That is a question that has been trying to give a logical answer for a long time. And it is that, Who has not ever asked it? And who has not answered it? I recognize that I am one of the people who do have feelings, and not only that, but also recognize our emotions. Living with a feline It forces us to observe and listen to its signals to understand what it feels.
But of course, to know for sure you have to investigate it, which is precisely what a team of scientists from Oakland University (in Rochester, Michigan) did. So let's see if cats have feelings ... or not.
Two specialists in cognitive psychology, experimental psychology and behavior named Moriah Galvan and Jennifer Vonk, subjected a group of cats to the same stimuli: gestures of joy and anger, both in facial expression and body language; both in silence and in words. Thus, they obtained a unanimous result: When the cat sees its human smile, it shows positive behaviors.
How does he show it? Well, it depends on each feline. He may start purr, that he comes to you looking for a caress, or that he even climbs onto your lap. But, yes, it will only come closer if you are really its caretakerotherwise it will be indifferent.
Still, it is not a reason to get excited, not in a way. According to specialists, the cat associates smiling with gratification ... but for them, since people tend to pamper our furry ones more when we are happy, so if we smile the cat will know that it will have more attention.
Anyway, this doesn't change anything. This is an animal that he makes himself loved, who lets himself be loved, and who knows how to behave so that we humans end up caring for him like a king or queen .
You can read the study here (In English).
What do cats really feel? Emotions vs. feelings and their language
The emotions In cats, they are neurochemical and hormonal responses to stimuli: fear, relief, joy, curiosity. feelings They involve self-awareness and reflective evaluation; such self-awareness has not been demonstrated in felines, so they operate primarily from emotion and associative learning. This doesn't make them cold.: makes them very efficient at reading the environment.
El body language The cat's tail is the window to its inner world. The upright, hooked tail usually indicates affection/comfort; a low, stiff tail suggests tension. The ears back anticipate fear or irritation, while forwards denote interestSlow blinking is a friendly social signal.
La curiosity It is the feline's emotional engine. It explores, investigates, and plays to stay mentally healthy. Offer environmental enrichment (scratching posts, shelves, boxes, hiding places and interactive toys) reduces stress and frustration.
When something doesn't fit, it can appear frustration and, with it, snorts, scratches, or bites. Don't force the interaction: give space and redirects that energy into controlled hunting games.
They also cross sadness and griefThe loss of a companion or a reference figure alters appetite, sleep, and sociability. A cat that is very depressed or stops eating needs Professional Help.
Bonding with humans: love, attachment, and how they perceive us
John Bradshaw, feline behavior expert, explains that cats we are not classified as dogs: They interact with us using the same social repertoire as with other cats. Raising their tail, rubbing against each other, sitting next to us, or knead They are bonding behaviors that evoke the relationship mother-child.
Research on addiction show that many cats exhibit secure attachment to their caregiver: they explore, tolerate brief separations, and seek contact when reunited. Others exhibit insecure attachment (hypervigilance or avoidance), influenced by temperament and experiences.
Does your cat miss you? Yes: they are pets. Routines. Moving, prolonged absences, or unpredictable environments increase their stress. They may stop eating and become ill if they lose their attachment figure. Maintain schedules, leave a trusted caregiver on vacation and provides an enriched environment to mitigate anxiety.
They also “read” our signals. The Oakland study suggests that associate smiles with attention and rewards, modulating their behavior. Other studies find that the caregiver's lifestyle and emotional state permeates stability of the cat, which adjusts its behavior when it perceives stress, anger or joy in the house.
Can we read their expressions? Researchers at the University of Guelph propose that since we are experts in human faces, we can apply that skill to feline faces to improve their well-being, something very useful in the veterinary clinic.
Why does he come closer when you cry?
Cats have adapted their sound communication to us. They detect tone, rhythm, and gestures; when they sense sadness, they may seek contact or remain close. It's not "love" in the human sense, but search for territorial balance: If you (the central part of your environment) are stable, your world is stable too.
Can we educate without punishment?
They learn by association. Use positive reinforcement and environmental management (soft barriers, unstable surfaces, attractive alternatives) to discourage unwanted behaviors. Avoid aversive methods (such as spraying water), which worsen confidence and stress.
Anxiety, fear, frustration, grief and pain: how to act
El fear Appears at noises, visits or changes; offers elevated shelters, escape routes and short play sessions. The synthetic pheromones and professional advice can help.
La anxiety This translates into hypervigilance, marking, or hiding. Check the environment: sufficient duplicate resources (water, litter boxes, scratching posts), predictability of routines and cognitive enrichment.
La frustration arises when they cannot satisfy natural behaviors (hunting, climbing). Program structured play daily with beers and prizes, and adds vertical areas.
La sadness/grief It requires patience, non-invasive affection, and maintaining habits. Observe changes in weight, grooming, or vocalizations; if they persist, consult.
El pain It alters emotional state: irritability, isolation, less play, and apathy. If you suspect symptoms, go to the vet: treat the pain. improves your emotional well-being and prevents behavioral problems.
Understanding that the cat is a be emotional Having a unique repertoire helps strengthen the bond, anticipate needs, and create a stable home. If we pay attention to their body language, take care of their routines, and respond with enriching and respectful affection, we will have a fulfilling companion and a happy coexistence.