Why we are close to cats.

[Catherine]

Cats are different, there in no doubt about that. The cat you look after may be able to do a lot of "dog" things, but you are right. She is still a cat.

Every dog has a "wolf" ancestor, but every cat still has the heart of a lion. They can fend for themselves and if they don't like you they will leave. Cats must like our company. They are solitary by nature and are fine with long hours alone. So when they greet us it is a genuine response of being glad to see us personally.

With my job, I go to people's homes. Every dog has greeted me like a long lost friend the moment they meet me. Every visit they go wild with excitement and are all over me.
Cats, not so much. No cat has ever greeted me on the first visit. One cat ignored my for 6 years of regular visits before she walked up and greeted me coolly. Most cats will wait months before they acknowledge me. After a year, on a very cold day, one cat finally let me open the door to let him in. These cats have bonds with their people and they do not need anyone else.

My personal friend's cats respond to me and I think it is because the cat recognizes my bond with their person. Cats are smart and they do not waste their affection on just anyone.

I think we are lucky that cats like us. It is a privilege.