Scientists (University of Lincoln in England) have revealed the five types of relationships between cats and their humans. Researchers polled 3,994 cat owners about their own behaviors towards their feline friends — and vice versa.
CO-DEPENDENT RELATIONSHIP — This cat has often come to depend on a very emotionally invested owner — the cat is very important to the owner, possibly seen as family or as a great friend. The owner typically plays regularly with the cat, and is seen as a part of the same social group and as a secure base (the cat will seek the owner when worried). The cat doesn’t relate well with others and is even likely to hide when, for example, someone comes to the house. This relationship is common among cats living in a one-person household with no access outdoors.
CASUAL RELATIONSHIP — These cats have always preferred life outdoors to life in their busy households. They will often visit several homes in their territory and might be gone for days at the time. Even though these cats behave in a friendly way towards the owner they will not try to stay close to their carer.
FRIENDSHIP — The owner is emotionally invested in the cat and will often find time to play with the cat. The cat is very warm and friendly towards the owner and will often sit on the owner’s lap. The owner is seen not only as part of the same social group but also as a secure base. Alongside the friendly and warm relationship, cat and owner can happily function independently.
OPEN RELATIONSHIP — The cats in this type of bond reflect a prototypical view of the cat as a solitary, independent animal, who should have access to the outside. The cats relate well to other people and have some affiliation with the owner, but have little need for owner proximity and may be seen as aloof.
REMOTE RELATIONSHIP — Cats in this type of relationship are cared for, but not typically considered to be a close friend or part of the family. They may not be very close emotionally, even though the cat’s behavior towards the owner may be quite friendly. These cats prefer to maintain distance from people, possibly because they lack confidence. They will not lick the owner’s hands and face, nor will they seek the owner even when worried.
… Alongside the study, the team published an interactive quiz so that cat owners can find out what kind of relationship they have with their pets.
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