Facts About Cats and Women

What is it about cats and women? Why are there “cat ladies” but not “hamster ladies”? Why do so many women seem to gravitate towards cats? The crazy-cat-lady stereotype aside (by the way, every segment of the population has its extremes, cat-loving women shouldn’t have to take a bad rap for a few odd birds) I know many more women than men who have a special bond with their cats. So, what’s the rub?

A new study supports the idea that a special relationship exists between women and cats. To be published in the journal Behavioural Processes, the study explains how researchers observed the interactions between 41 cats and their human families; the scientists noted all behaviors of both cats and humans, and also assessed their personalities as well as their influence over one another. While many people might consider cats to be aloof, self-serving prima donnas, the study concludes otherwise; beyond food-seeking behavior of the cats, they found that cats forge true attachment to their owners.

Here’s a summary of what they found.

The researchers witnessed a mutual social interaction in which both cats and people signaled to each other when they wanted to give or receive affection.

Cats keep track of how their needs are being met. They were more likely to respond to owners’ needs, if their owners had previously responded to theirs.

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Read more: Behavior & Communication, Cats, Pets, Videos, cat ladies, cats, women

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
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Vicki M.

10:19AM PDT on May 7, 2013

the video was so funny. My girls play up too when i have friends over. wouldn't change them thou.

May 7
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Laura S.

2:52AM PDT on May 7, 2013

Great article. Thanks for sharing.

Victoria P.

11:15AM PST on Dec 4, 2012

I have both dogs and cats. Cats are great for a cuddle. Dogs love going for a ride. Good company either way. Love my fuzzy buddies.

December 4
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Victoria S.

2:34AM PDT on Sep 7, 2012

I think there are Cat men. My Dad addopted my 2 cats when I moved to a different country and his bond with my cats is just as strong now, as mine had been.

September 7
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Lynn S.

1:44AM PDT on Sep 7, 2012

I have 2 boys and a girl --- cats of course. They are the loves of my life! They make me laugh.

I find that I agree with the study findings that are in the article. My 3 will groom me (a friend calls it 'cat lick brain stimulation therapy') --- hey my hair is shorter than their fur! It is very relaxing. I brush them, play with them, pet them, massage their paws, cuddle and kiss them, and of course talk to them. They are so special --- they are purrfect!

Cute and humourous video.

Spooky C.

2:11PM PDT on Sep 4, 2012

I have 6 cats and each relationship is unique.

One of my cats, a black female named Mya, was rescued by me from the pound. She was scheduled to be euthanized in the morning. I am positive Mya knows this. Totally.

We love black cats. We went to the pound to adopt one. There was a lady there with her foster, a black female. We were going to adopt her, and didn't really think she'd be a good fit with our other cats due to her personality, she was definately a one cat family cat. Being that she had a foster mom I knew she would be kept until she found her family.

As we were walking out, one of the shelter workers said "would you mind looking at this one?" Mya was way down low where no one would see her. It was a perfect fit and she came home with us.