by Penny Howington

Created on: February 24, 2010

Stuck up, snooty and aloof! These are some of the adjectives that have been used used to describe cats.  It’s true, felines are very independent creatures.  Unlike other pets, they do not have to have a lot of individual attention to be happy.  This is one of the main reasons that they are often thought to be snobby or unfriendly, with an attitude of superiority.  While cats are very often content to become members of our households, the truth is that it is their choice to stay with us.  It is not us who makes that decision! 

Cats do not need us to survive.  Feral cats fend for themselves their entire lifetimes and get by reasonably well. Cats can hunt, find shelter and look after themselves very efficiently.  They do however; enjoy being taken care of and being comfortable.  A cat is usually a fast learner, and will quickly adapt to routines and surroundings.  This tendency can further lead to perceived feline superiority complex. Our pets come to expect things and are very put out when they don’t get them or things are different.

Cat owners can tell you how quickly their pets will react to a change in the regular schedule.  Feeding a different brand of cat food or using another type of cat litter can result in days of pestering and upset.  Rearranging furniture or having company often produces a fury of running around or hiding.  Cats like familiarity and show their dislike for anything that upsets their routine or environment.

Our feline friends are creatures of habit and expect the same things again and again.  Once pet owners do something, they should be prepared to continue to do it or risk upsetting their cat!  If you play with your cat, your pet is going to expect you to do it again the next time he feels playful. If you have let your cat outside in the past and no longer allow her to go outdoors, expect your pet to try to get you to open the door. Cat owners should be careful not to set a precedence that they do not want to keep when they get a new pet. 

Feline superiority complex really doesn’t exist.  The real issues behind a cat’s behaviors are less mysterious.  They are the result of the human / feline relationship and what has come to be expected from each roll in our daily interactions.  

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