Why do Cats like one Person more than Another?

Kittens, especially those who are at the full stage of socialization, do not perceive fear yet, thereby allowing them to socialise positively with all kinds of animals and people. If we add the loss of the mother figure and brothers to the equation, it is likely that your feline will look for a figure of support, which will continue to be used as a reference in their new home.

The interactions that the kitten has during the socialization process also explain this selective behaviour: cats that have been manipulated by several unknown people have less fear, but have a tendency to suffer from stress, to show a lack of playing behaviour and social behaviors. Meanwhile, kittens that have only interacted with one or a few people in their kitten stage, tend to be more skittish, but with a more positive social behavior with those whom they know and shows playful conducts frequently^[1].

It is important to highlight that the quality of life and the behavior of the cat are directly influenced by the characteristics of the owner^[2], such as sex, age, or care offered, so it is not surprising that those who spend more time on a cat are candidates to be their figure of reference and support.

Interestingly, the character of a cat is not solely determined by early experiences. Genetics, fears, and learning, sometimes unconsciously, also play significant roles. Therefore, not all cats create a special bond with a single person and may even not have a favorite.

Moreover, a recent study has proven that the relationship established between a cat and a person can be as complex as those created between two humans. The study showed that mutual attention and tactile interactions were the key to a bond between the two. The study also showed how women tend to have a higher number of tactile interactions than men, which means that it is more likely for a cat to have a woman as their favorite than a man.

Each cat has their own personality and like in all relationships, it's about mutual understanding. This is why cats that are often skittish or shy tend to bond with the person who doesn't smother them or corner them but makes them feel secure and comfortable.

In addition to these factors, environmental stability and routine can also influence a cat's choice. Cats are creatures of habit, and a stable environment where their needs are consistently met can foster a stronger bond with the caregiver who provides this stability. Regular feeding times, comfortable resting places, and predictable interactions can make a particular person more appealing to a cat, reinforcing their status as the feline's favorite.

There are many signs indicating that a cat loves you: kneading, purring, licking, or sleeping with you are some of them, but there are many more. Even the naughty nibbles can be a way of expressing affection, even though we don't really like them.

To know if you're your cat's favorite person you should analyze your relationship with them and the one they maintain with other people around them. This is the only way you will know if the signs of affection and attention calls are exclusively for you or if they show it equally to any person at home. But remember, if you're not their favorite person (or they don't have one), this does not mean that your cat does not love you.

When a cat chooses you ...

Obviously, the different signs of affection of a cat tell us that they want us. However, when they choose us, they will start to promote a much closer bond with us. It is no wonder that they dare to smell our mouth, sleep on our head, or jump on our lap (even if it hurts), touch our face with their paws or sleep on top of us. These are much more close and personal behaviors that undoubtedly indicate that we are their favorite person.

Additionally, a cat may exhibit unique behaviors towards their favorite person, such as following them from room to room, vocalizing specifically to get their attention, or even bringing them "gifts," like toys or the occasional bug. These gestures, while sometimes perplexing, are a testament to the special bond and trust the cat feels towards that individual.

Now that you know why cats like one person more than another, it's time for you to work on your relationship with your cat, especially if you have discovered you are not their favorite. Take a look at these simple tips and follow them every single day, as you will need to be constant in order to bond with your cat and earn their trust:

• Be the one to feed the cat: As cats will be looking for a nurturer, the person that provides them with food and water will definitely be their favorite.
• Clean their litter box: As you know, cats are highly clean, which is why the person who makes sure everything is spick and span will also earn their favors.
• Play with them daily: One of the best ways to create a bond with a cat is to spend time with them. Around 15 to 20 minutes of playtime per day will be enough for your cat to see you are their pal and will come to you for more fun. Just remember not to use your bare hands to play, or they may scratch you during game aggression.
• Positive reinforcement: Spend some time reinforcing those good attitudes your cat shows by stroking them or giving them snacks. Learn when to leave them alone and don't smother them unless they are in an affectionate mood.
• The time they need for affection: We know how hard it is to find time in the day, but if your cat snuggles up to you, try to reciprocate when they are showing affection, at least for a while. You can even end the petting session with a small treat, to make sure they understand it is not ending due to a bad attitude.
• Respect their space: Cats appreciate when their need for personal space is respected. Avoid overwhelming them with too much attention, especially if they seem disinterested or stressed. Understanding when to give them space and when to engage actively will enhance your relationship.
• Speak their language: Cats communicate with body language and vocal cues. Pay attention to their signals and respond accordingly. Mimicking their slow blink, for example, is a way to show trust and affection, reinforcing your bond.

If you want to read similar articles to Why do Cats like one Person more than Another?, we recommend you visit our Facts about the animal kingdom category.