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If you live in a house with multiple people, you may have noticed that a cat generally tends to favor one person over the rest, so much so that it may take months for a new face to win over their affection. Felines can be selective about human companionship—even more so than dogs—and there are several interesting reasons that this is the case.
How does a cat choose their favorite person, and is it true that they will imprint on that one person? Here, we research the answers to these questions and find out how and why cats are so discerning when it comes to showing their affection. Read on to find out more!
How Do Cats Choose Their Favorite Person?
Cats are notorious for being portrayed as aloof animals, showing affection only when they feel like it, as opposed to the well-known constant affection and neediness common among most dogs. However, a cat having a preference for one person in the home does not mean they are not securely bonded with the other people around them—they may simply be more attracted to the person who makes the most effort.1
What this means is that in general, the person who takes the most time to interact with, understand, and respect the cat is the person to whom the cat will be most attracted.
Why Do Cats Choose a Favorite Person?
Of course, there could be other reasons for your cat’s discerning habits. A cat may be more attracted to particular people due to their overall personality, early socialization, and past experiences. Docile, calm cats will naturally be attracted to people who have the same temperament, as opposed to excited, loud, and active people, such as children. Conversely, playful, active cats tend to enjoy being around kids who will engage and play with them.
Early socialization and bonding are also key factors. When kittens are young, they will bond with the person who takes care of them and interacts with them the most after being separated from their mother, as this person is now their figure of safety and comfort and becomes their trusted caregiver. Therefore, it’s not surprising that cats tend to bond with one person over another.
Of course, this can also go the other way. Kittens exposed to just one person from a young age may become fearful of new faces, or those brought up around many people may become aloof and not bonded to any one person in general. Cats with negative past experiences with certain human genders may become insecure and anxious around them.
Every Cat Is Unique
As any owner will tell you, all felines are unique, and it’s a combination of the aforementioned factors that causes a cat to bond with one person. While imprinting on a kitten may be a factor, adopting an adult cat frequently results in a powerful relationship too. A cat may also have had a traumatic moment in their life, and a certain person was there for them at that point, creating a bond that cannot be matched with another human.
The way that your cat has been raised, their environment, their breed, and even the other animals in your home (or lack thereof) all contribute to your cat’s unique personality and will have a profound effect on their character.
How to Become Your Cat’s Favorite Person
Since there are identifiable factors that make a cat want to bond with a particular person, it’s possible to use these and become that person in your cat’s life—or at least as close as you can. That said, it’s important to avoid smothering your cat with too much attention, especially without their permission, as they are likely to simply become suspicious. Earning your cat’s trust and affection will take time, attention, and communication through reading their body language.
- Feed them. If you are not the person who feeds your cat every day, you may want to consider taking over that position. It’s natural that the person providing nourishment to a cat will be highly valuable to them and likely to win their favor.
- Spend more time with them. Spending more interactive time with your cat is sure to win their affection. It’s less about what you do than it is about simple quality time, and playing with toys, training, or even relaxing on the sofa are all great methods of bonding.
- Provide positive reinforcement. Reinforcing the positive aspects of your cat’s behavior is a great way to earn their affection. When they behave well, give them a treat or attention, and if they choose to come to you with affection, reciprocate it.
- Give them space. Respecting boundaries is vital in any relationship, and the same goes for your relationship with your cat. Interacting with your cat is important, but knowing when they need space and giving it to them is equally essential.
Final Thoughts
There are many reasons that a cat may choose their favorite person over another, from their early experiences to socialization and matching personalities. This is not set in stone, however, and there are proven ways to create a solid bond with your feline. You may still not be their all-time favorite, but you’ll still have the joy of a loving relationship with a cat!
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Featured Image Credit: cottonbro, Pexels
