No matter how much you love your cat and how affectionate it is towards you, studies have shown that cats do not need attachment to humans. A new study by Hungarian scientists has revealed the unpleasant truth that for these furry creatures, humans are nothing more than convenient neighbors.
What Did the Studies Show?
An experiment conducted by ethologists at Eötvös Loránd University in Hungary involved 15 "therapy" cats visiting schools and nursing homes, and 13 ordinary household pets. These cats underwent a series of tests that demonstrated how they reacted to the presence of their owners and strangers.
The results were unexpected: cats did not show particular attachment to their owners, even if they were very affectionate and accustomed to interacting with people. The animals' behavior was the same with both their owner and a stranger they had just met for a few minutes. This supports the view that cats are quite self-sufficient and do not require constant emotional support from humans.
Why Are Cats Not Dependent on Us?
Although cats can live with us, they are not attached to us in the same way dogs are. This is related to their nature as predators. Cats do not experience stress when alone, unlike dogs, which often become anxious if left without their owners. Cats live with us mainly because there is plenty of food in the form of rodents nearby, rather than out of attachment.
Péter Pongrácz, the lead author of the study, explains: "Cats can get along with us, but they do not depend on our help or safety. This is because cats remain good predators that can hunt for food on their own."
The Main Difference Between Dog and Cat Attachment
In contrast, dogs are animals that have developed attachment to humans over thousands of years. They are emotionally dependent on us and feel stress if left alone. While cats remain independent and can be indifferent to our absence.
Cats' Approach to Humans
Although cats do not depend on us, they can get along well with us and receive care from us. Some cats, especially those that are affectionate and sociable, may enjoy our company, but this is more due to mutual benefit — we feed them and take care of them.
Thus, cats and humans can be good friends, but for cats, human attachment does not have the biological significance it does for dogs. This does not diminish their charm and friendliness, but we should remember that cats are independent beings.
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