The infographic explains very succinctly why some cat caregivers might think that their cat blows hot and cold. As you probably know, “blowing hot and cold”, refers to inconsistent or unpredictable behaviour normally in a relationship between people but it might apply to a relationship between a cat a person as well.
This is really about perceptions and expectations. People see their domestic cat companion as a family member and sometimes they understandably humanise their cat and expect them to behave like a little person but inside the head of a domestic cat there is a top predator hardwired into their brain who is ever-vigilant both in terms of attacking and defending themselves when attacked as a prey animal.
This is the character of the domestic cat together with the fact that although they have become quite sociable through domestication, they are essentially a solitary animal not dependent upon an alpha male in a group as occurs with the gray wolf. They are not dependent upon people and therefore can be perceived as being independent-minded and even aloof. They are not really aloof they just being themselves which is a predator and a survivor…more below infographic.
Why does my cat blow hot and cold? by Michael BroadMore: Domestic cats are often unfairly described as “aloof”
So, for the cat, their behaviour is consistent with the environment in which they live. It is entirely consistent because they respond instinctively to what is occurring in the environment. Once a cat owner understands that they are living with an independent-minded predator and a great survivor, they will better understand that their cat is not blowing hot and cold but just being themselves.
To the above you have to add the fact that each cat has their own personality which overlays on the hardwired characteristics described above.
Last point: this perception probably cuts both ways. Might cats see us as blowing hot and cold too?
