The relationship between cats and humans

The relationship between cats and humans
Cats are valuable companions in many cultures around the world. But even the most fiercely independent cats show signs of dependence on their owners, just as humans do with babies and dogs. This is partly because this unique aspect of the human-cat relationship has not yet been thoroughly explored. Researchers have found that the way cats and their owners perceive their relationship can influence their living environment, behavior, and the quality of their interactions.

One reason for this is that owners may develop an awareness of anthropomorphic relationships, which is associated with different styles of human-cat interaction and may influence the cat's health accordingly. both positive and negative ways.For example, expectations about the cat's role can lead to misunderstandings of its behavior and therefore inappropriate punishment or inadequate care. Conversely, when owners have a more realistic view of their cat's nature and needs, they are likely to care for it more fully and thereby improve its health.

Several studies have investigated how different types of interactions with cats affect their living environments. Turner (33) observed that the rate of successful owner attempts to initiate contact with the cat was correlated with the total interaction time in the relationship between all human-cat dyads. Additionally, Mertens (34) found that distance adjustments during interactions were positively correlated with compliance with the owner's interaction wishes.

Using owner questionnaires and an interactive test, researchers at the University of Lincoln classified five different types of owner-cat relationships: "Friendship", "Co-dependent ", "Casual relationship », "Remote bonding" and "Open". relationship'. The relationship types “Friendship” and “Codependent” are characterized by owners and cats are emotionally invested, accepting of others but also enjoying being close to their owners, while “Open” and “Normal”
relationships have somewhat close relationships with each other. is related to emotions and avoidant or shy cats.