Cats are more independent than dogs - and don't need their owners

"'Cats may get along with us, but they don't depend on the help or security we can provide. 'So while dogs can be a bit like our children, and rely on us, that is not the case for cats. 'It is likely because they are still able predators who can catch their own food, so don't technically need us to feed them, and because cats whose owners leave them just end up going feral and living independently.'"

"The conclusion comes from a study of cats placed in six scenarios. Sometimes they were alone with their owner in a room, sometimes they were alone with a stranger, and at times both people were present. Cats were no more likely to seek out their owner than the stranger, nor more likely to stay close to them or greet them when they entered the room."

Cats demonstrate emotional independence and show no clear attachment to owners. In controlled scenarios with cats alone with an owner, alone with a stranger, or with both present, cats did not prefer owners over strangers or seek them for comfort. Tests used 15 therapy cats accustomed to being handled outside the home to avoid laboratory stress. Observations indicate cats may tolerate or like people but do not depend on human help or security. Cats remain able predators that can catch food and may become feral when left, while dogs commonly rely on humans for reassurance and stress relief.

Read at Mail Online