Majority of Cat Owners Report Feeling Ignored by Their Pets
A recent survey has uncovered that more than half of cat owners perceive their feline companions as ignoring them, prompting a range of creative strategies to win their affection. The study, involving 2,000 cat owners, found that 63% believe their cats dictate interactions, highlighting the animals' famously independent nature.
Creative Tactics to Gain Feline Approval
In response to this perceived aloofness, nearly half (49%) of owners admit to spoiling their cats in attempts to gain approval. Common methods include giving extra cuddles, performing 'slow blinks' (25%), and upgrading their food (22%). A quarter of respondents noted that their pets snub them throughout the day, only demanding attention when the owner tries to relax or sit down.
The research was commissioned by SHEBA, which has partnered with Brit-nominated musician Cat Burns to launch the Ignored to Adored campaign. Burns, who owns cats herself, shared insights into the challenge of earning feline trust, stating that even her chart-topping success does not guarantee their affection.
Expert Insights on Feline Behavior
Pet behaviorist Dr. Tammie King from the Waltham Petcare Science Institute explained that cats express love in subtle and unique ways. She emphasized that the campaign is based on science-driven tips to help cat parents build stronger bonds and recognize overlooked signs of affection.
The study also revealed that 20% of cats leave the room when their owner enters, while 6% cause their owners to leave the house entirely. For 18% of those living with others, the aloofness feels more pointed as their cat behaves differently with other household members.
Reasons Behind Feline Independence
Reasons cited for cats ignoring their owners include their natural independence and preference for doing their own thing (47%). Additionally, 10% of owners have spent significant time researching ways to make their cats love them, according to data from OnePoll.com.
Rakesh Narayana, chief growth officer for Mars Pet Nutrition Europe, added that cat parents deeply desire a stronger connection with their pets, often resorting to mimicking feline behavior. The campaign celebrates this distinctive bond through an understanding of both cat and human psychology.
Common Strategies Employed by Cat Owners
- Giving them treats
- Playing with them
- Buying them toys
- Giving them extra cuddles
- Letting them sleep on or in the bed
- Giving them space and letting them come to you
- Brushing or grooming them
- Talking to them in a soft or 'baby' voice
- Doing 'slow blinks' at them
- Upgrading their food
