Hi, I’m Dr. Lauren! Read my introduction to learn more about me and my two adventurous cats, Pancake and Tiller.
Cats, the effervescent cog in the relatively bland wheelhouse of modern domestic life. Or, at least, that’s my opinion and I’m sticking to it. Cats are steadily creeping up to become one of the most popular household pets in many countries, but as I keep writing, we don’t really know everything about them.
Are they having anxiety? Why are they different from dogs? Can we describe a cat’s personality, or do cats that are more dog than cat really exist? When does a healthy appetite really mean something bad? Indeed, they remain a mystery, as a beloved addition to the family.
Cats and Personality
One thing that has surprised me, over and over again since graduating from vet school, is their personality. Stoically, we were repeatedly told as veterinary students that cats have no emotions. No research was provided to support this, but none of us questioned this statement. And yet, every day, in clinical practice, I am reminded of this supposed truth. And that, while I don’t have the research to back it up, cats almost certainly have emotions.
Last night, for example, was a very cold spring night. Pancake recently realized that Tiller has a favorite spot on a cardboard scratching post, which also happens to be near the main heating vent for the family room. And, therefore, Pancake takes it upon himself to remove Tiller from this place…mainly by going to the place as soon as the heat resumes, much to Tiller’s chagrin.
Last night, there were several bopping, punching, ear-biting, and generally tense moments between the two of them, as they got into a kerfuffle over who owned said hot spot. That is, until human intervention opens a can of wet food, and all grievances are quickly forgotten.
Pancakes vs. Tiller
Pancake also gets very grumpy if he doesn’t keep his routine. That means breakfast at 6 am, second breakfast at 7 am, sofa free at 8 am, and an early bedtime at 10 pm. I actually saw him march upstairs, at 10 pm on the dot, in an attempt to get people to bed. And I saw him boycott the people all night long, if they would not follow his leadership. Plus, house guests be warned- if you try to give him too much or too little attention, just know that, as the Klingons say “Heghlu’meH QaQ jajvam”.
Even worse, is applying their flea treatments. Tiller is a bit more forgiving: when it’s over, it’s over. But with Pancake, a 3-month use of a flea and tick product, meant that for at least 1 month, but more than likely 2 months, I had to tiptoe every time I went anywhere near the back of his head, he might turn around in utter disbelief that I had once again betrayed his trust, then run and hide for the next few hours. Don’t ask what it’s like trying to give him pills! I’m sure the neighbors would call the police if this was a common occurrence…and I refer back to the Klingon axiom written above.
Now, you might say I’m anthropomorphizing cats. Sure, I live with them. I can see their personalities. Tiller is athletic, aloof, smart, a little high-strung, and a little skeptical. Pancake is motivated by food, constantly talking to whoever is around, grumpy when hungry (the true meaning of hangry!) and always happy to steal your chair or sofa as soon as you get up to do something else. No question, they have small brains, lots of fur, and big personalities.
What Does the Research Say?
Research on the topic of cat emotions is divided. Conversely, or conversely, we discuss the cat’s emotional health when talking about environmental enrichment in cat medicine, but the extent to which those feelings are experienced, or even acknowledged, is rare, and is only beginning to investigate.
For example, in a Japanese study (and others), pet-owner attachment was directly related to observing and evaluating pets’ emotions, with compassion and jealousy being the two most frequent. which is followed by the emotions of the owners. However, the jury remains out on how accurately humans can interpret cat emotions in certain settings, especially when anthropomorphic tendencies play a role in owner interactions with their pets. .
Other, early data suggests that cats vocalize other than meow in part to convey positive emotions, but much remains to be explained on that front. An interesting paper even suggested that a cat’s left gaze and head turn may indicate a low level of fear, while right gaze and head turn may indicate relaxation… cat emotional psychology!
Essentially, the jury remains out on the cat’s feelings, for now. At least officially. But when I walk into a clinic, and start a consulting day, and cat after cat comes to the exam table, looks at me, and sighs, it’s hard not to feel their true emotions. I haven’t gone so far as to see an eye roll, but I suspect it may still happen. And if it does, Pancake will likely be first in line.
