In Argentina, three out of four people chose to live with a pet, with a higher prevalence of dogs and cats, according to a recent study. Canines make up 81% of these homes, while felines occupied 52%. Despite the belief that cats are surly beings and are not as affectionate as dogs, the adopters of these animals flooded social networks with evidence that refuted this. Furthermore, science supported them: a report confirmed that they would be capable of love and that they carry out affectionate gestures with their owners.
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For a long time, the myth was established that cats are surly beings and that they do not show the same affection to humans as dogs do. A study conducted by Dr. Kristyn Vitale, belonging to Oregon State University of the United Statespointed out that cats have an attachment to their companions.
The experiment tried to observe what happened when cats, between 3 and 8 months old, stayed for two minutes in a room unknown to them, with their owners. Afterwards, they were left alone in the same space for another 120 seconds and, finally, they were again with the humans for the same time.
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As a result of the study, it was evident that the majority of the cats that participated in the experiment presented secure attachment when reunited with their owners in the last phase. “Like dogs, cats show social flexibility regarding their attachments to humans,” the expert noted.
He added: “Most cats are securely attached to their owners and have them as a source of security in a novel environment for them.” Thus, the study showed that the majority of these animals showed secure attachment when the human returned with them to the room they did not know; while others clung to them or avoided them.
The attachment level of cats is similar to that of dogs or babies
On the other hand, the specialist pointed out that the level of attachment of cats is similar to that of dogs or human babies. Thus, 65% of the animals that participated in the study showed a secure attachment, returning to their owners, seeking contact with them and showing a reduction in the stress they experienced when they were alone in the chosen space.
Meanwhile, 35% showed an insecure attachment, as they continued to be stressed and sought “excessive proximity” or avoided their human owners (12%).
On the other hand, experts in feline psychology decreed that cats use different social tools to show the love they feel for the humans who accompany them. Among them, they highlighted the meow as a social greeting, since it would be a form of attempted communication with their owners.
Purring, one of the favorite sounds for cat lovers, is a sign of comfort and security that these animals use to show their pleasure in a situation. As well as the slow and prolonged blinking, which was noted as an expression of affection towards people.
2024-01-07 20:19:47
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