The strange part of all of this is that cats actually view people as fellow cats. Some researchers believe cats look at us as big, slow, clumsy, uncoordinated cats, but others say they’re not quite so judgemental. The good thing is, whether or not they’re judging our balance and agility, they still love us!
What does my cat think when it sees me?
Turning inward is necessary to understand your cat’s thought process, experts advise.
Analyze your own actions to gain insight into your cat’s thoughts. Cats and humans have a close relationship that influences the way they think and behave over extended periods of time.
“What the research has found is that cats respond differently to people depending on the mood of those people,” Emma Grigg, a certified animal behaviorist and lecturer at the University of California, Davis, tells Inverse.
Regarding what your cat perceives of you, she continues, “I would say that depends on your shared history with that cat.”
Liz Stelow, a veterinary behaviorist at the University of California, Davis, agrees cats’ thoughts are shaped significantly by human behavior. For example, cats show sensitivity toward humans who are clinically depressed.
“Moreover, research has demonstrated that felines seek cues from humans regarding the seriousness of a given situation and may interpret nonverbal cues as hints for resolving issues,” continues Stelow.
You will have to wait for more research to fully understand your cat’s thinking as cat cognition is still a relatively new area of study.
There are still many unanswered questions regarding cat behavior, particularly regarding the internal experiences of cats, says Grigg. “One thing I would say right off the bat is that we are still learning a lot about domestic cat cognition, behavior, and interactions with humans,” Grigg says. ”.
Does my cat see me as a bigger cat?
Am I just a bigger cat, according to my feline?
The conventional wisdom among cat owners is that cats essentially perceive humans as just larger versions of themselves rather than as members of a distinct species.
“It is thought that cats perceive us humans as bigger versions of themselves,” Molly DeVoss, a certified feline training and behavior specialist who runs the nonprofit Cat Behavior Solutions, tells Inverse.
But is this theory really true? Well, not entirely.
Shapard, for one, doesn’t believe the legend has much merit. She claims that the theory may have gained traction because of British anthropologist John Bradshaw’s teachings, but she doesn’t think these ideas are sound.
“I am unable to locate any credible studies that provide additional information on the veracity of this.” For the time being, I’d say this is just a myth,” Shapard says.
Although they have heard the theory floated in scientific circles, other experts share the same skepticism.
“I think it is unlikely,” Grigg says.
“It is undeniable that cats possess the cognitive ability to differentiate between humans and other animals. Consider the variations in responses that cats display when they encounter a stranger in their living area as opposed to another cat. ”.
According to Griggs, research on dog cognition does not support the hypothesis that, for example, dogs perceive humans as larger dogs, and cats probably behave similarly. Instead, cats see us as “valuable resources” and social partners. e. as a provider of food.
An “unsocialized or feral cat would be more likely to see unfamiliar humans as a potential predator or another form of significant threat, rather than as another cat,” according to Grigg, even though your own cat may adore you.
Chyrle Bonk, a veterinarian at Excitedcats.com, has her own interpretation of the “bigger cat” lore. Cats do often treat humans like other felines, using gestures like licking or rubbing on both feline friends and human caregivers, she says.
According to Bonk, “cats view us as bigger cats in a sense.” “They may not be aware that we belong to a different species, or they may not give a damn.” ”.
Stelow believes that cats will show their human caretakers the same level of affection they do for other cats.
Cats will also bring us prey or play with us in a manner similar to how they would with kittens in their litter, according to Stelow, who also says that we can initiate the purring and kneading behaviors they first engaged in with their mothers.
Strong attachment, not misidentification, is what propels these behaviors toward humans, according to Stelow.
Legion speaks out, kind of
Reesa Teesa purposefully left Legion’s real name out of the story to respect his privacy. But that did not stop viewers from figuring out who he was and reaching out to him. Legion has allegedly shared his side of the story with a TikTok creator, though that interview has yet to be released. A clip posted to the account’s TikTok shows Legion attempting to discredit Reesa’s story. TMZ also reports that Legion says he is considering legal action against his ex-wife.
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