2006-10-13 22:41:00 · 14 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Cats
Hi there...I've learned from many years of formal training with animals as an animal trainer and caregiver that generally cats do not understand human affections in the traditional sense like we do. Cats are primal and therefore rely on basic instincts which are food, water, procreation, shelter... however if allowed they'll accept our affections showering them so long as we meet their basic survival needs and then the rest is a bonus.
As humans we tend to anthropomorphize, giving a non human being (such as a cat or dog) or object a human characteristic.
2006-10-13 23:07:58 · answer #1 · answered by ♪ Seattle ♫ 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I have 2 and I'd say that one is glad to have me here because I provide the food & water and a clean litter box. I'm not much use to her for anything else. The other is a lover all the way around.
She likes sleeping with me. If I'm sitting and watching tv she is next to me. If I'm working around, she is close by to the point I've almost tripped over her. She understands some of what I say.
EXAMPLE: If I ask her if she wants a snack, she'll meow and run to the cupboard where the snacks are kept, so yes they can show love.
2006-10-13 23:17:48 · answer #2 · answered by Classy Granny 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Cats feel love, definitely! Trust = Love Have you ever tried to pet a cat, but it doesn't let you get near it? It means that the cat doesn't have enough trust in humans - the ones that let you touch were well loved by humans and trust them enough that even strangers are allowed to pet it. But if your asking if they love you and can recognize you ~ Yes they can! Everytime you pet him, or he rubs you it means he recognizes your scent, they also have eyes and ears, they can recognize your voice as well - so it never hurts to talk to him. Even if you seem crazy talking to cats, I do that all the time. After having owning the same pairs of cats for so many years I can tell how it recognizes people. Everytime my cat comes inside ( they are outdoor cats ) my Mom would later scoop one of them up in the same position, she'd hold it like a baby and swing it around my cat is use to it but for some reason would even let me pick it up for that long while my mom can swing my cat around without it hissing. That means my cat can tell who it trusts more *ahh :(* I love cats <3 And they sure do love you back.
2016-03-28 08:40:04 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Have you ever fed your cat and it comes to say thank-you? Do you ever have your cat come to you and lay down on your lap and purr? This is their way of saying I love you. Yes I believe cats as well as all animals know what love is in their own way.
2006-10-14 01:23:21 · answer #4 · answered by jerri d 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes cats can understand that is why they let you know by kneading and purring sometimes if your feeling sad they will come up to you and rub against your face if they can reach..
also look at you and meow in a funny way to let you know they can sense that you are sad then get up on your knee and just sit there purring and looking at you ..sometimes they try to lick your face letting you know they care
2006-10-13 22:55:33 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have seen cats, or other animals that have been mistreated. Most tend to show signs of anxiety or fear, as well as shyness if they have been mistreated. I really and truly believe that your cat can understand what love is provided you treat him/her with loving care and tenderness. So my answer to this is "yes"!
2006-10-13 22:47:34 · answer #6 · answered by ssaokbb 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, they are great animals.. why else would the ancient egyptians keep cats in their homes. Even though they are highly independant a cat loves those who respect it...
2006-10-13 22:44:21 · answer #7 · answered by Sue Li 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, they act the way they do because they are social animals. They attach themsleves to us because we feed them and pet them, not because of loyalty, it's more of a cat pride habit. To them, we are just "big cats", part of the family, but it has nothing to do with commitment or loyalty.
2006-10-13 23:21:30 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Love can be defined in many ways. I believe animals of any kind respond to affection. If you are kind to them, they respond by wanting to be with you. Any living creature wants to be treated well. Its our responsibility as pet owners to treat our pets right by providing them with the things they need and one of those things is definately love. Cant love them too much!!
2006-10-13 22:52:57 · answer #9 · answered by caseygram@sbcglobal.net 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes i think so my cat doesn't leave my side when im at home, she sleeps on pillow with me at night and sits on my knee and purrs. Cats are very affectionate aniamls.
2006-10-14 01:36:11 · answer #10 · answered by emma t 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋