Posted on 09/03/2015 1:03:32 PM PDT by dennisw
Dogs and children form a 'secure attachment' to their primary caregivers
Researchers wanted to discover if cats formed the same bond
They put cats in unusual situations with strangers and recorded reactions Study found that cats don't suffer from separation anxiety like dogs do - and their wailing may instead simply be a sign of frustration
Researchers have found that cats don't see their owners as a source of safety and security in the same way dogs do, making them more independent +3
Researchers have found that cats don't see their owners as a source of safety and security in the same way dogs do, making them more independent
Dogs are well known for being loyal and devoted companions, while their feline counterparts are typically aloof and detached.
Now researchers have discovered that this is because cats don't see their owners as a source of safety and security in the same way dogs do, making them much more independent and less reliant.
In particular, they found cats don't suffer from separation anxiety and any noise they make when their owner leaves is more likely to be out of boredom or frustration.
The study was led by Daniel Mills, Professor of Veterinary Behavioural Medicine at the University of Lincoln
He explained that while it is increasingly recognised cats are more social and more capable of shared relationships than previously thought, this latest research shows adult cats are more autonomous - even in their social relationships.
This means they don't necessarily depend on others to provide a sense of protection.
(Excerpt) Read more at dailymail.co.uk ...
My cat gives me the cold shoulder every Monday night for leaving her alone all day. She gets used to me being around all weekend that it’s a shock to her reality when I have to go back to work. She gets over it quickly though.
My cat is always at the door when I come home, and howls when I’m gone.
Because he knew you would feed him albacore instead of that crappy dry food he had to endure for two weeks
The ancient Egyptians viewed cats as gods. They have not forgotten this.
I once had sister cats from the same litter. After I came home from a week long trip, one was glad to see me and the other couldn’t care less. I could tell a difference in the way they behaved.
This is like most generalizations: mostly true but with exceptions. I’ve known a few cats that were at least as loyal and attached as a good dog. Again, they were exceptions.
I know much of this bears out common perception of cats, but I really must cone to the defense of SOME felines. For a little over a year, I housed 37 cats—all the result of what I thought were two males, who eventually had what I thought were three males, who eventually had kittens and grand-kittens, most of whom I was sure were also males. Most were prototypical cats; but three were exceptions: Ritalin (never sure of the sex) understood exactly what to do about food and using the litter box (so young that he/she had to climb into it), coming when called, following me around the house. Cal convinced me to get a basket ready for the birth of her three (males of course). She hopped in and immediately birthed. She seemed to avoid one of the kittens, so I pushed it toward her, and she removed the sac envoloping him. He, who transgendered later in life, was never fully “there,” unable to walk gracefully or judge jumps, but lives happily with one of my daughters. Cleo, who was actually a male, bearded foxes, racoons, other cats, and dogs and came from wherever he was (outside or in) the moment I called him. He also meowed “hello” when he wanted out. The others found good homes with family and friends, but those three were incredibly dear.
Yeah, it really does depend on the cat. I only consider about 1 out of 10 cats to be fit for human companionship, and out of those, 1 out of 100 is truly exceptional. I think the same thing could be said about dogs, but for different reasons. Servility is a natural trait in dogs towards their pack leaders. No one should consider that love either.
I like dogs, cats, and all kinds of animals. But I only find a few to be exceptional. We’re all fortunate when we come across one.
That was quite a jump to conclusion from cats being more self-reliant to "we didn't see any additional evidence to suggest that the bond between a cat and its owner is one of secure attachment," said Professor Mills.
Anyway, 20 cats in the set-up was not a good experiment. I've had 9 cats past and present, and I can tell you all will have behaved differently in that SST test environment. But that doesn't mean my cats don't have strong bonds with me.
Right, that’s why they hang out at the door, sit on my gym bag when I put it down and then gather at the couch I sit on waiting for me to get there.
I had a cat that knew when the school bus would arrive and would be waiting every afternoon. He did not get fed then,but later at suppertime.
Muslims despise dogs but have nothing against cats. They are not seen as unclean but dogs are
Well maybe not but I think that they carry grudges.
My stepson moved in to a place that did not permit pets so he dumped his cat on my wife and me.
For months later his cat would not come to him when he visited but instead would jump up in my lap. If he picked her up she would hiss at him.
Then for a while if she did jump up in her lap she would hiss at him if he tried to pet her.
Maybe it isn’t separation anxiety but it is some kind of anger at being deserted.
Really? Mine comes running to me when I’m just gone for the day and goes nuts when I come home from a trip, just wants to be held.
Wrong, my wife’s cat sleeps all day after my wife leaves for work, then suddenly gets active 30 minutes before she gets home.
He is there at the door reaching up and grabbing her with his claws to say “hi”. She then gives him his “crunchies” and pets him and makes him happy.
To a cat, you are a walking food dispenser, sort of a PEZ with legs.
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