New research reveals that even if you miss your kitty at home, your cat might not really feel the same way when you are gone. Scientists believe that cats do not see their owners as a source of safety and security in the same manner that dogs do, which makes them by far, more independent, not relying on their human companions.
New findings of this new research shows specifically that cats do not suffer from separation anxiety and when they produce a sound when their owner leaves, this sound is probably coming from boredom and frustration and not loneliness.
According to lead author of the study, Daniel Mills of the University of Lincoln, cats are also considered to be social animals and are capable of shared relationships however, this latest research shows that adult cats are more autonomous involving their social relationships. This simply means that cats do not necessarily depend on others in order to gain a sense of protection.
Scientists have been using a widely used test called the Ainsworth Strange Situation Test to be able to demonstrate the bond between children and dogs toward their primary carer apparently meets all the requirements for a secure attachment. This means that the carer is regarded as the focus of safety and security when a threatening situation arises.
Researchers then developed and adapted their own version of this test, where Mill and his team were able to apply this theory for cats.
While the researchers conducted the experiments, they have observed the relationships of 20 cats with their owners where they were placed in different, unfamiliar environments together with their owner, along with a stranger and also on their own, alone in that environment.
During these various scenarios, they observed and assessed the different types of attachment shown by the cats which includes various amounts of contact that the cat was searching for, their passive behavior levels and signs of distress when their owners left them.
Mills believes that although the cats were more vocal in expression upon their owner's absence compared to the stranger, the team did not observe any additional evidence suggesting that the bond of cat and its owner is a clear manifestation of a secure attachment.
This new study is published in the journal Plos One.