As pack animals, dogs love to be among other dogs and also among their human families. In fact, they may feel insecure and frightened when not with their humans. Separation anxiety is a thing with dogs. Do cats have separation anxiety? Not as much as you might think.
If you think your cat suffers from separation anxiety when you are away, you may be fooling yourself to a certain degree…and it has been scientifically proven.
Cats Bond With Us Differently
According to the telegraph.co.uk website, researchers at the University of Lincoln have determined that cats do not need humans to feel protected, and actually prefer to look after themselves.
If that is truly the case and your cat does NOT necessarily need you, it’s a good sign if he continues to stick around. That speaks volumes about you! If your cat is still living with you, despite being wired to be highly independent, he must enjoy the company! Cats definitely love routine and will let caretakers know if that routine change is not to their liking!
Dogs, on the other hand, see their owners as a safe haven and are not nearly as independent, engaging and fulfilled in their own space as are cats.
Cats are more capable of adapting to unusual situations than their canine counterparts. Cats can develop bonds with – and affection for – their owners, but they do not need such attachments in the same way dogs do.
Does Your Cat Love You?
Don’t let this information lead you to believe that your cat does not love you. Cats prefer to look after themselves and will often hide under the bed instead of running to you when they are scared. Cats will not live in an unhappy home. If they did not like their environment, they would leave.
While a dog may want to cuddle and snuggle when he is anxious or afraid, a cat will probably just want to run and hide, doing what comes naturally to her.
As long as she is sticking around and making herself at home, she is probably quite content with her digs. Give your cat freedom to be herself and she’ll love it. She will probably love you even more…. showing it in a way that only cats know how to love.
Written by Ann Butenas
An internationally-recognized author and writer, Ann began her professional writing career at age 12 and began speaking while in college. She has been published thousands of times over the past three decades in all media forms, was former editor and publisher of KC Metro Woman magazine, and has also hosted three talk radio shows in the Kansas City area.
