When it comes to cats, they are often misjudged as being aloof and antisocial beings. Additionally, some might argue that cats are not as loyal as dogs. Comparing animals of two different species isn’t entirely fair; however, many cat owners say that a cat can be just as faithful as any dog. There are even countless stories to prove it. If you’ve landed on this article because you’ve wondered if there is scientific evidence to support the question “Are cats loyal?” then you’ve come to the right place. Cats are loyal to those that they care forโand it’s not just because they know this is where their next meal is coming from. And this is proof!
First, let’s take a closer look at what loyalty means to a cat.
We know that catsย express their love in various ways, and sometimes thoseย signs of affectionย and loyalty can be rather subtle. Anyone who has shared their life with a cat knows firsthand that a cat’s love and trust are earned, not given. With that being said, a cat that is showing you loyalty will often do so by choosing to be near you, especially when you are sleeping or under the weather.ย Of course, we know that catsโlike dogsโare opportunistic beings, so if your cat is lingering around whenever you’re eating, this isn’t a sign of love or loyalty; this is a sign of them hoping to get some of that food you’re chowing down on. Cats also like to show their loyalty by following you around your home or searching for you. Your cat is your tiny little micromanager, and keeping tabs on your whereabouts falls high on their list if you are critical to them.
Cats are independent animals that crave solitude at times, unlike canines, which often want to be with their humans. So, a cat might show its loyalty by leaning on you in times when it is scared or stressed, because you help to make it feel at ease. Keep in mind that cats do most things on their terms, so if being loyal to you suits them and their current mood, then roll with it and take it as the ultimate compliment. Cats are not disloyal, but cognitively speaking, they are wired differently from dogs, so that they will show their loyalty to you in their unique way.
Countless profound stories prove that cats are loyal to their humans.
For cats that are permitted to travel outdoors, it appears that they can navigate their way back home relatively well, thanks to their strong internal mapping skills. We know that cats will visit other houses, especially if they are being fed elsewhere. So, yes, a cat is loyal to those who feed them, but there is more to it than that. We’ve read stories of cats being reunited with their owners, and many of these stories are truly remarkable and sometimes hard to fathom. Like the story of a gorgeous ginger tabby out of the UK named Garfield, an indoor cat who was rehomed and traveled an astonishing 40 miles back home to reunite with his original owners. (Thankfully, the couple wised up and realized he should stay put in his rightful home.) He is just one of the many tales of cats defying the odds to be reconnected with the humans they feel loyal to.
A study on loyalty in cats and dogs even proves that cats practice “secure attachment” to those they care about
Researchers fromย Oregon State University have found that cats do need their owners. And, also, cats form what can be defined as “secure attachments” to their humans. According to a study conducted with over 100 cats, it was discovered that 64 percent of the cats (70 kittens and 38 adult felines) were securely attached to their owners, a finding similar to what is observed in both dogs and babies. So, even if your cat gives you the cold shoulder at times, know that deep down they truly need you and crave your presence, even if they have funny ways of showing it.
Lead author of the study, Dr. Kristyn Vitale, said that,
“The majority of cats are looking to their owners to be a source of safety and security. Itโs important for owners to think about that. When theyโre in a stressful situation, how theyโre behaving can actually have a direct impact on their catsโ behavior.”
Do you have an incredible story to share that proves your cat’s loyalty to you? If so, I’d love to hear it.ย Please send me an email to share it!
