Cats and Dogs are much different in their interactions and observations of their human owners. Dogs regard themselves as part of the family with their human owner being the head of the pack, if you will. Cats regard humans in a household as other cats and in many ways behave towards people as they would towards other kittens in the nest, “grooming” them, snuggling up with them, and communicating with them in the ways they would use with other cats. A placid cat owner may not realize the extent to which it is taking cues from sounds, scents, and observing the behavior of the people in the house, even though its reactions are muted.
Cat owners that live alone may possibly become too dependent on their company, especially if they obtained their cat as a kitten and are confined in the house all of the time. The cat’s bonding emotions with one person can compound boredom and lead to extreme distress when the owner goes out. The cat may run and hide, refuse to eat or use its litter box until the owner returns. Some cats may handle their distress by tearing cushions on the sofa and curtains, and scratching furniture. This distress behavior can be avoided if the owner living alone will take two kittens from the same litter who, given a selection of toys, will amuse each other. Two kittens are little more trouble than one, and the companionship will offer each of them a more interesting life.
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