Cats Aren’t As Sly As People Think

By Jeanne Sutton
02nd May 2015

There is no more debate divisive than that of cat versus dog. The canine defenders argue that a puppy provides you with endless and enthusiastic affection. A dog’s loyalty cannot be doubted. Cats meanwhile just throw filthy looks while thinking about how they’re going to their shedding hair on your every item of dark clothing. They are schemers and sly.

However, we may be overestimating cats and their diabolical nature. This week The Science of Us published an article about cat-human communication and found that when it comes to kitties, we’re misinterpreting what they are trying to tell us. Hence the bad rep. Researchers of cat-human communication believe that cats are just as expressive of dogs and that accusations of cold shoulders and paws are unfounded.

Sharon Crowell-Davis, an expert in this area and a professor of veterinary, says that the misconception lies on how research has favoured dogs, with scientific research on cats sorely lacking. The research that does exist is very illuminating however, and will make cat ladies, like Taylor Swift, who shares updates on Olivia Benson and Meredith Grey on Instagram, reach for the told-you-so champagne.

Purring has many meanings: happiness, comfort, but it can also indicate illness. What purring really means is ?Don’t leave me.? See, cats are needy partners at the end of the day. They just hide it well.

When a cat rubs up against you, it’s not begging for food. The cat is saying hello, and showing affection. Cats miss their owners and don’t just seem them as food-giving parents.

If a cat blinks slowly at you, it is accepting you. Cats don’t have social media accounts, so consider a lazy blink a follow-back.

And while we’re on the topic of cats and Taylor Swift, you did see rumoured boyfriend Calvin Harris shared a photo of Instagram of the singer’s two cats? There’s a man who’s been convinced cats are just as sound as dogs.