Previously, owners’ relationship satisfaction and level of attachment were found to be associated with an owner’s social (living) situation [25,59,60], gender [28,61,62], age [28,63], 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. [64], 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 [65,66,67], and breed of the cat [68]. 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 [69,70,71]. 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.

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. [72]). 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 [72], and owner’s personality [73] are associated with allowing cats outside or not. Second, most cats thrive in a predictable, stable, and controllable environment [74,75]. 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 [76]. 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 [77] or when the owner is female [67,78]. 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 [79].