from their cat-human relationships. They wanted a deeper, more loving companionship. And not surprisingly, cats have stepped up to the challenge.
Why not surprisingly? Because there is a hyper social gene mutation found in some humans and dogs, and research is growing that indicates cats may also have this in their DNA. And those cats who do are the ones more likely to have survived and thrived in a human created environment.
And how am I an illustration of this? My breeder has been careful to develop highly social tendencies in her lines of Somalis. Part of it is nurture, of course, but a good part of my temperament, and those of my relatives, comes from my ancestors too. My human has met some of my half-brothers and sisters and nieces and nephews — and we know a few of them online too! And they are all exceptionally sweet and funny kitties. Even moreso than the usual happy, goofball Somali temperament.
But just because I’m a pedigreed cat, don’t think that this isn’t happening with your everyday rescue cats too. I mean, which cats and kittens are the ones who wind up with families? The more social ones! And shelters are working to make sure their kitties are even more socialized than ever before (case in point: the Cat Pawsitive initiative). It’s the friendlier pregnant moms who are often taken off the street for a better life for their kittens and themselves.
Pretty cool, right? But there’s a downside. The old cliches and beliefs about cats being antisocial and kind of mean aren’t going away as quickly as cat socialization is increasing. Most people don’t yet realize that cats need companionship almost as much as dogs do! (The dog hyper socialization has been bred into overdrive, so yes, they are much needier.) Cats can get separation anxiety, and they can act out if they do not get the love and attention they crave.
What’s the moral here? Humans want more love and companionship from their cats — but it’s a two-way street. You need to give it to them too, and in a way that felines understand in their own cat language. Give your cat quiet time and playtime together. Do it on a schedule. And don’t abandon your cat all day without making sure they have lots of enrichment at home, to keep them occupied and happy. It’s like any relationship — if you make an effort, you’ll reap lots of rewards.
Other posts you’ll enjoy:
- Therapy Cat Training That Works for Regular Cats Too
- How to Get Your Cat to Follow You Around
- It’s Happy Cat Month – Here Are Three Tips for a Happy Cat
Your last point Summer about love and socialibility being a two way street is something my mom tries to preach for years.
Great post, Summer, and so true ! Purrs
The genetic component of this is very interesting! It had to be mostly genetic with Tylan as he was kept in a carrier in Thailand for a long time with little chance for interaction with people. Yet he is one of the friendliest cats I’ve ever met – he absolutely loves it when strangers visit and give him attention!
True dat! Even though I’m part feral, I’ve always had separation anxiety. Nowadays, I love when TW joins me for some quiet time on the bed. I’ll even let her put her arm around me w/o biting her.
Bravo Summer. This is totally true. I had to leave my girls at a vet’s boarding. Rosie coward in a corner perch and Princess looked like a deer in headlights and her nose turned bright red. That’s a sign her blood pressure was elevated. I worried about them the whole time and called frequently. When I picked them up they looked exactly how I left them. I was devastated. It was my only safe option as Princess requires meds every day. They clearly missed me and their safe home environment. Summer, can you imagine the strange smells? Only a cat can understand that. We are very bonded
Very well said sweet Summer and it’s very, very true.
This is great, Summer! Mudpie is a very social kitty…with people, not other cats!
#1 says she has never doubted any of this, although Ikkyu, her first Abyssinian cat, hated everyone other than her!
Purrs,
The Chans
Great post. I wish my 3 ferals wanted love and affection from me though. At least all my others do. 🙂
Absolutely true. My cats are great company. I’ve always been lucky, cats have always liked me maybe because I like them. Years ago, I was visiting a friend who was keeping their daughter’s cat while she was away. We were sitting in the living room talking and this big cat comes up and hops into my lap. He sat there with me for a while and it was all good. As I was leaving, they said that was the first time they had seen the cat since the daughter dropped him off. Made me feel good that the shy kitty thought I was worth coming to see.
Nicky was very social. Dusty is my skittish boy, so unless he knows you he is not social at all. Izzy is in between. She can be social if she wants to be. She’s a tortie, so she has different rules she lives by.
I agree.
We are pretty social too. Noelle takes a while to warm up to people though.
Of course we’re social, Summer. But when we want to be.
Pawsome article Summer!
Mum says I am a loving and social cat.
I was abandoned when my people moved(mum thinks) and got very skinny as I
could not find food. Mum took me in and I have loved her ever since.
We have a pawome bond 🙂
Purrs, Julie
You like people a bunch more than I do, Summer!
That is a great post. two of our six were very social, would have made great therapy kitties and travel companions as well. One of them scolded us every time we came home, even from a short time away, LOL! Until PIpo was the sole kitty, we always had two, so they wouldn’t feel too lonely if we were at our work.