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Cat Rescuer Explains How Cat Social Behavior Is Often Misinterpreted By ‘Dog People’
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Cat Rescuer Explains How Cat Social Behavior Is Often Misinterpreted By ‘Dog People’

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Have you ever wondered how we actually compare dogs with other animals as if they were our default animal species? Well, according to cat rescuer and writer Elle M., “this hurts cats” since “cats are social creatures” too.

It turns out that many assumptions we have about cats and dogs are due to our inability to recognize their social behavior and the meaning behind them. So in order to shed some much-needed light on canine and feline minds, Elle M. has penned an illuminating thread that explains from the bottom up how both dogs and cats are social in their own special way.

“Cats are ignored and neglected because humans refuse to understand them,” they tweeted, so let’s see the whole thread right below.

One Twitter user, Elle M., has penned an illuminating thread on recognizing social behaviors in cats and dogs to debunk the myth that felines aren’t social

Image credits: Richard Brutyo

The author explained how dogs shouldn’t be held as humanity’s default animal just because we often fail to understand that cats are social creatures too

Image credits: ellle_em

Bored Panda reached out to Elle M., the author of this viral thread and cat rescuer to find out more about them and their love for cats. “I used to be terrified of cats; as a kid I found them incomprehensible and pointy. But my husband had grown up with cats and wanted one badly, so I gave him what I thought was an impossible challenge: find a Sphynx (hairless) cat and you can take it home,” Elle M. recounted.

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“Well, he did, and thus began my cat re-education,” Elle M. said, referring to their cat Rhea the Sphynx, who made them realize that cats weren’t incomprehensible at all. “They were intelligent and complex and above all social creatures who needed love and attention just as much as dogs.”

Image credits: ellle_em

Image credits: ellle_em

In 2018, Elle M. moved to Spain, where they volunteered to take in a few “foster” cats and a litter of orphaned kittens. In addition to their own 4 cats, Elle took in so many cats that they remembered “oh my God, so many more kittens.”

In Spain, where overpopulation of street cats is a huge problem, Elle M. became “that American who takes in cats” and found themself dedicating their time, money, and energy into helping as many sick, injured, and abandoned cats as possible.

Image credits: ellle_em

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Image credits: ellle_em

“The idea that cats are loners is, unfortunately, one deeply entrenched in our cultural understanding. And it is true that cats are not cooperative hunters (well, except for lions) so their social behaviors are different from dogs’ social behaviors. They don’t look at one another as members of a ‘pack’ and their hierarchies are mutable and complicated,” the author of the thread told Bored Panda.

According to Elle M., since humans kind of see dogs as the “default” animal, the fact that cats have distinctive ways of communicating can be hard for us to understand. “But using the Dog Default to judge cats is unfair; a cat may not be the same as a dog, but they are just as capable of complex interactions and relationships,” they explained.

Image credits: ellle_em

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Image credits: ellle_em

Not only are cats deeply connected to one another, they are also capable of working out problems among themselves. “Two of the orphaned kittens I bottle-fed—Litwick and Gastly—were raised together and deeply bonded. When Gastly passed away, her sister Litwick mourned for weeks. She called for her sister, refused to eat and began to over-groom herself due to stress. It took months for her to adjust and her very obvious sense of loss was heartbreaking to watch.”

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Elle M. concluded that “watching cats interact has been hilarious, heartbreaking, fascinating, and frustrating, but above all, they’ve shown me that just because they don’t act like dogs doesn’t mean they aren’t complex social animals with complex social needs.”

Image credits: ellle_em

Image credits: ellle_em

Image credits: ellle_em

“This is an interesting topic – maybe because people’s definition of “social” differs so greatly,” Molly DeVoss, a certified feline training and behavior specialist who runs Cat Behavior Solutions agency told Bored Panda. “Some people think a cat being social is acting like a dog; others think it is a cat who requests attention from its owner; others think it’s cats who like strangers.”

The feline behavior specialist confirmed that cats and dogs have evolved differently along social lines. “Dogs have status and rank among their family unit, whereas cats have a solitary evolution; they don’t live in family units. In the wild, one cat will claim a territory and defend it vehemently.”

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Moreover, “social interaction between cats is fluid and changes throughout the day; whereas dogs have a family hierarchy and it typically doesn’t change much.”

Elle M. believes that there are real consequences to our misunderstanding of cats

Image credits: ellle_em

Image credits: ellle_em

Turns out, “there have been many scientific studies that show how dogs recognize emotion in people’s faces, understand some of our speech, and know how we feel, but very little research has been done with cats.”

Molly explained that this is because “dogs want to please the family members higher up on the social ladder (always the people and sometimes other canine family members), they will exhibit behaviors that are pleasing to us; these could be obedient behaviors as well as seeking out affection. Cats have no instinct to satisfy other members of the household – as long as their basic needs are met.”

The author concluded that cats have very complex social relationships that should be acknowledged

Image credits: ellle_em

“How a cat is raised during its sensitive development period shapes how confident and social it will become. Many cats who have limited experiences are more fearful of things they haven’t encountered before. Cats are also home-bodies due to their territorial nature, so when a cat isn’t comfortable going on a car ride, or visiting a friend’s home, they often get labeled as ‘unsocial’.”

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Another author similarly shared how our misunderstanding of feline social behavior leads to wrong assumption that cats are “mean”

So they debunked some of the most common interpretations of cat behavior, and revealed what they mean instead

Image credits: rabbitinheadlights

The cat behaviorist assured that cats can be very independent, but they can also appreciate the companionship of a human, or other cat, very much. She continued: “People sometimes generalize cats’ personalities as independent, aloof, and uncaring, but I’ve found that each cat is a unique individual, with different comfort levels.”

Molly added that cats are a different species than dogs, and should be understood that way. “If you know what a cat is instinctively feeling, and respect that, you can form a close social bond with them,” she concluded.

And this is what people had to comment on the subject matter

Image credits: transwolverine

Image credits: TheWeaseKing

Image credits: decompcore

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zora24_1 avatar
Trillian
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don't understand how anyone can not see this, especially if you live with a cat. They are so loving and loyal! My cat always greets me (meows) when she sees me or I let her in. When I go out at night, she will come and see me safely inside, so matter what time I come home. She has her favorite people (me and my son) and always tries to hang out in the same room, even when we are working or playing on the computer.

cjucz22 avatar
Christina Uhlir
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I once had to leave my Tom at home alone overnight. When I came back next morning, he was looking at me and that look said: "Where the hell you've been ?' It is said that dogs have masters, cat's have a staff.

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leodomitrix avatar
Leo Domitrix
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This post, time 100000. Grew up on a farm, and it's common sense that *different species act differently*. Stop expecting cats to be dogs.

skara-brae avatar
Skara Brae
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This article and the responses explaining cat behavior illustrate precisely why I like dogs. I don't hate cats. I just like how dogs are always ready for fun and excited to go places. And dogs do approach for petting/scratching and like to hang out. To be fair, I don't like how dogs chew valuable items and bark for no good reason, and I don't like how cats kill birds for fun and jump over walls to crap in my garden.

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thamarbakker avatar
Myrkur
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Finally! I see too many people being like "ugh cats are just mean, attack you, trick you, want to kill you. Just learn some basic cat body language. And every cat is different. Some want to be with humans but not be pet, some want to sleep on top of you at all times. This cat and dog difference is also why there is a "cats and dogs hate each other" stereotype. They don't, their body language is just different. What dogs see as "play with me!" is for cats "wanna fight?!" (Tail wagging, running towards each other, making a lot of noise etc)

charlotteparis1982 avatar
Charlotte
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I just spent three (three!) days away from home and both my cats literally jumped me when I came through the door, mewing and grooming and head butting me. Cats are social as hell. I can't poop in my own house without company.

dons avatar
Calypso poet
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yes! When my cats passed last year I cried every time I went to the bathroom! My husband was an essential worker and I was home alone. My husband can safely stand and pee now though 🤦🏻‍♀️😂 They would push the door open. It's warped and if you close it completely you can get locked in.

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queeronabike avatar
Andy Acceber
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My cat is currently curled up with me, sleeping. It takes a while to learn cat body language, but I think it's worth it. I like how independent they are. You can "ask" a cat of it wants to be petted by holding your fingers still by its face. It may sniff them. If it wants to be petted, it'll lean into your hand. If it doesn't lean in, no biggie. Take your hand away and don't pet. The cat will like you better for it. (If it licks your hand, either the cat is hungry or your hand is dirty.)

leodomitrix avatar
Leo Domitrix
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Or, in my caes, the cat is grooming me because I am one of its "friends", and she'll proceed up my arm, LOL.

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dmarsh avatar
Daniel Marsh
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Love the lessons I learned about cats only when I was an adult and lived with them. But let's be honest: it's not that there's some pro-dog bigotry out there. People understand dog cues better because when you're a little kid and your heart goes "PUPPY!!!" and you run up to a dog to pet it (not a good idea, especially without their owner's permission of course), a huge portion of dogs will respond with "HOOMIN!!!" and immediately seek all sorts of affection of a stranger. Cats will say "Dafook?" and run. And if they don't, the child will probably proceed to pet them in a way that feels good to the child, but not necessarily the cat.... and that doesn't end well. So the kid quickly learns how to relate to the dog, but stay away from that cat. Does that mean dogs are better than cats? No. But to little kid, yes. (I've taught my son how to make friends with cats VERY successfully.)

callummcleod avatar
Callum McLeod
Community Member
2 years ago

This comment has been deleted.

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patriciaross avatar
tuzdayschild
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have a dog. I don't have any expectations of cats. They are free to be whatever they like, in someone else's house.

kathrynbaylis_1 avatar
Kathryn Baylis
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Friend of mine went to vet school. She told me the very first question on her very first test was a fill in the blank that read; “A cat is not a _____.” The answer was the very first thing the instructor said on the first day of class; “a small dog”.

laurencaswell4 avatar
Lauren Caswell
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm so happy ❤ mine sleeps with her face in the corner, and we slow blink to each other (when I do it back she hops up and comes over quite often). But I had to earn that love and trust

captijn avatar
Pan Narrans
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

While I agree wholeheartedly with the article, when my cat 'sits and stares' it's both a declaration of affection as a warning that it's time for food. If I ignore the stare for too long phase 2 is activated: getting vocal and touching my various body parts. Phase 3 is hitting body parts. He doesn't have patience, nor does he take into account that he adopted me just five months ago and I'm still learning.

dirt_in_my_veins avatar
Dio
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I check up on my cats very often, stroke them and talk to them when they're sleeping. Over time it makes them so much more affectionate. The energy you put into them will be given back to you. Always have a nice interaction and do it often. Cats are hard work, but it's so worth it.

zovjraarme avatar
zovjraar me
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

i love cats and intuitively understand them. to me, cat's love is obvious! when a cat let's me approach them, it's exhilarating to know that this half-wild creature is willing to give me a chance. one of my cats will stay with me whenever i'm sick, purring and loving on me the entire time, because love and pets comfort him. another one will continue to bring me toys to play with her, because in her mind, playing makes her happy and she wants me to be happy too. every cat i've had (and i've had a lot) has been different and unique, and i so love learning about each of them and their personalities!

ulrikesponagel avatar
Stephanie IV
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I never knew that the whole „cats are egomaniacal killer floofs“ rigmarole was really meant to be taken seriously!!! Cats are very clearly loving creatures who bond just as deeply as dogs. Their need for security is expressed differently, is all.

tjr avatar
T J R
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My fiance was never a cat person. He thought them to be mean, unloving, and anti-social. He wound up getting 2 kittens, for his son, from his best friend. I helped teach him how to care for the kittens. About a month after getting them, he sends me a picture of the two kittens curled up on him in bed. He was so shocked and was so excited. His mind was blown because he had no idea how loving and fun cats are. He is now a huge cat lover, which is great because I'm a crazy cat lady. Haha.

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shelsea-beaulieu avatar
Sathe Wesker
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I've had both cats and dogs my entire life, they are not the same but both valuable companions. I literally have a dog to my right and a cat to my left right now. Spend time with cat's and you can see that everything here is 100% correct.

cjucz22 avatar
Christina Uhlir
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You are right, Elle, people are not like dogs; dogs want to please you, are very loyal, cat probably thinks, "I won't work for people, like those stupid canines do, I want people to work for me." ..... but for sure, any animal is enormously grateful for any kind of expression of kindness and love.

callummcleod avatar
Callum McLeod
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I was once chase down a block because a dog owner hadn't leashed their UNTRAINED dogs and when I got scared of them and started running they thought I was playing chase (I was 6-7) and ran after me until I ran up my mom out of reach of them. Needless to say my dad scolded the owner for not having her 2 obviously untrained dogs on leashes & this just cemented my hatred of dogs.

robecca_leyden avatar
Robecca Leyden
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Im a dog person, but i can’t believe half this stuff needs to even be said! Like all animals cats need to be respected and if you want one as a pet it’s your duty to learn about it’s behaviour.

racheldrenning avatar
Rachel Preston-Drenning
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Thank you a million times for this. I have been a cat resuer for over 20 years. I currently have 14. I also specialize in feline behavior. In my area of KY, dogs GET homes, cats do not. I'm like one of 3 cat rescuers in my area. They are ignored, put out, mistreated, treated basically like they are vermin.....I have preached for years about their lives mattering. People just need to learn about them and not judge them as "not dog-like"....another odd thing I have realized.... introverts do better with cats than extroverts. Not saying an extrovert can not treat a cat well...just that introverted people and cats personalities do better together.

davidlawson_2 avatar
David Lawson
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Omg, and as I'm reading this, my cat's laying just at the end of my feet, back turned, asleep. Does this most nights. Just loves to hang. This post just made me realise how much more awesome my cat is. Thanks.

kfidei avatar
GoddessOdd
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I usually ask that people adopting cats or kittens take two of them, if they can, because cats enjoy company too, especially for indoor only cats who will be living with someone who is gone a lot. If they really only want a singleton, I try to match them. with a "loner" style cat. It amazes me how many people think companionship is not something a cat wants or needs.

dons avatar
Calypso poet
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have a relative who knows I have always had cats an at the time of a posting on Facebook I had 3. She sent a video at a friends house and their cat was on the floor looking out the door wagging it's tail. She didn't know they did that. She was shocked. My one cat at the time played fetch and the other 2 loved belly rubs. Yeah, cats wag their tails. They also steal pizza and dip their noses in your drinks. They also ignore you sometimes. Sometimes that's good.

johanna_zamora avatar
Grumble O'Pug
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yeah that whole "dominance" crap with dogs was sold by that Cesar dipshlt. Truth is if you want to see dominance go look at stallions or bulls. Even horses will defer to a lead mare. Dogs are pack animals in a much more cooperative sense. Horses are ALWAYS settling who's who in the hierarchy. It is unsettled if you add and subtract animals in a pasture with frequency.

franziska-eller avatar
Konpat
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I love cats. Dogs, too. But I missed an explanation for why the hell cats never can decide whether they want to be indoors or outdoors. Our cat is always on the wrong side of the door!

southjerseysteeler avatar
tjr avatar
T J R
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My short-hair fat cat acts like a dog. We call him our puppy cat. He loves playing fetch and hide-n-go seek. I have also owned cats that growled if they heard someone at the door. The growling cats grew up with a dog though, so I think that's where they learned to do that.

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cindycollins_1 avatar
CincyReds
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is so very helpful. I have always had dogs, and one day a cat just showed up and he decided he was going to live with me, I have never had a cat, it is not that I dislike cats, just never had one. And now I want more! Good to know what all this means. He does have to sniff my hand before I pet. But Kitty definitely has a special place in my heart.

caseyb avatar
Casey B
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Very social animals. As I am typing this my girl Peaches is curled up asleep in my lap, and she usually wants to be touching me or my husband when she sleeps. Sometimes she'll just be sitting on me and she will reach out her paw and touch my arm.

ianwalbrugh avatar
EADC
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The one breed of dog that is similar in some aspects to cats are Chows

marinamercouri avatar
Beatrice Multhaupt
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Even humans are hurt because dog seems to be everyone's point of reference, as in, ''Can't you just be more of a team player?'' or ''Why aren't you doing this...everyone else is'' or, ''Just run along and play in the yard all by yourself for the next ten hours''.

srodgers avatar
S Rodgers
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Cats are like introverts. They take time to trust, let you in, and have distinct boundaries for the amount of time and energy they have for you. They are perfectly fine "chilling" in the same room with you while doing totally different things. Dogs are like extroverts. No boundaries on attention, just craving the social interaction constantly. Neither one is bad but just different. This is all coming from an extrovert with cats and dogs :)

alexblue963 avatar
Dan
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

as i was reading this i was just thinking "wow cats are a lot like neurodivergent humans!" and now i realize why i relate to them so much lmao

bossmare avatar
Sue Knerl
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is so true, especially about the social hierarchy among feral colonies.

llsewer avatar
Jaguarundi
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My friend bought her first horse, yes, horse. She couldn't understand why it couldn't understand "spoken" commands when she rode him. She didn't use the same/correct command consistently. "Stop" and "Whoa" do not get the same result. She grumped that he should be more like her cats, they understand her! I laughed so hard!

sueuser avatar
Sue User
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I didn't realize people think cats aren't social. There are ferals where I live. Two are buds and hang out together. Yesterday they came in from the field and the younger pracef ahead hid behind a tree , then jumped out when the other hot closer. Fun times.

emiamohler avatar
SirPatTheCat
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I tend to see myself as more of a dog person, but I really like cats. When I go to someone's house and they have a cat, I like to pretty much ignore them unless they get within petting distance (and are comfortable being pet). If they're not especially shy, I usually end up with a cat on my lap :D Once backfired on me when I was spending the night at someone's house and I woke up to their cat on my chest crushing my lungs haha

infectedvoice avatar
InfectedVoice
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What a load of self-righteous clap-trap, anyone who has ever interacted with a cat knows they are nothing like dogs and that's because, they aren't dogs, "oh no please don't hurt the feelings of cats and cat people", what the hell is this, cats are doing just fine.

zora24_1 avatar
Trillian
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don't understand how anyone can not see this, especially if you live with a cat. They are so loving and loyal! My cat always greets me (meows) when she sees me or I let her in. When I go out at night, she will come and see me safely inside, so matter what time I come home. She has her favorite people (me and my son) and always tries to hang out in the same room, even when we are working or playing on the computer.

cjucz22 avatar
Christina Uhlir
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I once had to leave my Tom at home alone overnight. When I came back next morning, he was looking at me and that look said: "Where the hell you've been ?' It is said that dogs have masters, cat's have a staff.

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leodomitrix avatar
Leo Domitrix
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This post, time 100000. Grew up on a farm, and it's common sense that *different species act differently*. Stop expecting cats to be dogs.

skara-brae avatar
Skara Brae
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This article and the responses explaining cat behavior illustrate precisely why I like dogs. I don't hate cats. I just like how dogs are always ready for fun and excited to go places. And dogs do approach for petting/scratching and like to hang out. To be fair, I don't like how dogs chew valuable items and bark for no good reason, and I don't like how cats kill birds for fun and jump over walls to crap in my garden.

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thamarbakker avatar
Myrkur
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Finally! I see too many people being like "ugh cats are just mean, attack you, trick you, want to kill you. Just learn some basic cat body language. And every cat is different. Some want to be with humans but not be pet, some want to sleep on top of you at all times. This cat and dog difference is also why there is a "cats and dogs hate each other" stereotype. They don't, their body language is just different. What dogs see as "play with me!" is for cats "wanna fight?!" (Tail wagging, running towards each other, making a lot of noise etc)

charlotteparis1982 avatar
Charlotte
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I just spent three (three!) days away from home and both my cats literally jumped me when I came through the door, mewing and grooming and head butting me. Cats are social as hell. I can't poop in my own house without company.

dons avatar
Calypso poet
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yes! When my cats passed last year I cried every time I went to the bathroom! My husband was an essential worker and I was home alone. My husband can safely stand and pee now though 🤦🏻‍♀️😂 They would push the door open. It's warped and if you close it completely you can get locked in.

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queeronabike avatar
Andy Acceber
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My cat is currently curled up with me, sleeping. It takes a while to learn cat body language, but I think it's worth it. I like how independent they are. You can "ask" a cat of it wants to be petted by holding your fingers still by its face. It may sniff them. If it wants to be petted, it'll lean into your hand. If it doesn't lean in, no biggie. Take your hand away and don't pet. The cat will like you better for it. (If it licks your hand, either the cat is hungry or your hand is dirty.)

leodomitrix avatar
Leo Domitrix
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Or, in my caes, the cat is grooming me because I am one of its "friends", and she'll proceed up my arm, LOL.

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dmarsh avatar
Daniel Marsh
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Love the lessons I learned about cats only when I was an adult and lived with them. But let's be honest: it's not that there's some pro-dog bigotry out there. People understand dog cues better because when you're a little kid and your heart goes "PUPPY!!!" and you run up to a dog to pet it (not a good idea, especially without their owner's permission of course), a huge portion of dogs will respond with "HOOMIN!!!" and immediately seek all sorts of affection of a stranger. Cats will say "Dafook?" and run. And if they don't, the child will probably proceed to pet them in a way that feels good to the child, but not necessarily the cat.... and that doesn't end well. So the kid quickly learns how to relate to the dog, but stay away from that cat. Does that mean dogs are better than cats? No. But to little kid, yes. (I've taught my son how to make friends with cats VERY successfully.)

callummcleod avatar
Callum McLeod
Community Member
2 years ago

This comment has been deleted.

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patriciaross avatar
tuzdayschild
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have a dog. I don't have any expectations of cats. They are free to be whatever they like, in someone else's house.

kathrynbaylis_1 avatar
Kathryn Baylis
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Friend of mine went to vet school. She told me the very first question on her very first test was a fill in the blank that read; “A cat is not a _____.” The answer was the very first thing the instructor said on the first day of class; “a small dog”.

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Lauren Caswell
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm so happy ❤ mine sleeps with her face in the corner, and we slow blink to each other (when I do it back she hops up and comes over quite often). But I had to earn that love and trust

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Pan Narrans
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

While I agree wholeheartedly with the article, when my cat 'sits and stares' it's both a declaration of affection as a warning that it's time for food. If I ignore the stare for too long phase 2 is activated: getting vocal and touching my various body parts. Phase 3 is hitting body parts. He doesn't have patience, nor does he take into account that he adopted me just five months ago and I'm still learning.

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Dio
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I check up on my cats very often, stroke them and talk to them when they're sleeping. Over time it makes them so much more affectionate. The energy you put into them will be given back to you. Always have a nice interaction and do it often. Cats are hard work, but it's so worth it.

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zovjraar me
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

i love cats and intuitively understand them. to me, cat's love is obvious! when a cat let's me approach them, it's exhilarating to know that this half-wild creature is willing to give me a chance. one of my cats will stay with me whenever i'm sick, purring and loving on me the entire time, because love and pets comfort him. another one will continue to bring me toys to play with her, because in her mind, playing makes her happy and she wants me to be happy too. every cat i've had (and i've had a lot) has been different and unique, and i so love learning about each of them and their personalities!

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Stephanie IV
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I never knew that the whole „cats are egomaniacal killer floofs“ rigmarole was really meant to be taken seriously!!! Cats are very clearly loving creatures who bond just as deeply as dogs. Their need for security is expressed differently, is all.

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T J R
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My fiance was never a cat person. He thought them to be mean, unloving, and anti-social. He wound up getting 2 kittens, for his son, from his best friend. I helped teach him how to care for the kittens. About a month after getting them, he sends me a picture of the two kittens curled up on him in bed. He was so shocked and was so excited. His mind was blown because he had no idea how loving and fun cats are. He is now a huge cat lover, which is great because I'm a crazy cat lady. Haha.

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Sathe Wesker
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I've had both cats and dogs my entire life, they are not the same but both valuable companions. I literally have a dog to my right and a cat to my left right now. Spend time with cat's and you can see that everything here is 100% correct.

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Christina Uhlir
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You are right, Elle, people are not like dogs; dogs want to please you, are very loyal, cat probably thinks, "I won't work for people, like those stupid canines do, I want people to work for me." ..... but for sure, any animal is enormously grateful for any kind of expression of kindness and love.

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Callum McLeod
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I was once chase down a block because a dog owner hadn't leashed their UNTRAINED dogs and when I got scared of them and started running they thought I was playing chase (I was 6-7) and ran after me until I ran up my mom out of reach of them. Needless to say my dad scolded the owner for not having her 2 obviously untrained dogs on leashes & this just cemented my hatred of dogs.

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Robecca Leyden
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Im a dog person, but i can’t believe half this stuff needs to even be said! Like all animals cats need to be respected and if you want one as a pet it’s your duty to learn about it’s behaviour.

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Rachel Preston-Drenning
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Thank you a million times for this. I have been a cat resuer for over 20 years. I currently have 14. I also specialize in feline behavior. In my area of KY, dogs GET homes, cats do not. I'm like one of 3 cat rescuers in my area. They are ignored, put out, mistreated, treated basically like they are vermin.....I have preached for years about their lives mattering. People just need to learn about them and not judge them as "not dog-like"....another odd thing I have realized.... introverts do better with cats than extroverts. Not saying an extrovert can not treat a cat well...just that introverted people and cats personalities do better together.

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David Lawson
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Omg, and as I'm reading this, my cat's laying just at the end of my feet, back turned, asleep. Does this most nights. Just loves to hang. This post just made me realise how much more awesome my cat is. Thanks.

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GoddessOdd
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I usually ask that people adopting cats or kittens take two of them, if they can, because cats enjoy company too, especially for indoor only cats who will be living with someone who is gone a lot. If they really only want a singleton, I try to match them. with a "loner" style cat. It amazes me how many people think companionship is not something a cat wants or needs.

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Calypso poet
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have a relative who knows I have always had cats an at the time of a posting on Facebook I had 3. She sent a video at a friends house and their cat was on the floor looking out the door wagging it's tail. She didn't know they did that. She was shocked. My one cat at the time played fetch and the other 2 loved belly rubs. Yeah, cats wag their tails. They also steal pizza and dip their noses in your drinks. They also ignore you sometimes. Sometimes that's good.

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Grumble O'Pug
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yeah that whole "dominance" crap with dogs was sold by that Cesar dipshlt. Truth is if you want to see dominance go look at stallions or bulls. Even horses will defer to a lead mare. Dogs are pack animals in a much more cooperative sense. Horses are ALWAYS settling who's who in the hierarchy. It is unsettled if you add and subtract animals in a pasture with frequency.

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Konpat
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I love cats. Dogs, too. But I missed an explanation for why the hell cats never can decide whether they want to be indoors or outdoors. Our cat is always on the wrong side of the door!

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T J R
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My short-hair fat cat acts like a dog. We call him our puppy cat. He loves playing fetch and hide-n-go seek. I have also owned cats that growled if they heard someone at the door. The growling cats grew up with a dog though, so I think that's where they learned to do that.

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CincyReds
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is so very helpful. I have always had dogs, and one day a cat just showed up and he decided he was going to live with me, I have never had a cat, it is not that I dislike cats, just never had one. And now I want more! Good to know what all this means. He does have to sniff my hand before I pet. But Kitty definitely has a special place in my heart.

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Casey B
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Very social animals. As I am typing this my girl Peaches is curled up asleep in my lap, and she usually wants to be touching me or my husband when she sleeps. Sometimes she'll just be sitting on me and she will reach out her paw and touch my arm.

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EADC
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The one breed of dog that is similar in some aspects to cats are Chows

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Beatrice Multhaupt
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Even humans are hurt because dog seems to be everyone's point of reference, as in, ''Can't you just be more of a team player?'' or ''Why aren't you doing this...everyone else is'' or, ''Just run along and play in the yard all by yourself for the next ten hours''.

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S Rodgers
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Cats are like introverts. They take time to trust, let you in, and have distinct boundaries for the amount of time and energy they have for you. They are perfectly fine "chilling" in the same room with you while doing totally different things. Dogs are like extroverts. No boundaries on attention, just craving the social interaction constantly. Neither one is bad but just different. This is all coming from an extrovert with cats and dogs :)

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Dan
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

as i was reading this i was just thinking "wow cats are a lot like neurodivergent humans!" and now i realize why i relate to them so much lmao

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Sue Knerl
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is so true, especially about the social hierarchy among feral colonies.

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Jaguarundi
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My friend bought her first horse, yes, horse. She couldn't understand why it couldn't understand "spoken" commands when she rode him. She didn't use the same/correct command consistently. "Stop" and "Whoa" do not get the same result. She grumped that he should be more like her cats, they understand her! I laughed so hard!

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Sue User
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I didn't realize people think cats aren't social. There are ferals where I live. Two are buds and hang out together. Yesterday they came in from the field and the younger pracef ahead hid behind a tree , then jumped out when the other hot closer. Fun times.

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SirPatTheCat
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I tend to see myself as more of a dog person, but I really like cats. When I go to someone's house and they have a cat, I like to pretty much ignore them unless they get within petting distance (and are comfortable being pet). If they're not especially shy, I usually end up with a cat on my lap :D Once backfired on me when I was spending the night at someone's house and I woke up to their cat on my chest crushing my lungs haha

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InfectedVoice
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What a load of self-righteous clap-trap, anyone who has ever interacted with a cat knows they are nothing like dogs and that's because, they aren't dogs, "oh no please don't hurt the feelings of cats and cat people", what the hell is this, cats are doing just fine.

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