Human and cat

Cats regard people to be their relatives in a way. But cats' attitude to people is somewhat more significant than to their real relatives. This attitude cannot be compared to relations to other cats. The explanation of its so surprising sympathy lies in the remains of infantile instincts.

In the wild surroundings infantile instincts - the time when a strong mother protects her kids - is replaced by the requirements of the struggle for existence, set before each individual animal. Cats under the same maternal custody of people may remain children. Living in the house provides them with security. They are not obliged to defend their territory, to win an opponent, and to satisfy appetite by the products of hunting. Such animals remain gentle and playful till the very advanced age.

Especially beneficial are those relations, when a cat is used to contact with the man at an early age, from the sixth week of birth. Later, as an adult, it continues to regard its owners as parents. In their attitude towards cats people are very sensitive to signs of friendly participation. This component of relationships between cats and their owners is as important for them as care for their welfare. Food, drink, clean "toilet" and a place to sleep is not enough. It is necessary to comply with requirements in contact. Cat shows itself its friendly attitude to people, with whom it has close friendly relations, by means of different signs and behaviour. Often it is looking for an opportunity to be closer to its owner, explaining it to him/her with the help of special movements, mimicry and "special language". It trusts him/her in situations connected with fear and pain.

The types and frequency of such manifestations are purely individual. Timid by nature or because of life experiences become mistrustful and trust their feelings only to a few people or only a single person. Others greet with persistent endearment anyone who demonstrates friendly mood to them.

The cat uses the most expressive means towards the dearest persons. Lifted tail, curved back, rubbing against the owner's legs, mewing, etc. - all these signs are used by cats in this ceremony. Even a strong hunger is less important here. It will be satisfied only after the joy of communication will fade, and communication will continue after the first eaten pieces.

Cats can be attached to people stronger than to the territory. Deep feelings towards the owner may be expressed even in cat's "mourning", grieving over the loss of its owner.

Life with people arouses the ability of developing special features in cats, which shows their high intellectual level. They can expose their skills under certain conditions, which depend on the world around. Cat's own initiative in the game and other affairs depends on whether the owner pays attention to the cat, whether he/she trains it properly, etc.

Cats adapt to the habits of people surrounding them. Curiosity and acute observation skills allow them to see details that give them clear "strategic" advantages. With persistence and joy they reach the desired goal and know how to use human weak points.

Cats often successfully learn to adopt purely human actions. Using and flushing the toilet, pushing the door are usual examples of this kind.

Keenness of observation and sensible combining of actions allow cats to find sometimes a difficult path, leading ultimately to a hidden food or something else of this kind. Many cats successfully apply the method of psychological impact on their owners. Sometimes a cat can direct his/her actions to the implementation of its desires. Thus a hungry animal can beg the desired portion of food by sorrowful mewing. Another example: when a cat needs endearment, it lies on the road or falls directly on the floor and waits till the owner strokes it. Sometimes a cat with innocent mug clings to the owner after having committed an improper act.

Dropping of objects on the floor, spoiling of furniture gets on owner's nerves, and he/she will finally release an animal in the street or let it enter the bedroom.

Cat's memory, combined with an excellent sense of space and time give them an opportunity to do a lot of things. The cat doesn't forget recurring events. Thus, some animals are used not only to accompany their owners, but meet him/her at the same place a few hours later. They keep in their memory objects, events and actions, leaving pleasant or unpleasant feelings, and with the repetition of these events. When they repeat, they arouse the same reaction in cats' minds. Also having recognized a person, a cat behaves accordingly.

The manifestations of joy after long parting are not as spontaneous and vivid as in the case with dogs. Newcomers will be some time observed at a distance and only after careful study appreciated. Similarly any changes of the interior at home are subject to visual and olfactory "inspection" and only after this procedure are approved by the animal.

Timid and very shy cats are slow in the ceremony of greeting, but it is really sincere!