More than half of cat owners think their pet ignores them – and they’re resorting to treats, giving up their bed and baby talk to win them over
More than half of cat owners think their pet ignores them – resulting in them splashing out on treats, giving up their bed and talking to them in a baby voice to win them over. A poll of 2,000 cat owners found 63% say their cats dictate interactions.
However 49% of owners admit to spoiling their cats in a bid to gain their approval by using tactics such as extra cuddles, doing ‘slow blinks’ at them (25%) and upgrading their food (22%). A quarter said their pet snubs them all day, only to demand attention the moment they sit down or try to relax.
The research was commissioned by SHEBA, which teamed up with Brit-nominated musician Cat Burns to launch its Ignored to Adored campaign. She understands the silent treatment all too well from her cats, highlighting how even chart-topping success does not guarantee feline affection.
Cat Burns said: “It’s so funny to me – I’m about to go on tour, singing my songs to thousands of people, and our cats will literally just walk past me. They do not care. At all. I could be anybody.
“Nothing will humble you faster than a pet you’re trying to win over. All they care about is how you make them feel, nothing else factors in. I’m still a new person to them, so earning their trust and affection is my mission right now.”
Pet behaviourist Dr. Tammie King, from the Waltham Petcare Science Institute said: “Cats tend to be more subtle, observant and will express their love towards us in unique ways.”
The study found 20% said their cat even leaves the room when they enter, whereas 6% choose to leave the house completely. For 18% of those living with someone else, the aloofness felt even more pointed, as their cat doesn’t behave the same way with other household members.
One in ten owners have spent a ‘significant’ amount of time researching ways to make their cat love them, according to the OnePoll.com figures.
Rakesh Narayana, chief growth officer for Mars Pet Nutrition Europe, added: “We know cat parents crave a deeper sense of connection with their cats, even if that means speaking their language or mimicking their behaviour.
“This campaign is grounded in our understanding of both cat and human behaviour, celebrating the distinctive bond.”
THINGS CAT OWNERS DO TO TRY AND GAIN THEIR CAT’S APPROVAL:
- Giving them treats
- Playing with them
- Buying them toys
- Giving them extra cuddles
- Letting them sleep on/in the bed
- Giving them space and letting them come to you
- Brushing or grooming them
- Talking to them in a soft or “baby” voice
- Doing ‘slow blinks’ at them
- Upgrading their food
