Remember those times your furry friend headbutted you with a gentle purr, or gazed at you with those big, soulful eyes? I bet you’ve wondered, like I have, if your cat secretly sees you as their mama. It turns out, science finally has an answer!
Forget the old stereotype of cats being aloof and mysterious. A new study, published in the science journal Current Biology, reveals that cats form deep bonds with their owners, just like babies and dogs do with their caregivers. Who knew our feline companions were such lovebugs?
These scientists at Oregon State University tested kittens and adult cats to see how attached they were to their humans. Turns out, more than 60% of them were what scientists call “securely attached.”
That means they got a little upset when their humans left the room but were super happy to see them come back. They were like, “Where did you go? I missed you!”
Now, not all cats were the same. About 30% were a bit more clingy or avoidant when their humans returned. But hey, we humans have different attachment styles too, right? Some of us are more independent, while others are big cuddle bugs.
The best part? The cats’ attachment style didn’t really change as they grew up. So, if you have a cuddly kitten now, chances are they’ll be a cuddly cat later.
This study is a big deal because it shows that cats are way more loving and emotional than we give them credit for.
They may not wag their tails or fetch the newspaper, but they have their own special ways of showing affection. So, the next time your cat curls up on your lap or rubs against your leg, remember that it’s their way of saying, “I love you, human!”
So, fellow cat lovers, let’s celebrate our furry friends and the amazing bond we share with them. After all, a cat’s love is a precious gift. And who knows, maybe your cat secretly sees you as their mom, too.
For More: Cat & Kitten