Our relationship with our animal companions has evolved over time. Once we thought of cats as mere mousers, we have since invited them into our homes and lives. Perhaps this relationship is fated since we share 90% of our DNA with cats.1 They have even evolved their vocal repertoire to include meows not commonly heard in their wild counterparts.
Evidence of vocal and emotional recognition exists.2 however, there is nothing sexual about a cat’s love for their guardians. People give comfort to their pets that they recognize. After all, they depend on us for food, water, and shelter. However, that doesn’t mean they are attracted to us.
The Human-Cat Bond
Research suggests the Ancient Egyptians changed our relationship with cats, with evidence suggesting they had a place at home with humans.3 However, we are still talking about a pet or owner and not a sexual one. Undoubtedly, their role as mousers in Ancient Egypt still exists as when they were first domesticated, but the difference is probably the development of love between humans and cats.
Cat Breeding Behavior
Of course, people associate sexual attraction with reproduction. There we find the strongest evidence that cats are not attracted to people in that way. Our pets are deeply connected to their wild roots. Domestication changed only 13 genes in cats, which translates into a cat breeding season between mid-January and mid-October, triggered by longer daylight hours.4 This is probably related to the production of children when there is plenty of food available. Indoor cats can urinate at all times of the year due to exposure to artificial light.
Females undergo an estrus or heat cycle every 21 days, on average. During this time, cats purr to attract potential mates, while males search for receptive females. Bonding does not exist because they are polygynandrous, meaning females and males have multiple mating partners. Another biological factor is that cats cause ovulation. The mating act triggers ovulation so the female has a high chance of pregnancy.
The cat embodies the theory that mating and reproduction have a purely biological purpose. Males do not provide parental investment in offspring or affection for females after marriage takes place. Raising children is done only by the mother. The animal mating system is living proof of that assertion. Pair bonding in cats is not the usual sexual relationship between adult cats.
Signs of Love
Cats who are attached to their caretakers are often quite expressive. They can rub on your legs or give you heads. They may moan as you hold them or knead you. Interestingly, some of these behaviors are similar between mother and kittens. They point to the love and affection that exists in these relationships.
You may wonder what your cat really thinks about you. We can make some inferences based on cat body language. When your cat rubs against your leg, they are showing affection. This behavior is believed to produce a scent that marks the individual as a member of their colony.
The fact that your pet has this physical connection with you is evidence of their love. After all, they won’t bond with other animals if they don’t think they’re friendly. Again, this is not sexual but an acknowledgment of their attachment.
The Role of Oxytocin
Research on the hormone oxytocin provides additional insights. The body releases this chemical compound during pleasurable interactions that often involve the trust and intimacy of a mother’s care. It can also reduce circulating stress hormones in humans and non-humans. While oxytocin is also associated with sex, it has an equivalent role in non-sexual love.
While research is limited, one study found that human-animal interactions can increase oxytocin release in dogs and humans. And, another study found that humans can release oxytocin when interacting with cats. It is not a stretch to hypothesize the same effects could occur in cats. Scientists have already discovered that cats can be just as effective as dogs for animal therapy. The action of oxytocin may explain the mechanism for how this happens and refine our understanding of how cats show affection.
Final Thoughts
Science has shed new light on cats and their behavior. Research provides ample evidence that cats communicate with their owners and communicate this physically and vocally. However, sexual attraction is not a part of that mix, and neither is it in intercourse. For cats, mating occurs for the biological purpose of producing kittens and they usually do not form strong bonds with a partner. However, love and affection are part of our lexicon to describe our relationship with our pets.
Featured Image Credit: larisa Stefanjuk, Shutterstock
