You are reading it right, there is no mistake in the headline. Today’s story is about humans and cats. Some of our readers have been asking for cat-related content, and we listened to them. So, here we are starting a new section that will focus on human + cat stories. Cats also emotionally connect with humans, after all.

“Indeed, cats also emotionally connect with humans. Albeit not in the same way as dogs do. But I’d never agree with people who say cats only care for someone to feed them. As pets, cats are more independent than dogs, but they have their own way of showing affection. What I’ve seen is some cats adjust faster, some need a lot of effort and time to adjust at home with humans and other pets,” said Alisa, human of gorgeous Sai, an eight-year-old Shiba-Inu boy.

Read more about Sai here

Cats are different from dogs

Cats are different from dogs in many ways. But that doesn’t necessarily mean they don’t get along. “We’ve had a cat called Oreo for over a year now. He has literally grown up with us, gained his personality and learned to communicate with other pets. Oreo is a very active cat. He is like a tornado, loves to run around and always ready to play. Oreo loves to join me in everything I do and follows me around everywhere. Some people might find that strange because the popular belief is that cats are solitary by nature. But Oreo is quite different and that’s why I always like to say that every cat is different like every dog is different. Oreo is very gentle and affectionate.”

But when Oreo first joined the pack, he didn’t like Sai at all and attacked the dog whenever he had a chance. Oreo feared other cats too, especially kittens and would often pick up fights. “Little by little he got used to Sai and the other cats and started enjoying their company. Now Oreo loves Sai and makes it a point to greet him after every walk. Sai loves Oreo too and even lets Oreo steal food from his bowl. We also have Mami now who is the friendliest cat I’ve ever met. He loves everyone and everything, very clingy, talkative and needs attention 24/7. Mami is forever purring and loves cuddles.” Most people, including me, would not even believe that cats can be like this.

Cats are funny

Most things cats do are funny, the way they play with each other, all those runs and jumps, it is very entertaining, Alisa says. “Even how easily they get excited when you offer them to play with literally anything – a straw, a tissue ball, a bottle cover. Their obsession with making a bed or those proud little faces when they are hiding behind the chair’s leg and think you don’t see them. Or when they suddenly jump on you from around the corner. Even those tiny butt wiggle and mouthing when they are hunting. Everything is so funny.”

Over to some ‘cat-conceptions’

There are many beliefs, perhaps some misconceptions about cats too. We like to call them ‘cat-conceptions’. That’s why the question: do we really understand cats?

“I can’t say everything is a misconception or ‘cat-conceptions’ as you like to call them. But I can certainly name some common beliefs that I don’t agree with, especially since I have both dogs and cats co-existing under the same roof. Some of these beliefs are that cats do things out of spite. They are not attached to humans and only care for their needs. All cats are loners and don’t need company. Cats hate dogs or other cats. They can always entertain themselves.”

“What I can say is every cat and every dog have their own way of communication. Cats are more independent and may not be very emotional like dogs. They don’t need our approval when they do something. A dog loves to please us humans, but a cat loves to please themselves, you like it or not. If a dog would do something sweet to get your attention, a cat more likely would do something naughty.”

All pets have a healing touch

“Ever since I can remember I used to dream about having a dog. I wanted a horse too. But my mother never let me have one because she was afraid it would be her responsibility to care for the pet. Since I spent a lot of time with my grandparents at their summer house and they always had cats, I had the opportunity to grow up amid pets. In fact, my grandmother says that I like Oreo so much because he resembles our pet cat who lived with us for almost 22 years,” Alisa fondly recollects.  

When asked if her pets have a healing touch on her, she says, “My pets inspire me in so many ways. I can’t really let myself be down or sad for a long time because my pets would understand and pick up that energy. Even if I’m unwell, I know that these fluffy butts are dependent on me. So, no matter what I still go for a walk with them or have a playtime. And inevitably after this I feel better. I feel as if pets instinctively know when we need them the most, and they try to heal us with their love.”