From left: Chaos, Maddy and Raven. I love these cats.
A study recently released (read here) proves that women and cats have a special, social bond. There bond goes deeper than just owner and pet. Especially in homes with a single woman, cats can take on the social characteristics of human babies. Finally proof that cat ladies aren’t crazy, they just have a special bond with their cats.
While there is still work being done a similar study with humans and dogs, I think the bond shared between cats and humans is different. This study shows that cats influence their owners’ behavior and the owners in turn, influence their cats’ behavior. I think we could take this a step further, and say that they also influence each others’ emotions.
This study shows that cats have a social bond with their owners, something not usually seen between species. The study also shows that women have more interaction with their cats than men have with their cats. While it doesn’t mean that men don’t bond with their cats, it does mean the interaction is different.
I’ve often seen the similarities between cats and human infants. They make similar sounds, their facial structures are similar, i.e., the size of an infants eyes in comparison to the rest of his or her face is similar to the size of a cat’s eyes in comparison to the rest of his or her face. Both also control when he or she gets food, which is also noted in the study.
One disclaimer: only 41 cats were studied. Not exactly a huge study, but it reinforces previous studies. And it makes me feel a little less crazy. The bond I share with my cats is not in my head, there is proof, and I think they feel the same way about me.
Related Articles
- Science of cat ladies? Felines bond with females, study shows (msnbc.msn.com)
I loved that link! I just stumbled this post for you. I had heard of some of the things the article mentioned but never knew where to find the science stuff. You did your research well. GREAT post!
Hi! My name is Tuxi and I’m a Tuxedo cat! Mom Joan and I have a great relationship, as do she and my other cat housemates. Mom and I are so close that it seems she can read what my facial expressions mean in Cat English. She can say something to tease me, like about my big feet, and I give her a human-type glare and a smile which makes her laugh. I can do great stare-downs with my cat housemates!
But between you and me, the only thing I don’t care for? Well, Mom was unable to have kids and she does prefer cat children-but darnit, she likes to hold me in her arms and cradle me on my back like she’s carrying a baby! Now really! It can be embarassing when the other cats see me! =) Love, Tuxi