What Does Your Cat Think of You? This is How They Really Feel

Have you ever wondered what cats think of us? Sometimes your pet cats will ‘greet’ you lovingly after coming back from work. Other times, these kitties will act as if they care about your presence. Understand that while your feline friends are lovely, they’re also strange and unpredictable. Unlike dogs, who see us as their best friends for life, cats sometimes see us as just providers, catering to their needs. While you may not fully understand your cats’ thought processes, you can study their behaviors to get an idea of them.

Cats view their owners as family

Cats form secure attachments to their owners, similar to the bonds children and dogs form with their caregivers. They often view their human friends as part of their extended feline family. Additionally, they bond with us, seeing us as larger and somewhat strange versions of themselves.

Their age and life stage influence their perception of their owners

Your cat’s behavior towards you can change a lot depending on their age and life stage. Kittens usually see you as a playmate and caregiver because they’re playful and curious. As they grow into adult cats, they might become more independent, thinking of you mainly as a source of food and safety. Older cats can go either way—they may become more loving or a bit distant, depending on your past interactions with them. Either way, they tend to seek comfort from you as they age.

They think we’re clumsy

Have you ever noticed your cat calmly dodging your feet as you stumble around the house? In their eyes, humans are incredibly clumsy. Cats are agile and precise in their movements, a stark contrast to our often staggering nature. This agility difference can cause cats to view us as somewhat clumsy giants. Despite this, they tolerate our awkwardness with surprising patience, likely interpreting our odd behaviors as a part of their role in safeguarding the household.

Cats use behaviors that they would use on their mothers

When your cat kneads on you or nuzzles your face, it’s expressing deep trust and affection. These actions remind them of their kitten days, when they would knead their mothers to stimulate milk flow. By doing this with you, your cats essentially say they see you as a parental figure. It’s their unique way of expressing love and comfort.

They think we’re predictable

Cats are very observant, noticing your daily habits. They can predict when you’ll wake up or feed them. They change their behavior depending on how you interact with them. For example, your cat may know you give treats in the morning while someone else gives them in the evening. This shows how smart they are and how they bond with people. It’s amazing how cats can “train” you to get the attention and treats they want.

Cats can tell what we feel

Believe it or not, cats are attentive to your emotional state. They can tell when you’re upset from your attitude, facial expressions, and tone of voice. They are very responsive to human voices. While your feline friends may not respond the same way a dog would, they often adjust their behavior based on your mood. Cats can associate a visual cue (like pacing up and down) or an auditory signal (like shouting) with specific human emotions (such as fear or happiness).

They also respond to our anger

Cats dislike situations where they feel out of control, which can seem like aggression to us, but they don’t hold grudges or feel guilt. When a cat shies away after being punished, it’s reacting to our anger but not feeling guilty.

Cats have their own way of showing affection

Unlike dogs, cats display affection in clever ways. They may rub against you, blink slowly, or bring “gifts” in the form of prey. These actions indicate trust and affection, showing how much they care about you. Cats also purr when they feel happy and safe, which is their way of saying they are content. They may curl up on your lap or sleep next to you to express their love and feel secure around you.

Cats don’t love us the way dogs do

While we may expect our cats to behave like dogs, their thinking and social behavior are quite different. Cats don’t see us as pack leaders or companions the way dogs do. Studies show that cats don’t love us in the same way dogs do and often make us work for their affection. A study shows that oxytocin levels, the love hormone, increased by 57.2% in dogs and just 12% in cats after being petted. Despite this, cats do seem to like us—at least a little, even if their affection is less intense.

They are not as sociable as dogs

While dogs are often social butterflies, cats are more selective about their interactions because they are solitary hunters. Felines tend to form strong bonds with a limited number of humans. This means your cat may not be the life of the party, but they do cherish their chosen human companions.

They mark their territory to create boundaries

Cats mark their territory by scratching and spraying, behaviors rooted in their wild instincts. These actions aren’t about owning us, but about creating boundaries and protecting resources. When they scratch or spray around us, it’s their way of ensuring their space and feeling secure.

14 Adorable Signs That Your Cats Think of You as Their Parent

14 Adorable Signs That Your Cats Think of You as Their Parent