Cats seem to think they're superior to us mere mortals. But according to some experts, that's not actually the case.
British anthrozoologist John Bradshaw has been studying cat and dog behavior for decades. The author bestselling book Cat Sense: How the New Feline Science Can Make You a Better Friend to Your Pet says that in reality, cats see their hooman as a slightly big, dumb non-hostile cat, and treat their owner as their 'Mama Cat.'
"All that rubbing up against you with their tails up is apparently no more than a hopeful check that you really are just another big, fat, slovenly cat who doesn’t intend to eat them with their Welsh Rarebit," reports CNET.
Contrary to popular belief, cats are not plotting to take over the world. "No, they have absolutely no idea about nuclear war and apparently no clear sense that we might be some other species, despite not quite having the strokably hairy torsos they enjoy," adds the site.
WebMD's experts agree that cats typically treat people the same way they would treat another cat.
"Many cat behaviors that we know and love, such as rubbing up against our legs, are the same behaviors in which they engage with other cats," explains the site. It adds that a raised tail is often a sign they are feeling happy, while a gentle headbutt is a sign of affection.
Unsurprisingly, WebMD's team adds that most cats seem to believe they are in charge of the household, and everything else. "Cats like to call the shots. For example, cats will come when you call their name, but only if they feel like it," they explain.
But that doesn't mean they don't care about you.
"Cats like to watch their owners, sometimes even while they're sleeping. They try to gauge your emotions and figure out the best way to interact with you," the site notes. "They're especially interested in knowing if it's a good time to ask for food."
If you've ever thought you saw your cat winking at you, you're not imagining it. But this doesn't necessarily mean they're being flirtatious. Close, though... A cat wink, also known as a "cat kiss" is a sign that a cat feels comfortable around you.
"A slow cat-eye blink is a wonderful compliment," explains The Spruce Pets site. "It is a non-threat signal that cats use with each other as well as with humans they are comfortable with. You can send the same signal to your cat, slowly shutting and then opening your eyes. Chances are, your cat will return the cat-kiss eye blink."
Similarly, if a cat licks you, chances are that they love you. That sandpaper-like tongue making contact with your soft skin is a sign of affection. But because cats will be cats, there's another deeper meaning: Your cat reminding you that he or she owns you.
"Cats communicate by marking objects and other animals with their scents, and one reason why mother cats lick their kittens may be to create a familiar group scent," explain the experts at PetMD. "Similarly, your cat may lick you as a way of claiming you as a member of their social group."
