Oregon State University researchers find emotional linkage of cats to their caregivers

Oregon State University researchers find emotional linkage of cats to their caregivers

Many people believe that cats do not have any emotional attachment with their caregivers. But a study has proved that the cats have a secure attachment with their caregivers. Secure attachment means that they feel secure, safe, and comfortable when they are with their caregivers. The study has been published in the Current Biology journal.

The authors of the study wrote, “Despite fewer studies, research suggests we may be underestimating cats’ sociocognitive abilities.” The study has been published by the researchers at Oregon State University. The results of the study are based on the experimental analysis in which owners and their kittens were involved. They took part in a simple exercise for finding the socio-cognitive abilities of the cats.

The behavior of 70 kittens was monitored in the study. The caregiver of each kitten was asked to spend two minutes with his/her kitten and then leave the room. The caregivers were asked to come back again in the room for a two-minute reunion. The results revealed the nature of the cats and their attachment with the caregivers. 64% of the kittens were more relieved when they reunited with their caregivers than their separation with them.

The researchers wrote that the response of kittens was proof of their secure attachment with the caregivers. The remaining 36% of the animals showed insecure attachment as they remained stressed upon reunion. The animals were found conflicted about what to do in the study published in Current Biology. The split between the secure and insecure attachment of the cats was similar to the split found in the studies conducted on children and dogs, according to the researchers.

Professor Daniel Mills, an expert of veterinary behavioral medicine from the University of Lincoln, said, “The research has flaws as the experiment was not repeated by the team with strangers.” Dr. Lauren Finka from Nottingham Trent University said that the cats had the ability to make a bond with the specific humans who take care of them for a large proportion of the time.

Managing editor of the Chicago Morning Star

Related Posts
Shootings in Nashville: More victims of the Covenant School shooting
Monday's shooting at a Nashville, Tennessee, private school by a female suspect resulted in the
Investigation: China Influencing US Politics through the Mormon Church
According to a recent investigation, China allegedly established relationships in Utah, some through the Mormon
A new report warns that drug shortages are increasing and pose a threat to national security
A report by Democrats on the Senate Homeland Security Committee has found that new drug
Concerned with climate change? What we can do
Concern over the climate issue is at an all-time high among Americans. A Yale University
The $3 trillion in deficit reduction under Biden’s budget: It’s still insufficient
In his budget proposal for FY 2024, President Biden pledges to cut future deficits by
An individual from Rockford was given a 10-year prison sentence for robbing banks in Rockford and Belvidere
ROCKFORD — A federal judge has sentenced a Rockford man to a total of 10
Warren requests hearings on the failures of the Silicon Valley and Signature banks
Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) has requested that hearings be held in the Senate regarding the
Russian aircraft shoots down an American drone over the Black Sea
American officials confirmed that a Russian fighter jet downed a U.S. Air Force drone over
Ross Stores aims to open about 100 locations this year
Off-price retailer Ross Stores aims to open about 100 locations this year, having already debuted
AAA survey: 70% of motorists nervous about self-driving cars
Almost 70 percent of motorists are nervous about the use of self-driving cars, according to