If you have never lived with cats before, and this is your first experience, don’t be surprised if you observe that your cat always prefers a specific person’s lap when sitting with other family members.
Yes, cats can have a favorite person. It’s not that cats don’t like other family members, but they favor a particular person over others.
Let’s understand why and how cats select a person as their favorite.
How & Why Cats Select a Favorite Person
Generally, cats are considered aloof and independent, but they appreciate those who understand and care for them.
However, cats are not as expressive as dogs, and they have their ways of showing love for the person they like. Favoring him over the other is one of such ways.
Factors that can make a cat more inclined toward you are down below.
Personality
Like humans, every cat has its personality and temperament, and they like the person who matches their personality. A less active, quiet, and docile cat will prefer a person with the same character.
While outgoing, playful, high-energy cats prefer the company of active, excited, and lively people or kids.
Bonding & Socialization
Bonding and socialization is a crucial factor, and it starts immediately after weaning. Naturally, cats are more attached to a person who cared for them during kittenhood because they associate this person with food, love, and security.
In addition, the kittens, handled by one person only, may feel reluctant to interact with new people later. On the other hand, if too many people raise kittens, they may become aloof and don’t develop a bond with any of them.
Body Language
Unlike dogs, cats are less expressive but still have their body language. Cats use a variety of cues to communicate their emotions and needs, which include different body gestures and making different sounds.
So a cat will be more inclined to a person who better discerns its body language and vocal cues and respond accordingly.
Feeding & Care
Anyone will love the person who takes care of his needs, provides food, cleans his place, grooms, bathes him, and provides shelter and security.
The cats feel the same way and love the person who feeds them, cleans their litter box, and takes good care of them.
Quality Time
Experts advise that to develop a good bond with your feline friend, it’s necessary to spend at least 15 – 20 minutes daily with your cat.
Remember, you should always prefer quality over quality. Regardless of the cat’s energy level, all cats love to play with their owners. So the person, who spends significant time playing and grooming his cat, is more likely to be selected as the favorite person.
Can Cats Have Multiple Favourite Person?
By nature, cats are highly cautious and skeptical animals, which don’t trust anyone easily. Trusting one person is a big deal for a cat. Therefore the chance of two or more persons being selected as the cat’s favorites is very unlikely.
However, in rare cases, when the cat is highly social, energetic, extroverted, and socialized extremely well since kittenhood, a cat can have two or more favorites.
Can a Cat Change Its Favourite Person?
YES, naturally, cats are very adaptive to different circumstances and can change their favorite person. However, it may take some time.
It depends on how strong the cat bonds with the previous person and how well the new person takes care of the cat.
How To Become Cat’s Favorite
Although cats are skeptical and cautious by nature and don’t trust anyone easily, if you follow the tips below and proceed with patience and consistency, you will soon be his favorite person.
- Handle them gently and adequately during kittenhood.
- Start their socialization immediately after weaning.
- Feed them a high-quality, balanced diet in proper proportion and at the same time daily.
- Spend 15-20 minutes of quality time with them. You can play with them, groom them or pet them.
- Learn to understand their body language and respond when they try to communicate with you.
Final Words
Thank you for reading! As you can understand, cats can have their favorite person. If you want to be that particular person to your cat, you must act as a real friend would.
Take care of your fur buddy and spend valuable time with him. Cats are not just adorable creatures; they understand much more than many think, and you should treat them as your best friends.
Are you the favorite person to your cat? Or maybe there’s another family member that took that place. Let us know in the comments!
