I believe that it is useful to remind ourselves that we share some behavioural traits with our cat companions as it may, in some households, help to remove a ‘them and us’ belief. Humans do like to think they are special and that they are not animals. Humans are human-animals and there are more similarities between humans and their domestic cat companions than differences; some of which are seen in behavioural traits. And also, in anatomy.
Here is an expansion of the points made in the infographic:
Domestic cats and humans exhibit several behavioral similarities, reflecting shared biological and social traits. Here are some notable parallels:
Social Interaction
- Affectionate Bonds: Both cats and humans form strong social bonds with others, showing affection through physical closeness, grooming (for cats), or touch (like hugging and petting).
- Communication: Cats “talk” with vocalizations (meows, purrs, and hisses) and body language, similar to how humans use speech and gestures to convey emotions and needs.
- Recognition of Individuals: Cats and humans can recognize specific individuals and respond differently based on familiarity and past interactions.
Play and Curiosity
- Playfulness: Both enjoy playful activities, especially during youth, which aids in learning and development.
- Curiosity: Cats and humans are naturally curious, exploring new environments, objects, and situations to satisfy their desire to learn.
Territoriality and Routine
- Attachment to Territory: Cats are territorial animals, much like humans who create and maintain personal spaces such as homes and workspaces.
- Preference for Routine: Both species are creatures of habit, often following regular patterns in daily activities like eating, sleeping, and socializing.
Emotion and Comfort-Seeking
- Seeking Comfort: Cats seek warmth and cozy spaces, akin to humans’ preference for comfortable environments.
- Expression of Mood: Both can display a wide range of emotions, such as contentment, frustration, or anxiety, and react to stress in noticeable ways.
- Self-Care: Grooming in cats parallels self-care rituals in humans, like bathing and maintaining appearance.
Learning and Adaptation
- Problem-Solving: Cats and humans can both solve problems through observation, experimentation, and learning from experience.
- Adaptability: Both species can adapt to changing circumstances, such as moving to new homes or forming new relationships.
Health and Rest
- Need for Sleep: Cats sleep extensively, similar to how humans require significant sleep for physical and mental health, though humans typically sleep less.
- Stress Responses: Both experience stress, which can manifest physically and emotionally, and benefit from environments that reduce stress.
Social Hierarchies
- Group Dynamics: Cats in multi-cat households form hierarchies and alliances, mirroring human social structures like family roles or workplace dynamics.
These similarities underscore the shared evolutionary traits and adaptive behaviors that make cats and humans compatible companions.
Personal
I was prompted to create this page after my cat reached out with his paw to touch my face as he was lying next to me this morning under the duvet on a cold winter’s day outside.
I interpreted his touch as an act of affection, very similar to the way bonded humans like to touch each other’s faces, also as an act of deep affection AKA love.
More: animal behaviour
