Cats are absolutely adorable, and there’s even scientific proof that kittens are biologically designed to be cute and get our attention.1 There’s no denying that people think cats are cute, but what do cats think about people?
Although more research needs to be done on the relationship between humans and cats, the research we have suggests that cats are unlikely to view humans as cute. Based on observations, cats tend to view humans as bigger cats.
Of course, this doesn’t mean that cats can’t feel love for their human companions. We will discuss cats’ perceptions of humans and how this plays a role in our relationship with them.
How Do Cats View Humans?
Cats probably see people as their equals.2 It is common for dogs to change their behavior when they interact with people. For example, dogs may use different play styles when they play with other dogs and when they play with their human companions.
In contrast, cats don’t seem to really change and adjust their behavior around people. They seem to treat people the same way they treat other cats. They show love to people in the same way they show love to each other. They may rub their faces against people, sit next to them, and groom them, which are all behaviors that cats can display when they are with companion cats.
Cats are unlikely to think that people are cute. Instead, it is hypothesized that they view humans as big cats and, therefore, treat them as such.
Do Cats Consider Their Owners Their Parents?
Even if cats don’t look at humans as cute, they can still feel affection for humans and form strong bonds with them. A study focusing on the relationship between humans and cats found that kittens are capable of forming attachment bonds with their human caregivers similar to human parents and infants. If you are taking care of a young kitten, especially if they are separated from their mother cat, they may start to see you as their parent.
Signs Your Cat Loves You
Regardless of a cat’s age, they can develop a positive relationship with their human companions and show them affection. Of course, they will show love in their own feline ways that differ from the usual human expressions of affection. For example, cats can show affection to each other by headbutting each other. They do this because they have glands on their face that contain pheromones. When they headbutt, they mark each other with their own personal scents. Therefore, if your cat headbutts you, you can take it as a sign that they recognize you as one of their own.
Cats also show that they are comfortable and safe when they squint or blink slowly. You can try giving your cat a slow blink and see if he returns the gesture. Receiving a slow blink from a cat is one of the highest compliments you can receive from them because it shows that they are happy and relaxed around you.
Another unique way cats show affection is by kneading or “making cookies” with you. They may try to groom you or expose their belly, or chirp when you pet them. Some cats may begin to follow their owners from room to room in your home and wait at the door to greet them when they come home.
Conclusion
The way cats show care and affection to humans is similar to how they show it to other cats. So, cats tend to see people as their big feline friend. Cats don’t need to see people as cute to feel love and affection towards them. They will show that they love us in their own feline way, and we can continue to adore our cats every time we see them cute.
Featured Image Credit: VH studio, Shutterstock
