Do Cats Really Think we Are Cats Too?

Do Cats Think Humans Are Cats?

Cats are unlikely to think humans are cats—but they do treat us as part of their feline social group, often like oversized, clumsy family members.

Understanding Feline Logic: How Cats Classify Others

Cats see the world through instinct and social structure, not human logic. Paul Leyhausen, a leading researcher in animal behavior, described how cats categorize living beings:

• Prey: Small, fast-moving animals

• Threats: Unknown or aggressive figures

• Conspecifics: Other cats, or familiar beings treated like cats

Since humans don’t fit prey size or act like threats (unless mistreated), we fall into that third category—social companions.

Why Cats Might See Us as Big, Weird Cats

Even though humans don’t look or smell like cats, we show behaviors that cats interpret through a feline lens.

• Facial features: Cats respond to eyes, whisker zones, and mouth positions. Human faces resemble feline ones just enough to be relatable.

• Social interaction: Cats rarely vocalize with each other, but they “talk” to humans constantly—meows are more for us than for fellow cats.

• Juvenile behavior: Adult cats continue kitten-like actions when living with humans. Rubbing, kneading, and purring reflect their perception of us as nurturing figures.

The Comfort Hierarchy: Who’s in Charge?

Cats aren’t oblivious. They know humans are bigger, stronger, and somehow in charge of food and shelter. But instead of feeling subordinate, they shift into a kitten role:

• They purr and rub like they would with a mother cat.

• They follow us or sleep near us as they would with a protector.

• They defer—but not because we’re dominant. It’s comfort-based, not hierarchy-based.

They don’t see us as “owners.” They see us as part of the pride—essential, oversized, tail-less pride members who are just a little clumsy.

What Cat Behavior Says About Their View of Humans

1. Affection Without Necessity

Cats with automatic feeders, water fountains, and self-cleaning litter boxes don’t need human contact to survive—but they still seek it. That reveals something powerful: cats want affection, not just provisions.

2. Purring Isn’t What You Think

People often assume a purring cat is a happy cat. That’s not always true.

• Comfort Signal: Mothers purr to soothe kittens.

• Pain Response: Cats purr when hurt or scared to signal “I’m not a threat.”

• Bonding Cue: When a cat purrs near a human, it’s often a sign of trust more than joy.

3. Training Attempts

Ever notice a cat suddenly sprint across the room, leap three feet in the air, or drag a toy your way?

Some interpretations suggest cats try to teach us. They’re showing off their agility, “training” us to be more active—almost like we’re disabled younger siblings in their eyes. It’s comical but oddly consistent in multi-cat households.

How Cats REALLY See Us

In simple terms: Cats don’t think we’re cats in a literal sense. But they treat us as if we belong in their feline world.

They know we aren’t other cats. But they interpret our behaviors in feline terms. That’s why:

• They headbutt our legs like they would with another cat’s shoulder.

• They nap near us like they would with a sibling in a sunbeam.

• They purr when stressed—hoping our presence calms them down.

Cats might not believe we are cats, but they believe we belong.

What This Means for Cat Owners

If a cat treats you like:

• A source of warmth

• A fellow sleeper

• A conversation partner

• A grooming buddy (rubbing, licking, kneading)

Then congratulations. You’re family.

You might be two-legged. You might smell weird. But you’re in their tribe.

FAQs

Do cats know humans aren’t cats?

Yes. Cats understand we aren’t the same species. But their social structure doesn’t require exact matches. Familiarity and trust define their “group,” not biology.

Why do cats meow at humans but not at other cats?

Cats develop meowing primarily for communicating with humans. With each other, they rely on scent, body language, and subtle cues. Meows are learned, human-directed behavior.

Do cats think humans are their parents?

In many cases, yes. Adult cats continue behaviors like kneading and purring around humans who provide care. This mirrors the kitten-mother dynamic.

Why do cats follow us everywhere?

Cats follow those they trust and rely on. Whether it’s emotional comfort, curiosity, or protection, tailing behavior signals attachment—not just dependence.

Do cats feel love for humans?

While “love” is a human term, cats form deep emotional bonds. Their behavior shows attachment, preference, comfort-seeking, and loyalty to familiar people.