How Do Cats Choose Their Favorite Person?

Cats have a reputation for not really loving their owners, instead just using them to get food and shelter. And, let's be honest, a warm lap occasionally. While cats can be aloof, they also definitely seem to have favorite people that they like to curl up with more than others. How do you develop a strong bond with a cat?

Although every cat is different, there are some signs your cat has imprinted on you. If there are multiple people in the household, it can be obvious that a cat prefers one person over all the others. But how and why do they choose that person? If you've ever said, "My cat prefers my boyfriend," there may be an explanation for why that is.

The Canidae blog surmises that cats choose to spend the most time with the humans that learn to communicate with them the best. Because each cat has its own personality, the way it communicates and what it wants and needs will be different for each cat. Maybe it's that you play with the cat toy in the best way. Or maybe your lap is just the right size.

There is not one reason to point to to show that this is why your cat has imprinted on you. But bottom line seems to be that a cat's favorite human is the one who has learned cat language the best. In a study published in Current Biology researchers discovered that cats will purr to get their humans to do what they want. If you're better at listening to that purr than other humans are, maybe that's why you are your cat's favorite.

If cats are so independent, why do they sometimes follow their favorite humans around? If you've told someone, "My cat follows me everywhere and sleeps with me," then that's a clear sign you have a strong bond with your cat.

Animal Wised says if your cat follows you to the toilet or kitchen, it could be one of a few signs a kitten thinks you're its mom. When cats are kittens, they follow their mothers everywhere, because they are relying on her for protection as well as learning how they are supposed to behave from her. Following their owners around as adult cats is a continuation of this behavior. Basically, they feel safe and secure with you, so they want to be with you wherever you are because they know that you'll meet their needs just like their mother would.

You don't have to speak fluent feline to develop a strong bond with a cat. Her body language can go a long way towards letting you know what she is trying to tell you. There are some clear signs that she is in the mood for cuddles or likewise wants to be left alone. The Humane Society says everything your cat does, from the twitch of her tail to the tip of her ears, is your cat trying to communicate something.