How to tell if your cat considers you its owner? - briefly
To determine if your cat considers you its owner, observe its behavior when it's hungry or needs attention. If your cat approaches you for food or affection rather than another family member or pet, it likely views you as its primary caregiver and companion. Additionally, cats that follow their owners around the house or sleep in the same bed often display a strong bond of ownership with their human counterparts.
How to tell if your cat considers you its owner? - in detail
To determine if your cat considers you its owner, observe several key behaviors and interactions. Cats are notoriously independent, but they do form strong bonds with their human caregivers. Here are some signs that indicate your cat sees you as its owner:
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Kneading and Purring: When a cat kneads on you and purrs loudly, it is exhibiting behaviors typically reserved for trusted individuals or family members. This action signifies comfort, security, and affection.
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Following You Around: If your cat follows you from room to room, it is a clear indication of its attachment to you. Cats are naturally curious, but following their human companion consistently suggests a strong bond.
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Rubbing Against You: When a cat rubs against your legs or body, it is marking you with its scent. This behavior not only claims ownership over you but also signals trust and familiarity.
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Sleeping Near You: Cats that sleep near their owners demonstrate a high level of comfort and security. Sleeping next to you indicates that the cat feels safe and protected in your presence.
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Bringing You Gifts: Cats often bring their owners "gifts" such as toys, small animals, or even feathers. This behavior is akin to a cat showing its owner what it has hunted, reinforcing the bond between the two.
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Looking for Your Approval: If your cat frequently seeks your attention or approval through actions like meowing, staring at you, or nudging you with its head, it is a sign that it values your opinion and sees you as an authority figure.
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Protective Behavior: A cat that protects you from other animals or perceived threats demonstrates a strong sense of ownership and loyalty. This protective instinct indicates that the cat considers you part of its family.
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Recognizing Your Voice: When your cat responds to your voice, whether it's meowing back or coming when called, it shows that it associates your voice with positive experiences and sees you as a significant figure in its life.
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Grooming You: Cats groom their owners as a sign of affection and to mark them with their scent. This behavior is typically reserved for cats that are very attached to their humans.
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Showing Affection After Absence: If your cat shows excessive affection after you've been away, it indicates that it missed you and considers you an important part of its life.
By observing these behaviors, you can gain insight into the strength of the bond between you and your feline companion. While cats may never show complete submission like dogs, exhibiting several of these signs strongly suggests that your cat considers you its owner.