I've seen possession where our cat puts his arms around my neck and growls at me if I go to move him. I think I'm more like a footstool to him than a friend.
I found this clip pretty annoying actually -- looks like they wanted to conduct a study to prove what they already know (cats don't relate to their owners in the same way dogs do) and set things up perfectly to "prove" that conclusion. Notice that the stranger uses exciting toys to play with the cat while the owner is gone. Then the owner comes back and the cat takes little notice -- it's having too much fun! What would have happened if the stranger had behaved in a neutral way to the cat? Or if the stranger had played with or fed the dog? The cat probably *does* have a different relationship to the owner, but I'd find it easier to believe that if the clip wasn't so laughably biased to "prove" that conclusion.
My cat is actually more attached to and affectionate towards me than my dog. She's the third cat I've owned and our relationship is unique, I have to admit. We "clicked" from the beginning and I mothered her as a kitten in a way I didn't with the previous three. She always runs to me for reassurance when a stranger is present...not unlike the child in the experiment. She even stays by my side when others she's familiar with are around and rebuffs their overtures. Just like a shy kid.
They're far more emotionally complex than we give them credit for. And, as I always tell prospective cat owners, you get out of the relationship what you put into it. If you talk to them every day- while looking them in the eye- as well as play with, pet, and kiss them, they forget they're cats and become furbabies :)
Cats are ultimately individualistic though, I've seen plenty that look up to their owners for affection and protection.
ReplyDeleteI've seen possession where our cat puts his arms around my neck and growls at me if I go to move him. I think I'm more like a footstool to him than a friend.
Deletehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Shea1OIdhxs
DeleteAWWW! Johnny does that but not as tight. He scolds with a bite if you move him away.
DeleteAll this proves is dogs are like children. To me cats are like adults.
ReplyDeleteAnnoying adults that demand you feed them
DeleteI found this clip pretty annoying actually -- looks like they wanted to conduct a study to prove what they already know (cats don't relate to their owners in the same way dogs do) and set things up perfectly to "prove" that conclusion. Notice that the stranger uses exciting toys to play with the cat while the owner is gone. Then the owner comes back and the cat takes little notice -- it's having too much fun! What would have happened if the stranger had behaved in a neutral way to the cat? Or if the stranger had played with or fed the dog? The cat probably *does* have a different relationship to the owner, but I'd find it easier to believe that if the clip wasn't so laughably biased to "prove" that conclusion.
ReplyDeleteYou're a cat person aren't you, Paul? :) Cats aren't dogs and won't ever act like one, I know.
DeleteMy cat is actually more attached to and affectionate towards me than my dog. She's the third cat I've owned and our relationship is unique, I have to admit. We "clicked" from the beginning and I mothered her as a kitten in a way I didn't with the previous three. She always runs to me for reassurance when a stranger is present...not unlike the child in the experiment. She even stays by my side when others she's familiar with are around and rebuffs their overtures. Just like a shy kid.
DeleteThey're far more emotionally complex than we give them credit for. And, as I always tell prospective cat owners, you get out of the relationship what you put into it. If you talk to them every day- while looking them in the eye- as well as play with, pet, and kiss them, they forget they're cats and become furbabies :)
I have about 12 of the mental things, all very different personalities :)
Delete