Overshadowed by dogs, cats show that they can be just as loyal as dogs, although they are different than dogs in so many ways. Maybe that is the reason why cats are often seen as self-centered animals that only think about themselves and no one else. But with the right environment, cats can show that they are even more loyal than you think!
Instant Friendship?
You can compare your cat to humans when we’re talking about friendship. If you just got a new cat, there is no such thing as instant friendship or instant trust between the two of you. When you meet a stranger, a potential friend, you need to get to know each other before you might become friends. You need to work on the friendship together before you will be able to trust each other. The same goes for cats — you need to get to know each other. What toys does your new kitty like? What is his behavior like? You need to make an effort and in return your cat will trust you and be loyal.
Routine, and especially play time is very important to create a bond between you and your cat.
Routine
Cats are routine animals, so it’s important to stick to a routine you have set up. For example: Daily training or a half hour of play and affection before feeding time. Over time they will seek attention, hang around near you or want to sleep in the same room with you. They want to spend time with you, they want to be part of your life and they will show curiosity in the things you do. Most cats will even become excited and wait at the door for you to come home.
Personality
Every cat has his/her own personality — no cat is the same. They have their own needs, so it’s important to understand your cat. Whether a rescue cat or a specific breed, I think all cats can be just as loyal, depending on how you treat your cat. If you don’t pay attention to your cat, or don’t stick to a routine, you shouldn’t expect any loyalty — or love — from your cat.
Cats are also very honest animals. When they are hungry, they will tell you they are hungry and they demand food right away. If they don’t like something, they tell you also, but they will also let you know when they appreciate the things you do, show their affection for you, love you and be loyal.
So establishing a routine and getting to know your cat, his/her needs are very important in order to create a bond with your cat. It takes patience, time and effort, but you will be rewarded with affectionate and a loyal cat. It does depend on the cat how he or she will show you love and loyalty.
Since Suki has gotten older, she sleeps at the side of my bed every night as if she’s trying to protect me from any nightmares.
I remember when I was sick one time. My black-and-white cat Hiro would only sit near me or on my lap and would only leave when I would get off the couch or when he was hungry. Hiro is normally not a cat who sits on my lap or hangs around me the entire day. Not to mention he was very affectionate. Both my cats know exactly when we come home, and the way they welcome us shows me that cats can be just as loyal as dogs. I have even known cats who protected their guardians from dangerous or scary situations! Well if that isn’t loyalty, then I don’t know what it is!
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Yes totally agree. Cats are different and their way of showing affection is also different. Patience is key in understanding them. Their little ways of subtly showing you the affection is a rewarding experience, like I know it is very eew, but when my cat bought me a beautiful yellow butterfly, I knew my cat bought me a gift. A dead butterfly or a mouse, the usual choices of my cat used to gross me out initially, but eventually I understood their way of showing appreciation through gifts. Nice post.
Thank you Fairy!
Bringing home gifts, even though it can be a bit digusting sometimes, it is one way how cats show their affections towards their owners.
It’s like they’re trying to say “Here, I hunted down a mouse especially for you, why don’t you eat it?”