Do you think your cat missed you? Maybe he just got angry

Important and slightly pompous, they seem to tell us "I'm here, master." Yes, we are talking about representatives of felines. Unlike other pets, dogs, they manifest themselves as more independent beings. Why such a big difference between these four-legged pets? According to a new study, cats differ from dogs in that they do not perceive their master as a safety center.

Of course, this does not mean that a fluffy pet does not miss its owner and does not feel affection for him. In addition, the cat loves his master, even if he does not behave in the best way. However, scientists have proved that in case of danger, he will not put his hopes on his patron. In this sense, the representatives of the felines are quite autonomous. The study was published in the journal Plos one.

Ideal in all respects

Cats won the fight against dogs for the title of the most popular pets in Europe, and there is an explanation for this. They do not bring much noise and therefore are excellent for cohabitation with workaholics and lovers of home comfort. In addition, these animals can live in small spaces and easily tolerate loneliness. And, what to say, they do not need to walk a few times a day. It is believed that cats can relieve stress and anxiety of their owners, which only once again confirms their strong connection with the owner.

Trust Test

Previously, a test scheme was developed, aimed at determining the reaction of people in a stressful situation. A person, surrounded by close relatives and strangers, falls into a place in which he was not previously. Unknown territory is a source of stress, as it causes anxiety in the participant of the test. After that, the others present are removed, leaving the person alone. At the same time, the behavior of the participant in the experiment is monitored for the disappearance of certain persons.

Despite the fact that this test was created for people, it was used in a modified form for testing chimpanzees. Scientists from the University of Lincoln decided to come up with their own adapted "cat's" version. In the experiment, 20 quadrupeds participated together with their owners. Cats were placed in an unfamiliar environment with their owners and strangers, after which an analysis of the behavior of animals was conducted.

Cats were too independent

It was found that animals begin to make noise and worry if left in a new environment for them with a stranger alone. However, the scientists could not see the cat's confidence in safety when she was in the room with her master.

"A bright reaction of a pet to an unfamiliar environment can be due to the fact that he was angry or upset. At the same time, there are usually no obvious signs of attachment to a cat, "said Daniel Mills, the study's author and professor at the Department of Veterinary Behavioral Medicine at the University of Lincoln. "In stressful situations, people tend to seek support from others, while cats remain alone with their problem."

Thus, although four-legged pets and happy to purr on the lap of the master, they are unlikely to ask for protection from their patron in the event of a threat.