Owner and Cat Relationship: Comparison
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Please note this is a comparison between Version 3 by Esther Bouma and Version 2 by Conner Chen.

This entry provides a short overview of the different ways cat owners describe the relationship with their cat, how this might relate to an antropomorphic view of (role of) the cat, which owner-and cat-related charateristics are related to such views and how different views are associated with different living environments of cats.  

  • domestic cats
  • relationship
  • family
  • child
  • friend
  • cat welfare
  • human–animal bond

1. Introduction

Pets can fill a relational void in owners’ lives or be an addition to human social support networks [1][2][3][4][5][6]. Previous research shows that pet owners bond with pets as they would with family members [7][8][9] and that pets can occupy similar social niches as partners, family members, and children [10][11][12][13]. Relationships with cats are often strong and long-term [14][15]. Cats are appreciated for their adaptability to small residences, independence, and (presumed) ease of care [15]. Although most felid species are basically solitary, cats have been successfully domesticated as companion animals [16][17][18] and domestic cats are even capable of living with other cats under the condition that enough resources are available [19]. Cats can fulfil their owner’s need for support, company, love and care [3][20][21][22][23][24][25][26]. Moreover, many cat owners describe the relationship with their cat in human terminologies such as family, friend, or child [27][28][29] which highlights the ‘human’ roles cats can have in their owner’s life. 
The human–animal bond is defined as ‘a mutually beneficial and dynamic relationship between people and other animals’ [30]. While many studies showed the beneficial effects of cats on their owners [31][32][33][34][35][36][37], the effect of owners on their cats has received less attention. If an owner’s anthropomorphic relationship perception is related to social expectations of the cat, this could influence the owner’s behavior towards the cat and its living environment. Anthropomorphism has been related to both negative [38][39][40] and positive [41][42][43][44] outcomes for animals. Anthropomorphism can influence feline welfare in a negative way when unrealistic expectations result in disappointment and misinterpretation of behavior results in punishment or inadequate care [45]. Anthropomorphic descriptions (such as family member, child, or friend) might be related to a higher tendency to interpret cat behavior from a ‘human’ point of reference, influenced by knowledge of human behavior and one’s own experiences [46][47] and may influence how owners handle their cats and arrange their living environment.

2. Characteristics of Owner and Cat

Previously, owners’ relationship satisfaction and level of attachment were found to be associated with an owner’s social (living) situation [25][48][49], gender [28][50][51], age [28][52], and educational level [28]. However, the social function of the cat, and hence the relationship perception of the owner, might not only be associated with characteristics of the owner but also by characteristics of the cat. The human–cat relationship can be directly influenced by the cat’s behavior. As mentioned by Ines et al. [53], social behaviors of the cat are of importance in both the development as well as the sustainment of the relationship. Several studies showed differences in owner-directed behaviors of cats depending on the owners’ age, gender, household composition [54][55][56], and breed of the cat [57]. Secondly, the human–cat relationship can indirectly be influenced by the cat’s appearance. Certain cat breeds (such as the Ragdoll, British Shorthair, and Persian) are often perceived as ‘cute’ due to their relatively small limbs and round faces. These ‘infant-like’ features can evoke innate feelings of protection, care, and affection [58][59][60]. Because of previous findings related to human–animal relationships and (possible higher need) for social support, companionship, care, and nurture, owners’ social living situation, gender, age, and educational level, as well as cat breed, are considered in this study.

3. Consequences for the Cat’s Living Environment

As mentioned, an owner’s influence on their cat’s living environment has not received as much attention as the other way around. Therefore, we examine three aspects of the cat’s living environment that are related to feline welfare and might differ depending on the owner’s relationship perception. We examine (a) outdoor access, (b) access to the owner’s bedroom and (c) care during the owner’s absence. First, access to the outdoors has both beneficial effects (e.g., less boredom and obesity) as well as risks (e.g., accidents, poisoning, infectious diseases (reviewed in Foreman-Worsley et al. [61]). In the Netherlands it is common for cats to have outdoor access (although often restricted in area or duration). The number of cats living in a household, the cat being a pedigree [61], and owner’s personality [62] are associated with allowing cats outside or not. Second, most cats thrive in a predictable, stable, and controllable environment [63][64]. Consistent access to the bedroom provides a cat with a continuously accessible place for a quiet nap or a safe hide out. A previous study in the Netherlands showed that two-thirds of pet cats are allowed in the bedroom [65]. Moreover, allowing a cat to sleep on one’s bed reflects a high level of intimacy. Previous research showed that cats are more often allowed to sleep with the owner when the owner is single or has no children [66] or when the owner is female [56][67]. Third, during a period of absence, owners need to make sure their cat is provided with water, food, and a clean litterbox. In the Netherlands, most owners leave their cats in the care of friends and neighbors. The quality of care might differ between neighbors, friends, and professional cat sitters. Some owners hire a professional cat sitter or bring their cat to a boarding facility. Although some cats do not seem to mind staying in an unfamiliar environment, most cats show less stress related behaviors in their own territory [68]. Bouma et al. [REF] showed that living environment of cats differed according to relationship perceptions of the owner. Owners who perceive their cat as a child or best friend see their cat as loyal, empathetic, equal to family, and dependent on them for love and care. Their cats are less often left in the care of others, are allowed more often in the bedroom and have less often (unrestricted) outdoor access. Moreover, cats perceived as children are more likely to live in a multi-cat household. 

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