A study has revealed that seven out of 10 cat owners believe their feline friends genuinely love them, while others feel they are merely a source of food. The research showed that 72% of owners think their cat would choose them over a stranger offering treats.
Furthermore, the survey of 2,000 cat owners found that 80% believe their pet could identify them in a lineup and 64% think their cat can sense when they're feeling down or unwell. However, a smaller percentage, 28%, believe their cat is incapable of feeling love and acts purely on instinct.
Interestingly, half of the cat owners polled believe they are their cat's favourite person in the household. Even if they aren't, three quarters suggest that ‘buying' your cat's affection through treats and gentle petting is an effective way to win them over.
Aneisha Soobroyen, CEO & co-founder of Scrumbles, which commissioned the research as well as a ‘Does My Cat Love Me' quiz, posed the question: “Do cats love us – or just love being warm and well fed?”.
“Well, there's no set answer for this as a bit of both is probably ‘true' – and it also depends on the cat's own personality, as well as the breed and factors such as how long you've had them can also play a part in how they react to you.”
Over a third of those surveyed via OnePoll.com claimed that their cats seek to comfort them when they're upset. However, 8% reported that their cat would actually avoid them in such situations.
Opinions also varied on how owners believed their cats would react if they disappeared for a week. A third suggested the cat would miss them terribly and sulk, feeling abandoned and betrayed. As a result, nearly a quarter reckoned their cat would hold a grudge upon their return.
Some speculated that their cat might notice their absence but would likely ‘move on' quickly. Meanwhile, 18% believed their cat wouldn't care as long as they were fed.
“Whatever your type of cat, they do have feelings and some even get depressed if they do not receive enough attention a bit like their owners. But cat owners may agree their moggie can be a bit fickle so their affection can appear to be just cupboard love.”
According to the poll, the top display of cat affection is sleeping on or near their owner (70%), followed by being headbutted or purred at (67%).
Moreover, 42% were confident that when their cat ‘slow blinks' at them, it's a sign of love. A third believe being gifted a dead mouse or bird from a cat means they adore you.
Aneisha commented: “Cats, like humans, have real personalities and some are friendlier than others, with some wanting more attention than others. One thing that can really help get your cat's attention, if not their undivided loyalty, is a tasty treat.”
