Practical feline behaviour understanding cat behaviour and improving welfare

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Social, Feeding and Predatory Behaviour 51


57% but in the cats it was 12%, which is about the same level as seen in people when
meeting friends. This difference in oxytocin levels between dogs and cats would seem
to support the theory that dogs are more likely to develop a secure attachment to their
owners, possibly seeing them as essential caregivers, whereas cats are more likely to
regard their owners as good friends (Fig. 4.4).
When considering the differences between canine and feline social structure and
ancestry, plus the fact that dogs exhibit a much higher level of neoteny than cats, it
would seem very probable that cats, who are typically more autonomous in nature
than dogs, are far less likely to develop a secure attachment towards their owners.
Cats have, however, been reported to express behaviours that could be attributed to
separation anxiety (Schwartz, 2002). But further research is required because it is possi-
ble that there could be other reasons for these behaviours such as frustration, or fear and
anxiety related to events, rather than anxiety due solely to separation from the owner.


Feeding Behaviour


Food preferences


Cats require a higher level of protein in their diet than many other mammals. As well
as being a major source of energy and necessary for tissue growth and repair, cats have
an increased need for certain amino acids, the molecule chains that form proteins, that
they are unable to synthesize from other foods or conserve within their bodies in suf-
ficient quantity. These amino acids – taurine, arginine, methionine and cysteine – can


Fig. 4.4. It is unknown exactly how our pet cats regard their relationship with us. Some
recent research suggests that they may consider us as ‘good friends’.

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