Introduction
There’s a common belief that cats don’t care too much about their owners and are aloof or indifferent when greeted. But recent research shows that’s not the whole picture. Cats can and do exhibit signs of excitement, affection, and attachment upon seeing their owners after an absence, especially if a bond exists.
While cats may not be as overtly demonstrative of their feelings as dogs, they display happiness at reunions in subtle ways. Their evolutionary history as solitary hunters shapes their behavior. But scientific studies reveal cats do form social relationships and attachments. Their brain chemistry changes upon seeing their owners, much like what dogs experience. Not all cats react the same way, due to differences in personality and early life experiences. But certain routines and interactions can help deepen the human-cat bond.
This article will explore the evidence that cats can and do get happy when greeted by their owners after time apart. We’ll examine the evolutionary and psychological reasons behind cat behavior, and provide tips for strengthening attachments.
Signs of Excitement
When cats are excited or happy to see their owner, they often express this through vocalizations like purring or meowing (Source). Purring is one of the most obvious ways cats demonstrate contentment and affection. The sound signals to their owners that they feel safe, secure, and comfortable in their presence. Cats may also meow more frequently or intensely when their owner comes home as a form of communicative excitement. In addition to these vocal cues, cats tend to rub up against their owner’s legs upon returning home. This rubbing behavior deposits the cat’s scent onto the owner, marking them as a loved one. It also allows the cat to pick up their human’s scent in return. These physical displays help strengthen the bond between a cat and their beloved human.
Scientific Research
Recent studies have examined the nature of attachment and bonding between cats and their human caregivers. Research from Oregon State University published in 2019 indicates that cats form secure attachments to their owners that are similar to human-infant attachments. The researchers evaluated the relationships between cats and their owners using a tool called the Secure Base Test, adapted from a test used to assess infant-caregiver attachment. They found that 65% of the cats in the study exhibited behaviors indicative of a secure attachment to their owner.
This research provides evidence that cats bond closely with their human caregivers in ways comparable to dogs and human children. The lead author of the study stated that “In both cats and dogs, attachment to humans may represent an adaptation of the offspring-caregiver bond,” reflecting an evolutionary process of domestication. Overall, the findings indicate many cats are capable of forming meaningful social relationships and affectionate bonds with their human owners when given responsive care.
Evolutionary History
The domestic cat originated from a wild ancestor called the Near Eastern wildcat (Felis silvestris lybica), which naturally inhabited grasslands and sparse forests in Near East The Evolution of House Cats. The Near Eastern wildcat is believed to have gradually evolved into the domestic cat we know today around 10,000 years ago. This makes the domestic cat one of the first animals to be domesticated by humans, likely for help with rodent control The Origins Of Cats.
Compared to tame housecats, wildcats have a stockier build for strength and speed. They are effective hunters, equipped with sharp claws and teeth. Wildcats are typically more aggressive and avoidant of humans. However, they share over 95% of their DNA with domestic cats. This evidence shows cats were predisposed for domestication due to their social abilities. Domestication brought about key differences, including tolerance of humans, adaptability of food sources, and higher sociability between cats.
Brain Chemistry
When cats interact with their owners, they can elicit the release of oxytocin in both the human and the cat. Oxytocin is a hormone that plays a key role in social bonding and attachment. Research has shown that when owners pet, hold, or play with their cats, their oxytocin levels increase. Similarly, friendly interactions with humans can also boost oxytocin levels in cats.
For example, a 2021 study found a significant correlation between affectionate behaviors in cats towards their owners, such as rubbing, kneading and purring, and increased oxytocin levels in the owners (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8592048/). Another study in 2021 showed that when cats had positive interactions with their owners, such as being petted or held, the cats had higher oxytocin levels in their urine (https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fvets.2021.680843).
This oxytocin response indicates the formation of social bonds between cats and humans. However, oxytocin release can vary a lot between individual cats and may depend on factors like the cat’s age, personality, and history with humans.
Individual Differences
Cats, like people, have individual personalities that shape how they interact with their owners. While some cats may get very excited when their owners return home, others may show more subtle signs of happiness. Factors like breed, age, and past experiences can influence how cats express happiness.
For example, kittens and younger cats tend to be more energetic in their greetings, while older cats may be more mellow. Breed also plays a role – energetic breeds like Bengals are more likely to exhibit jumping and running when their owners come home compared to calmer breeds like Ragdolls. Cats that have had positive past experiences with their owners will anticipate their return and show more excitement.
Additionally, cats that have secure attachments to their owners and receive plenty of playtime and affection will be happier to see them. Shy, anxious cats may be more reserved, or even hide when their owners first arrive home. But with time and trust-building, anxious cats can become comfortable enough to show their happiness too.
Returning Home Routines
Cats often have familiar routines they go through when their owner returns home after an absence. These routines can demonstrate the cat’s happiness and excitement to see their owner again. According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), some common returning home routines include greeting the owner at the door, meowing or purring loudly, rubbing on legs, furniture and other objects, kneading, rolling on the floor, or bringing a toy as a gift [1]. These behaviors release pent-up energy and allow the cat to express its joy.
Researchers from the University of Milan found that after a 48-hour absence, cats were more affectionate towards their owners upon returning home. This included increased rubbing, following, and vocalizing. The study suggests cats truly miss their owners during separations [2]. Owners can help ease the transition by keeping familiar routines when coming and going, and giving extra playtime or treats upon returning.
Overcoming Stress
When a cat is stressed or anxious, reuniting with their owner and exhibiting signs of excitement can help relieve that stress. Research has shown that cats experience a surge of oxytocin, also known as the “love hormone”, when reunited with their owners after a period of separation. This oxytocin release helps lower cortisol levels and reduce anxiety. Oxytocin also promotes bonding between cats and their owners.
One study published in Current Biology found that when cats had extended interactions with their owners, including petting, playing, and feeding, their oxytocin levels spiked. The researchers concluded that human interaction helped relieve stress in cats.
So when a cat eagerly greets its owner at the door, purring, rubbing against their legs, and showing excitement, these behaviors help elevate oxytocin levels which decreases stress hormones. The joyful reunion provides comfort and reassurance for an anxious cat. Fostering strong human-cat bonds through positive interactions is key to helping cats destress.
Fostering Secure Bonds
There are several ways cat owners can foster secure bonds with their feline companions. According to research, even shy cats can form attachments to their owners. Owners should avoid pushing cats too far too fast and instead focus on gradually building trust over time (Dr. Belle, 2020). Some tips for strengthening cat-owner relationships include:
- Creating routines and rituals when leaving and returning home
- Respecting your cat’s personal space and not overwhelming them
- Using calming pheromones to relieve stress
- Associating yourself with positive experiences like treats and playtime
- Providing a safe space or hiding spot where your cat feels secure
- Letting your cat set the pace for physical contact and affection
With patience and care, owners can form secure, lasting bonds with even the most aloof felines. Focus on meeting your cat’s needs and building trust slowly over time.
Conclusion
While cats may show happiness and affection differently than dogs, they are still capable of strong bonds and positive emotions. Cats tend to be more reserved in their interactions, but their subtle signs of contentment are just as meaningful. A cat slowly blinking at you, purring on your lap, or greeting you at the door are all indicators that they feel safe, comfortable, and happy in your presence.
Cats’ evolutionary background as solitary hunters shaped their behavior, but domestication has allowed them to thrive in human company. With patience and care, you can build a loving relationship with your cat. Their unique way of expressing happiness is a reward for those willing to understand feline behavior.
While they may not smother you with sloppy kisses like a dog, a cat’s subtle signs of joy are profoundly moving. By tuning into your cat’s body language and providing a stress-free home, you become someone very special in your cat’s world. Their happiness at seeing you is evident in their own reserved, charming way.