Cats are enigmatic creatures, and their view of humans is just as fascinating. Do they see us as giant cats, peculiar parents, or something entirely different? Let’s take a brief look at what science and anecdotal evidence tell us about how cats perceive their humans.
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Content:
- What Do Cats Think of Humans
- Do Cats Think Humans Are Cats
- Do Cats Think Humans Are Their Parents
- Conclusion
What Do Cats Think of Humans
Cats are social animals, but their social cues differ greatly from ours, so it’s unlikely that they see us the same way they see other cats. They do watch us closely, learning our habits and responding and reacting to our behaviors.
As one Reddit user insightfully put it: "I'm never sure if they fully know what we are, but what I do know is that they pack bond with us. We are accepted as members of their colony... They also know we are huge, have weirdly wobbly faces that constantly change, and talk in baby gibberish at them."
While they may not interpret human emotions like dogs, they do adjust based on our reactions. For example, cats may linger near objects when we show positive interest, a subtle nod to their situational awareness.
Want a glimpse into your cat's day-to-day view of you? A Petcube Cam is an excellent way to keep track of their behaviors and interactions when you're not around.
Do Cats Think Humans Are Cats
Cats don’t see us as “fellow cats” in the literal sense, but they treat us as colony members. They groom us, “hunt” for us, and sometimes even bring us gifts (like a not-so-appreciated dead mouse). These behaviors show a bond similar to how they interact with other cats or with kittens, even using some of the noises they reserve for kittens on us.
In some cases, they may also act more kitten-like to get a positive interaction from us.
Interestingly, cats’ advanced vision plays a role in how they perceive us. Their eyes are six times more sensitive to light than ours, enabling them to see subtle changes in our expressions and movements.
This acute vision helps them understand our intentions, but this doesn’t always mean they react. Cats are known to ignore us when they feel like it. Remember, they are not pack animals like dogs, so the emotions of pack members aren’t always that important to them.
But this differs depending on the cat and their relationship to their person, as plenty of cats make excellent emotional support animals.
Do Cats Think Humans Are Their Parents
Cats do form strong attachments to their owners, often resembling the bond between kittens and their mothers. Some behaviors, like kneading or following us everywhere, may stem from this instinctual connection.
The problem is that it’s difficult for us to know, as we often view cat behavior through our own feelings and human lens. This is called “anthropomorphization” and it means we tend to attribute human qualities to animals. This can sometimes get in the way of us truly understanding our animals for what they are.
Dr. Lauren Finka notes the impact of individual human behaviors on cat-human interactions in one study, writing:
"Humans’ individual differences, including their demographics, personality, attitudes, and experiences, are often associated with important outcomes for the animals they interact with."
For a closer look at how your cat interacts with you, the Petcube Cam offers an insightful way to watch their affectionate (or mischievous) antics.
Conclusion
Cats may not see us as cats or fully understand our emotions, but they form deep bonds with us. They accept us as part of their social structure, adapt to our behaviors, and offer companionship in their unique way. Whether you’re a “giant cat” or a peculiar parent in their eyes, your cat sees you as family.
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