People are often surprised when I show up on a therapy pet visit. They believe that this is primarily a role for dogs, whether cats are friendly or social.
What people don’t realize is that cats are social creatures and cats in the house require human interaction. Ignoring this side of a cat simply creates an action that perpetuates the myth.
The truth is that cats’ social behavior is misunderstood. If more people know that cat needs are in the area, they will see more friendly cats and more therapeutic cats. I love doing therapy pet work, but there are so many things I can do as a single kitten! More therapy cat volunteers are needed.
Dog social structure and cat social structure
Dogs and cats generally have very different social structures. This helps promote the idea that dogs are more socialized. Human social structures are much more similar to dogs.
Dogs are pack animals, humans are similar
Dogs are most comfortable being part of a cohesive group. They work together and have a social structure. Who else is that? human, As today’s article on psychology points out. Most humans are used to living in this type of environment, so they are not only attracted to dogs, but they also selectively raise them to enhance this function.
Cat colonies are more loosely structured and have room for individual expression
Cats are lonely hunters, outside themselves, often forming a matrinile-based colony. There may be cats that dominate than other cats, but there are no alphas and things tend to be more fluid. Furthermore, cats tend to have territory, which is an important part of their structure. You can learn a little more about cat colonies This paper on social organization of cats.
There is no real leadership and colonial cats tend to function more independently, making it difficult for humans to understand the social structure of cats. But that doesn’t mean they’re not there. It is an important survival mechanism.
Personal observation
Suitable Case: As you may know, we have a small colony in our neighborhood. One day my man watched her security cam video and saw a coyote heading down the road by her kitchen. The following video showed that, just a minute or so later, a scary coyote was chased by a very angry colonial cat. (Don’t worry – ever since, our neighbors have arranged shelters to better protect kittens from predators.)
Therefore, cats in established colonies can protect the group.
The real reason why cats behave more socially than dogs
The truth is that cats are not socialized because they expect humans to be unsocial! That really comes down to that.
Humans do not expect cats to be friendly or need their company as much as dogs, so they do not receive the same attention and behavioral training as dogs.
Dogs who do not get enough socialization can end up with behavioral habits and act in destructive ways. Cats suffering from a common type of benign negligence tend to simply retreat. They tend to only show bad behavior when they are very stressed.
Everything people do for dogs
If you have a dog or have a friend who owns a dog, think about everything for your best friend.
- Take me for a walk every day
- Play frequently
- Take me to the dog park
- Bring your business
- Send them to a school of obedience or train them yourself
Dogs get a lot Socialization and dating. Most often, cats are lucky to get a tenth of that. It’s no wonder cats are not very socialized.
Yes, you can have a more social cat
Cat socialization is the same as other projects – the more you work on it, the more you can get out of it! Think about all the attention people put in their dogs. A part of that energy will be built into a relationship with your cat.
Of course, cats are not dogs, so your approach will be different. But you still need to give them attention.
What motivates cats to become social
Cats do not function as pucks or as team members. Instead, they are very profit-oriented. They want to know what’s there for them. Cats are most motivated by the following rewards, and your cat favors one or two over the other cats.
- snack
- Toys and playtime
- Praise (Yes, praise!)
If you believe that cats are affectionate and impermeable, you might be a little surprised by the last one on this list. But you can’t be any more wrong.
Praise is the secret source your cat needs
Cats probably respond to praise more than anything else. They actually get a lot of joy from it. No matter what you’re doing with your cat, praise them. Did they eat all the dinner? I praise them. Did they catch the toy you threw? I praise them. Did they actually return the toys? Please praise even more! Even if it feels a little stupid. Your cat will appreciate it.
Praise is a very positive human ferrin interaction and you can’t do that much.
Treatment Time and Playtime Schedule
Cats thrive on a daily basis. Dog owners have regular times for them to walk them, and usually they take them to the dog park or have training sessions. So, whatever activity you choose for your cat, set the time for them.
Anything that includes regular routines and ends with rewards (treats, praises, or both) goes a long way in making your cat a happy social creature.
And the shorter the better. A 5-10 minute play, treat and training session is perfect. Cats are natural sprinters. They are not marathoners.
Spending time with cats is easy and inexpensive
You don’t need anything flashy to work to make your cat more friendly and social. The game of throwing snacks across the room for them to chase is enough to make most cats happy. You can add any type of toy that suits them. The important thing is that you spend your time doing what they enjoy.
You can also use these 5- or 10-minute gatherings to teach simple tricks like high-fives, porshakes, and sitting. Most cats enjoy learning something new, especially if they get a lot of praise for their efforts.
Reward good behavior
Cats should also be rewarded for the actions you want more. If you want your cat to spend more time with you, reward them whenever they are around you. Do you have a company? Reward them even more when they are stuck and when they interact with guests. If you need to brush or trim your nails, reward them when you’re done. If this tends to resist, give it a special treat when it’s finished.
More advanced socialization
Will your cat walk on a leash and go on an adventure with you, or at least go to a pet store? If you think your cat will enjoy these activities (not all cats), then slowly start introducing them. Harness and leash training is a very progressive process that must be done step by step over time.
If you have a cat place, leave it slow, simple and very local. Make sure they are always safe and reward them whenever they go with you.
When you are taking your cat out of their territory, they must implicitly trust you. In fact, when you’re with them, you It will become their territory and safe space. And you need to establish a relationship with your cat before anything else. This is a convenient place for all the work you’ve incorporated. Spend time with cats and develop close and happy relationships with them.
Another key: hold on
Cats may seem difficult to socialize, but the truth is that they don’t involve more work than dogs. And most people don’t complain about what they’re doing for their dogs (usually they brag about it!). Cats only need a different approach, and they develop social skills more slowly. But if you are hanging there, don’t push or force them, and let them understand it at their own pace, they may surprise you.
If you want to learn more about the myths of cat socialization, Check out this article from Sciencedirect.
Have you ever had a very social cat? Or did you socialize your shy or retreat cats? I’d like to discuss it in the comments!
