Every animal I’ve ever known tends to have a favorite person who resides in the household. I’ve seen this happen with dogs, birds, rabbits and even turtles. Perhaps I’ve seen this most often with cats. This is especially true for the cats that allow us to reside at their house. They definitely have favorites and they aren’t afraid to show it.
Each cat may show me and my wife a certain amount of respect and attention if we have food or treats for them. Their eyes will light up when they see us, their vocal responses increase and the amount of rubs we receive seem to be equal. Having food for them seems to be the only time when we are both on that same level playing field. However, if you take food out of the equation then things start to change. This is the time when equality goes out the door and favoritism steps up to take its place.
My wife seems to get along just fine with the cats, even without food. Momma Kitty will allow her to be relatively close to where she’s laying without running off. However, my wife is not permitted to get within a couple of feet of her or pet her unless there’s food involved. As for me, she tolerates my presence more readily. She will allow me to sit near her and talk to her for as long as I wish. I can even, on occasion, reach over and pet her while she is lying in her bed. Petting is usually only tolerated when she is distracted by food. Perhaps she favors me because I’m outside more often and visiting the area where she likes to sleep and sunbathe, whether it’s sweeping the garage, taking the trash out to the curb or collecting the mail. She likes to socialize with me and supervise my every move.
Most of the other kitties will keep their distance from both of us. It’s not that they’re afraid of us. It’s just that we don’t serve any real purpose to them and they don’t seem to be bothered with the whole socialization-with-humans concept. As long as they have fresh food and water, clean bedding and a warm place to sleep, they’re happy. They aren’t concerned with who tends to their needs as long as it gets done on a timely basis.
As for our boy Ash, he doesn’t care who gives him attention. As long as he receives attention exactly when he wants it, which is all the time, he’s a happy boy. Heck, he has even been known to attempt to receive attention from our two dogs. Unfortunately, his advances get greeted by a series of loud and shrill barks. If you were forced to say who Ash may show a slight favoritism towards, it would likely be me. He is a very demanding young kitty and I always seem to be the one tending to his needs. I’m usually the one who he’ll run towards when I call his name. He actually comes to me better than my two dogs do when I call their names. I also get the pleasure of providing his special treats when he arrives from a day of exploring and I show a little more patience with him when he is demanding to be petted. This always seems to be the exact time when we are walking the dogs and trying to get them to finish their business outside.
Overall, I believe I have a slight edge when it comes to who my cats favor. Or maybe it’s just because I feed them most often. Either way, I’ll take being their favorite any way I can get it!
Do your cats play favorites with people in the household? Share your stories and pictures on Catster.
About Tim Link: All-American guy who loves to rock out to Queen while consuming pizza and Pinot Noir and prefers to associate with open-minded people who love all critters. Considers himself to be the literal voice for all animals. Author, writer, radio host, Reiki Master, Animal Communicator and consultant at Wagging Tales.
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