Have you ever wondered why your cat always seems to be guarding you? Well, as it turns out, there are a few reasons cats do this. If you’re curious as to why your cat never leaves your side, read on!
Why do cats guard their owner?
One explanation is that cats naturally view their owners as a sort of “leader” and therefore feel the need to protect them from potential danger. After all, a properly cared-for cat will usually come to see its owner as its “parent” and therefore view him or her as a source of safety and security.
But there are also some other explanations for why cats guard their owners. For instance, this behavior may be rooted in instinctual behaviors that have been passed down through generations of cats. Cats who lived in the wild would often protect their families from attack by other animals, and this protective instinct may have been passed on to domestic cats as well.
As Dr. John Bradshaw, an animal behavior expert at the University of Bristol, explains, “Cats have a long history of living in close proximity to humans, and over the millennia, they have developed a strong emotional bond with us. It’s not surprising, then, that they should show signs of concern when we’re apparently in danger.”
How does this behavior benefit both the cat and the owner?
There are quite a few benefits to this behavior, both for the cat and the owner.
- For the cat, this behavior provides a sense of security, safety, and a strong bond with the owner.
- For the owner, this behavior can provide protection from potential danger.
Additionally, this behavior may also help to keep the owner safe from other animals.
Who guards better, dog or cat?
Both dogs and cats make excellent guards. However, it is worth noting that cats are often better at stealthily protecting their owners from potential danger, while dogs are usually better at deterring would-be intruders with their bark. Ultimately, the best protector is the one that loves you and will defend you.
Best cat breeds for protection
All cats have the potential to be great guards. However, some breeds that may be particularly good at protection include the Maine Coon, the American Shorthair, and the Ragdoll.
Maine Coon
The Maine Coon is a large, muscular cat that is known for its loyalty and protective nature. This breed is often very attached to its owner and can be quick to defend itself if they feel they are in danger.
American Shorthair
The American Shorthair is another loyal and protective breed that makes an excellent guard cat. This breed is known for being particularly brave and will often stand up to intruders in order to protect its owner.
Ragdoll
The Ragdoll is a large, gentle breed that is known for its affectionate nature. However, don’t let this breed’s gentle personality fool you – they can be quick to defend their owner if they feel they are in danger.
Ultimately, any breed of cat has the potential to make a great guard cat. It is important to remember that every cat is an individual, and therefore some cats of any breed may be better at guarding than others.
Conclusion
This behavior is often rooted in instinct and may provide both the cat and the owner with a sense of security. While all cats have the potential to make great guards, some breeds that may be particularly good at protection include the Maine Coon, the American Shorthair, and the Ragdoll.