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Cat slaves often think they are disappointed. The effort it takes to devote your body and mind to caring for your cat master. You rarely get returns in return. Because of the cat's reaction to the loyal slave. Often it is indifference and indifference. Or until he shows signs of violence, biting and scratching to cause injury.
Love for a cat slave is like one-sided love for him. Sometimes cats seem to hate their slaves. Which is very disappointing for cat lovers.
However, when behavioral scientists studied the relationship between humans and cats in depth. They found that cats do not necessarily hate humans. They also have incredible love and attachment and are able to build good relationships with their slaves. This depends on human behavior and emotional expression.
Although cats may not be as loyal and adoring to their owners as dogs, they certainly do not hate or be indifferent to the humans who give them love.
A 2015 study conducted during the filming of the BBC documentary “Cats vs. Dogs” showed that cats can develop feelings of love and connection with people. But at a much lower level than dogs.
Neuroscientists collected saliva samples from 10 dogs and cats and analyzed them to determine the amount of oxytocin, the love and attachment hormone. Which pets secrete when they are gently touched and petted. The results showed that dogs secrete 57.2% more of this hormone, while cats secrete only 12% of the same hormone.
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Another study conducted in 2021 found that the behavior of cats that tend to be cold toward humans increases. This does not happen as often or as widely as is commonly understood. Written by Dr. Daniel Mills, an animal behavior expert from the University of Lincoln, UK. “Cats can have a deep emotional bond with their owners,” the study author said. But this creates complex forms of social relations. This is the result of the personalities of all parties involved. Including the relationship dynamics between humans and cats that vary from one pair to another.
The study mentioned above looked at data from nearly 4,000 cat owners and was able to identify five types of relationships between cats and their caregivers: open relationships, distant relationships, informal relationships, and interdependent and friendly relationships. The survey results found that half of cats and their pet owners have a somewhat indifferent relationship with each other. While the other half had a close relationship. In a way that has a strong emotional connection to each other
The researchers told Live Science that there is definitely an emotional bond between cats and their cat owners. Because both sides spend a lot of time doing different activities together. But this love and connection cannot be compared to the relationship between a dog and its owner. This is especially true when we talk about bonding between humans and adult cats.
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Another study published in 2019 suggests a strengthening relationship between humans and cats. It will take more dedicated effort on the part of the cat slave. Compared to the relationship between humans and dogs
The findings are supported by a 2008 study that found that cats have faster heart rates and higher blood pressure. When coming face to face with the person who is raising it or the person who is playing with him until he becomes familiar which indicates that he is excited and happy or anticipating that you will receive your favorite prize.
Dr. Claire Ritchie Bonnot, a member of the research team from the University of Lincoln who also conducted a study on this topic, explains that “the type of relationship between humans and cats depends mainly on the ‘emotional investment’ or the effort put into building emotional bonds on the human side. There are environmental factors in terms of unique personality. The cat's ability to socialize is also involved.
Another study published in 2021 suggests that cats are more likely to be attracted to people who can understand them. Reading the various behavioral signals she displays should give her the opportunity to choose and control the relationship as desired on her own. Because what cats hate most is people's attention to them. Or force him to pay attention when he doesn't want to. Until it becomes avoidant or unfriendly behavior towards humans.
Dr. Lauren Finca is an expert in cat behavior and well-being. A study from Nottingham Trent University in the UK concluded: “It is clear that cats do not like direct control. They also do not like forced physical contact, but many cats may not express their feelings or communicate well with people. “He seemed to suddenly become upset while we were petting him. This signal of displeasure is difficult for humans to understand and detect early on.”