Imprinting is common in mammals. It describes a critical period, often in young animals, where they form a strong and enduring bond with their parent or caregiver.
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They have implicit trust in this figure and look to them as a means to understand their own identity. It’s common for cats to imprint on people. As a pet parent, being your cat’s favorite person is a wonderful privilege not to be underestimated.
Cats are highly sentient beings. Although they don’t interact with us in quite the same way as dogs, they are quick to form close relationships with people. Colloquially, some breeds, such as Siamese cats, are more likely to imprint on people.
A recent study into feline hormone levels indicating states of happiness and stress suggests that cats recognize the importance of forming relationships with people. It could even be inferred that a strong bond with a human can improve a cat’s well-being and quality of life.
But how do you know if your cat has imprinted on you? Here are 10 sweet ways that your cat is saying you are their favorite human:
1. You Have A Little Four-legged Shadow
If you feel like you have a cat-shaped shadow and are constantly tripping over your cat, this shows how much they love to be around you. Your cat is looking to you for cues as to what will happen next and for love and company. Don’t shoo your cat away; cats get lonely just like us! Let your cat simply be in your presence and make the most of this special bond.
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2. Your Cat Purrs, Chatters, And Meows At You
Vocalizing is a common sign that your cat loves you. Cats are more vocal with humans than other cats. This appears to be a behavioral adaptation that helps them to communicate with us in the way that we understand best. And yes, different noises do have different meanings.
If you’ve taken the time to really listen to what your cat is saying, you will recognize that not all meows are the same. Research shows that cats express vocalizations of different lengths and frequencies according to their mental state. But we still have a lot more to learn about cat language.
If your cat purrs when you tickle their favorite spot it demonstrates how strong your bond is. Purring can be a sign of deep contentment, but it is a complex form of vocalization that can also be associated with stress and self-soothing.
Also Read: Why Is My Cat Purring Constantly?
3. You’ve Acquired A Sleeping Buddy
Cats will often choose to sleep closely with people that they really trust. After all, sleeping puts a cat in a vulnerable state. By hanging out with you at night, they feel safer knowing they are not alone.
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Sleeping with others can bring comfort and, of course, warmth too. And let’s not overlook how cozy our beds are; your cat has noticed, and they’re not missing out! Plus, when the morning comes, your cat is only a paw’s reach away from waking you up and sending you to get breakfast.
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4. They Know Your Routine
Does your cat know what time dinner is or when you will likely groom them or go to bed? Do they remind you when to get up on the days you’d rather sleep in? Great news—your cat has imprinted on you!
Your cat knows the routine and feels secure enough to tell you that you are not toeing the line. They have no way of knowing if you had a stressful day at work or need to run an urgent errand before dinner. You are your cat’s world.
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5. TV Time Is Lap Time
Most cats love a good lap to snuggle up on. But they will only cuddle up to people they feel most comfortable with. They might even start making biscuits on your lap by gently pressing their front paws into your thighs in a rhythmic pattern.
Occasionally, cats will extract their claws a little. They don’t mean to hurt you; they are in complete bliss and forgetting themselves! This is definitely a happy and relaxed cat. Some cats that have imprinted on people don’t like cuddles. Don’t take this personally, though—there may be many reasons for this. If you don’t have a cuddly pet, click here to read more.
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6. They’re Not Afraid To Show You Their Belly
Lying on their back renders your cat exposed and unprotected. It’s a risky business, and cats won’t do it in front of just anyone. Your cat might even let you give them a belly rub, indicating how relaxed they really are. However, cats are not dogs, and most cats that roll on their back are just communicating with you rather than asking for tummy rub.
Some cats love lots of petting and even enjoy a good groom from their pet parent, just as they would from another cat. If your cat starts licking and grooming you back, you have definitely entered the inner circle.
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7. You Are Their Favorite Playmate
If your cat is a little mischievous and constantly prodding and teasing you, congratulations, you have been promoted to the heights of kitty playmate extraordinaire! Of course, you might have a bored young cat or a house cat that needs extra stimulation. But cats generally only display play behaviors when they are happy and relaxed.
If your cat chooses to play with you over other family cats, they are clearly shows signs of imprinting. Try to mix up the fun with new toys, chasing games, catnip, and laser toys, then neither of you will get bored with these antics. Playing is a great way to form a solid bond with your cat in their younger years.
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8. They Slow Blink At You
Slow blinking is recognized to be an intentional feline behavior by researchers and veterinarians alike. It is most common to observe this unusual facial movement when a cat is at their most relaxed, with someone they feel safe with and bonded to.
Scientists believe slow blinking is an important form of positive communication between cats and humans. Some say that humans should try to reciprocate this expression of adoration. Next time you and your cat are cuddled up on the couch, try to start an exchange of slow blinks to see what happens.
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9. They Rub Their Scent On You
Is your cat obsessed with curling round your ankles, rubbing their chin and cheeks on you, or giving you a headbutt or a kiss? Your cat loves to mark their territory, and that includes you. Your cat is labeling you as their chosen one, so you must be pretty special. Cats use these motions to spread pheromones from their scent glands.
This unique scent is his way of letting the neighborhood cats know you are taken. But also letting others in the household know that you are all part of the same family.
This is why, when one pet has been away from home and no longer smells of another pet’s scent, there might be conflict while the missing cat settles back into the home. Similarly, if you visit somewhere new or interact with another cat outside the home, your cat might be less welcoming than usual.
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10. You Trip Over Their ‘Gifts’ In The Morning
Many cats have an unquashable hunting drive. But, as you probably know, this is rarely linked to hunger. Cats will often bring prey home to present it to their family. It is suggested that this might be intended as a trophy they want to reward you with or share with their family; ancestrally, of course, it would have been to feed them.
In wild cat populations, the adults (generally mother cats) would be responsible for teaching their offspring to hunt. Hunting prizes can also be presented as a sign that your cat wants to play with you. If your cat is not a hunter, they might bring you toys and other objects instead.
Finding prey on the kitchen floor seems gruesome, but your cat is only doing what comes naturally. A recent study presented several ways to reduce your cat’s prey drive, from increased playtime at home to providing a high-meat diet.
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Final Thoughts
Cats are an integral part of many people’s families and can imprint on more than one family member. For us, imprinting is a wonderful behavioral adaptation to the feline-human bond that can really enrich our lives. For our cats, it makes them feel like part of the family and leads to a happy and contented life.
Also Read: 5 Ways To Build A Stronger Bond With Your Cat
Source: https://t-tees.com
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