As different as they are, cats and dogs might have a lot in common when it comes to human connection. New research says that dogs aren’t the only ones who can be “human’s best friend.”
The new study, published in Current Biology, suggests that people may have wrongly assumed cats to be uninterested in connecting with people emotionally. The researchers found that, like dogs, most cats do form secure attachments to their human caretakers.
In human attachment theory, attachment is an emotional connection displayed in one of four patterns: secure, ambivalent, avoidant, or disorganized. Apparently, the same concept can be applied to our favorite furry companions.
In the study, pairs of 3- to 8-month-old cats and their caretakers underwent a Secure Base Test (SBT). After the pairs spent two minutes together and then two minutes apart, experts assessed the cat participants’ responses when reunited with their caretakers.
The majority of the cats (64.3%) were securely attached, demonstrating independence yet closeness with their caretaker and experiencing reduced stress upon reunion.
A minority of 35.7% of the classifiable cats showed signs of insecure attachment when their caretakers returned. They remained stressed, avoided their caretakers, sought “excessive proximity,” or otherwise appeared distressed by the prospect of a reunion.
Even when re-tested months after the initial test, 81% of the kitten participants maintained their previous attachment style. In a similar test of 38 adult cats, researchers found almost the same percentages of secure and insecure attachment among adult cats as kittens: about 65% secure and 34% insecure.
This goes to show that cats’ attachment to their caretakers doesn’t drop off as they get older. It’s for life.
So even if your kitty doesn’t wag her tail or jump up on you when you return home, trust the experts—she does love you after all.
What’s New…
Hasn’t anyone seen the YTube video of Tara the Cat who ran outside and broadsided a pitbull who was biting a (her) little boy on his tricycle?? It’s famous.
Yes that was wonderful.
Thanks for the read.
It’s about time that a study was done. And the results don’t surprise me one bit.
Anyone that has cats in their family knows how loving cats are.
And only four comments – that disinterest says it ALL. Things need to change.
It’s about time that a study was done. And the results don’t surprise me one bit.
Anyone that has cats in their family knows how loving cats are.
And only four comments – that disinterest says it ALL. Things need to change.
As someone who has lived with cats for almost 40 years this does not surprise me at all. Some are smugglers and some are not-just like dogs.
Anyone who loves their cat already knows all this. If you love them enough to take good care of them, they will love you right back, as my cat does for me.
you’re damn right our cats love us. thank you for finally admitting it!
My cats, all rescues and strays have always been attached to me. two even attached themselves to my father, not a cat person. Snuggles especially knew he was dying and stayed by his side 24/7, alerting me in middle of night when he needed help. He would come for me and not let up until I went to father to check on him. Now, after heart surgery, 3 are taking turns watching over me, waking me when sugar was low and when I had trouble breathing. when I came home from hospital, they would not let me out of their sight, constantly sitting on me, holding on as if to say you are not going away again. YES, cats do get attached and are as lovable as dogs. I have had both, only cats now because of age can’t take dogs for a walk.