Do Cats See Humans as Big Cats? The Feline Perspective on Their Owners

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Cats are fascinating creatures with unique ways of perceiving the world around them. If you’ve ever wondered why your feline friend headbutts you, kneads your lap, or treats you like one of their own, the answer might be simpler than you think: your cat may see you as just a bigger version of itself!

How Do Cats Perceive Humans?

Unlike dogs, who have been bred for thousands of years to work alongside humans and follow their commands, cats are independent creatures with a mindset deeply rooted in their wild ancestors. While they recognize that we are different from them, they do not necessarily see us as a separate species in the way we view them.

John Bradshaw, a renowned cat behavior expert and author of Cat Sense, suggests that cats do not alter their behavior around humans the way dogs do. Instead, they interact with us in the same way they would with another cat—albeit a much larger one!

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Signs That Your Cat Thinks You’re a Big Cat

1. Headbutting (Bunting)
   Cats rub their heads against objects and people to mark them with their scent. This is a friendly behavior they use with other cats they trust, meaning when your cat headbutts you, they’re treating you as part of their group.

2. Kneading with Their Paws
   Kittens knead their mother’s belly to stimulate milk flow, and adult cats continue this behavior as a sign of comfort and affection. If your cat kneads you, it’s a clear indication that they see you as a nurturing figure—just like a mother cat.

3. Bringing You ‘Gifts’
   If your cat brings you a dead mouse or toy, it may be offering you a “gift” the way a mother cat would teach her kittens to hunt. Some experts believe this behavior suggests that cats view their humans as part of their feline family—perhaps as less competent hunters who need their help!

4. Tail Position and Body Language
   Cats greet other friendly cats with their tails held high and often do the same with humans. If your cat approaches you with a raised tail, it’s treating you like a trusted companion.

5. Grooming You
   Mutual grooming (allogrooming) is common among bonded cats. If your cat licks your hair or hands, it’s a sign of trust and affection—another way of saying, “You’re one of us!”

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So, Does My Cat Respect Me?

Cats may see you as a big cat rather than a superior being, but that doesn’t mean they don’t respect you. In fact, a cat that seeks you out for companionship, trusts you enough to expose its belly, or follows you around the house has a strong bond with you. While cats are often described as independent, they do form deep emotional attachments to their humans—just on their own terms.

Final Thoughts

Understanding how cats perceive us can help strengthen our bond with them. Rather than seeing them as aloof or indifferent, we can appreciate their affection through their unique feline behaviors. So, the next time your cat headbutts you or kneads your lap, remember—it’s not just being cute; it’s treating you like family!

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