For a lot of us, cats are cherished members of our household and are treasured companions. We value the elegance, happiness, love, and enjoyment that cats share with us. However, cats are considered untrainable, aloof, and cold by some. I feel bad for people who are missing out on the things cats add to our lives.
We share some similarities with cats. For the people that could not associate with cats yet, maybe learning more about a few of the similarities we have with these intelligent and caring animals will soften their hearts a little bit. Here are ways in which we're comparable:
1. We Appreciate Affection and Companionship
It shocks many people when they learn that cats are, in fact, social animals. Although mistakenly thought to be solitary, cats gain a lot from social interaction, just as we do. Felines are singular hunters because they go after tiny targets, which is likely where the misconception starts. They're also territorial, so social communication at first requires finesse. However, they are social animals. Even if cats do not display instantaneous social behaviors, it does not imply that they don't have a social framework.
Cats also show love; however, each feline may show it in different means. People show affection in numerous ways, too; we aren't the same. Some people take pleasure in being physically close and like to be embraced, and some do not. Cats can be like that, too; as with individuals, some cats like a gentle, casual touch over a long hug. A cat may give an affectionate display is sitting on a lap without being held. Some people show their affection with acts of kindness or words. It can be so easy to miss the subtle signs of companionship and love about cats. Your feline's purr, a slow eye blink, or wish to rest close to you are displays of love and affection. The cat may lean his body against yours, touch your face with his paw or put a foot on your arm, or give you a mild (or not so mild) head butt. Again, these are indicators of affection that are conveniently forgotten. Just as with your human friends, focus on individual preferences. Some are grand and tough to miss, while others are subtle but no less meaningful.
2. We Learn Things Similarly
When it comes to learning, consequences has a very significant function. If a habit is rewarding, it will likely be done again. When you were a child, wasn't it helpful to have constant rules and know that you were being taught and guided with love? Consistency is essential to human beings and cats. It's simpler to comply with rules when you know what's being anticipated from you and that rules aren't changed from one thing to another constantly. Using physical punishment and scare tactics creates anxiety and can harm the emotional bond, whether educating a cat or a child.
3. We Like Having Options
Nobody likes to feel backed in a corner with no alternatives. We prefer to make choices regarding the different aspects of our lives, and cats feel the same way. Training has a better possibility of being successful if you provide options. When you don't want a cat to do a specific thing, it's a lot more practical to know the objective behind the behavior so that you can offer a better option. This technique help cats, too! Having choices minimizes frustration and helps a person or a cat feel as if they have some level of control over their actions. Here are some examples of how to provide options for your cat.
- Offer your cat the choice to stay in the cat carrier throughout veterinary exams by using a carrier with a removable top.
- Offer your cat the alternative to go to an elevated area by providing cat trees or home window perches rather than just shooing them off counters or furniture.
- Give your feline the option to choose how close it wishes to be by observing his body movement and letting him set the speed of interaction.
- In a multicat house, offer your cats the choice to use a can that supplies the level of protection they need by having several boxes in different locations around your home.
- Provide open and concealed napping locations, so your cat can select his level of exposure.
4. We Need to Play
With human beings, it can be anything from the board or video games to sports. Please do not take lightly the value of playing because it helps release dopamine, a natural chemical associated with feeling good. Playtime helps people learn, reduces stress, strengthens bonds, and keeps physical well-being on the whole.
Playtime for a feline typically includes simulated hunting by tracking and pouncing on toys. Just as with human beings, when cats play, there is a surge of that helpful dopamine. Playtime for a feline helps build self-confidence, keeps their bodies conditioned, reduces stress, enhances bonds with other companion pets or people. It's a vital tool in general enrichment. Playtime is just one of the best methods to develop trust when dealing with a frightened or shy cat. Most of us need playtime in our lives, whatever our age.
5. We Benefit From Enrichment
Without enrichment, human beings and felines can become susceptible to boredom, anxiety, solitude, or disappointment. Enrichment for people includes listening to music, reading books, watching movies, going on vacation, spending time with friends or family members, sports, and more. Cats need enrichment too, and it's easy since you don't have to worry about taking the cat out for dinner and watching movies in the cinema. Enrichment entails providing a secure and healthy home, possibilities for daily play, communication, places to climb, nap, scratch, and stretch (like cat trees, scratching posts, beds, perches, etc.), nourishment, veterinary care, accessibility to litter boxes that are conveniently located, and training based upon love and understanding of what a feline needs.
6. We are Protective of What is Ours
We secure our homes and our cars. We write our names on items, so others will know what belongs to us. We closely supervise our valuables such as purses, wallets, phones, cash, and cards. We take care of individuals we let in our houses. We use safety systems and monitoring cameras. We protect our children. For felines, the fact that you have your home secured does not mean much. Cats do not recognize whether the danger is lurking around every edge. Using the can can be a threat; a feline needs to pass the household's hostile pet, who continually strikes. Perhaps a new cat has been brought home, and the resident feline is flipped out at the possibility of this intruder taking control of his area, getting his things, and endangering him.
Cats and also people both want the comfort that comes from safety and security. Priorities may vary, but most of us want to live our everyday lives without the fear of danger.
7. We Like Our Personal Spaces Respected
When you get in a lift, and there's another individual currently in it, your natural propensity is to go the other side. People favor having a personal space in public circumstances, whether on a bus, train or in a waiting area. Nobody likes to have their spaces invaded. Even at home, family members may have seating locations when it involves watching TV during the night. Some individuals like being close, and others want a bit more breathing space. Cats are similar to us in this. Cats require personal space, and it's essential to see through their body movements to see whether they're allowing us into those personal spaces or not. Where misconceptions happen is when individuals do not offer cats any choice or observe clear body signals.
Adjustment is commonly frightening for most individuals, whether moving to a new city or starting a new work. Familiarity in day-to-day life is comforting for humans and cats. Even though we might not delight in change, essentially, we like being prepared. We likewise recognize the fear we face about change is usually just temporary. For felines, though, the adjustment comes without warning, and it can be frightening. A cat doesn't recognize why he has suddenly been put into a carrier and then is blurt in a new house. A cat doesn't get a say whether the family has a new child or a new family pet. The cat is typically taken by surprise regarding life's changes, whether they're big or small. Change, even when it's for the better, is still a terrifying process. Cats will surely be the first ones to tell you that.
Appreciate the Similarities and be Aware of the Differences
Look what is wonderfully distinct about cats. Learn to look at your cat's world with a cat's eyes, and you'll begin to see the real reason behind its behaviors. You'll start to appreciate the sensations, anxieties as well as needs you have in common with your cat. You'll get a better understanding of how felines differ from human beings so you can stop thinking inaccurate things, like assuming the reason for a cat's behavior is spite or a deliberate act of disobedience.
