In the great debate about pets and our love for them, there are normally two main sides. There is team cat and then there is team dog.

One of the most common generalizations made is that dogs are loving, caring and affectionate beings who are attached to their owners and love them, while cats simply do not care one bit.

Since cats might not be as outwardly excitable towards their owners, that proves they do not get emotionally attached to said owners.

Sings Of Cats Showing Their Love And Attachment

Wondering if cats get emotionally attached to their owners like dogs do? While most people think they don’t, the answer may surprise you! Check it out!

If you speak to cat owners in person or look at various forums online, you will see a ton of cat owners with stories of their cats growing attached to them over time.

Every owner likely has a story about a time (or multiple times) where their cat doesn’t want to leave them alone, will follow them around the house or cuddle and beg them for attention.

This sort of widespread evidence of cats showing emotional attachment is hard to deny.

#1 Purring

Beautiful soft tabby cat lying on its owner shoulder

One of the most well-known signs of a happy cat is their purring. Cats purr for a variety of reasons, but it’s often a sign of contentment and happiness.

When a cat purrs while cuddling with their owner, it can be a sign of affection and a way of expressing their attachment.

#2 Kneading

Kneading cat on blanket

Another common sign of a cat’s attachment to their owner is kneading. This behavior involves a cat pressing their paws in and out against a soft surface, such as a blanket or their owner’s lap.

It’s thought to be a leftover behavior from kittenhood, when kittens knead their mother’s belly to stimulate milk production. When cats do this to their owners, it’s a sign of trust and affection.

#3 Following

Why do cats like to sleep with their owners? The answers are more intriguing than you might think! Find out what they are!

Cats that follow their owners around the house or insist on being close by are often showing their love and attachment.

Cats are independent creatures, so when they choose to spend time with their owners, it’s a sign that they enjoy their company and feel secure around them.

#4 Head-Butting

tiger cat doing cat headbutt to the man

A cat head-butting their owner may seem odd, but it’s actually a sign of affection. When a cat rubs their head or face against their owner, they’re leaving their scent and marking them as their own.

This behavior is a way for cats to show ownership and affection towards their human.

#5 Bringing Gifts

cat hunting

While it may not be the most pleasant sign of love, cats that bring their owners “gifts” are actually showing their affection.

Cats are natural hunters, and when they bring their owners small prey such as mice or birds, it’s a sign that they want to share their bounty and show their love.

Of course, many owners would prefer a different kind of gift, but it’s important to remember that the behavior is rooted in the cat’s natural instincts.

Final Word

Do cats love their owners?

The answer is largely inconclusive and there is something to be said for each side.

However, there has been a study done that has come to the conclusion that cats do not need humans to feel protected, and they even prefer to look after themselves.

The study also found no evidence to suggest the bond between a cat and owner is an emotionally attached one, which may be shocking to cat owners everywhere.

However, before you go and get mad at your cat, you can look at these findings in a different way.

Because the cat doesn’t “need” to stay with you, you should actually take it as a compliment that it decides to stick around and be your companion.

So while at least one study has shown that cats have no emotional attachment to their owners, thousands of cat owners around the world would likely disagree with those findings wholeheartedly and claim their cats most definitely have an emotional attachment to them.

Wondering if cats get emotionally attached to their owners like dogs do? While most people think they don’t, the answer may surprise you! Check it out!
Olfa T
Olfa T

Olfa knows how to get things done and has a keen business sense that others admire. She’s always on the go, coming up with new ideas! Her ability to anticipate the needs of her readers and deliver information that they want is what makes CatVills such a success. She loves cuddling her cat Picaciu. He is her inspiration.