Do cats know they are domesticated? - briefly
Cats do not understand or recognize their own domestication. They perceive humans as caregivers who provide food, shelter, and affection, rather than as owners or masters in a hierarchical sense.
Do cats know they are domesticated? - in detail
The question of whether cats understand that they are domesticated is complex and multifaceted, drawing on insights from ethology, neuroscience, and comparative psychology. Domestication, in this context, refers to the process by which wild animals have been selectively bred over generations to live alongside humans.
Cats, specifically Felis catus, are believed to have been domesticated around 10,000 years ago from their wild ancestor, the African wildcat (Felis lybica). This prolonged period of coexistence has led to significant changes in feline behavior and physiology. However, whether cats possess an explicit understanding of their domestication status is a matter of ongoing debate among scientists.
One key aspect of this discussion is the concept of self-awareness. Self-awareness, or the ability to recognize oneself as distinct from others, has been demonstrated in several species, including great apes and some birds. In cats, this capacity remains unclear. The classic mirror test, where an animal is presented with its own reflection, has not yielded definitive results for felines. While some cats display curiosity or aggression towards their reflections, these responses do not conclusively indicate self-awareness.
Moreover, the domestication process itself does not necessitate a cognitive understanding of one's status as domesticated. Rather, it involves the selection and reinforcement of traits that make coexistence with humans mutually beneficial. For cats, these traits include behaviors such as purring, kneading (a behavior where cats push their paws in and out against a soft surface), and soliciting attention from humans.
Another factor to consider is the feline communication system. Cats communicate primarily through body language, vocalizations, and scent marking. While these methods are sophisticated and effective for intraspecies communication, they do not lend themselves easily to conveying abstract concepts such as domestication.
Furthermore, cats' brains have evolved to prioritize survival in their natural environment rather than to comprehend complex social structures involving humans. The feline brain is optimized for hunting, territorial behavior, and other aspects of wild cat life, even though domestic cats no longer rely on these skills for daily survival.
In conclusion, while cats exhibit a range of behaviors that are well-adapted to their domesticated lifestyle, there is currently no empirical evidence to suggest that they possess an explicit understanding or awareness of being domesticated. The relationship between cats and humans is one of mutual dependence and benefit, shaped by thousands of years of evolutionary history rather than conscious recognition on the part of the cat.