Let's say you have a cat who doesn't seek out your attention much. Your first instinct would probably be to assume that it doesn't need that much attention and to leave it to its own devices. After all, we've all seen the memes and videos - cats don't care what you think and do what they want. But is this really true?

Cats being dismissive of their owners is a very common misconception, even among cat owners themselves. As a result, many people misconstrue this and assume that cats do not need much care or attention when the truth is, in fact, quite the opposite. While it is true that cats tend to be less affectionate than most other pets, this is more so a result of evolution and individual personality instead of any real apathy toward their owners.

Why are some cats more cuddly than others?

One reason your cat might not be as willing to show affections is a matter of upbringing. Kittens that are exposed to positive human interaction from birth are more likely to be social and comfortable around people; cats that were raised with a lack of human interaction or mistreatment are therefore more likely to be hesitant and aloof.

Another more pragmatic reason might be that your cat is simply more reserved in attitude - Like any other animal, cats have their own unique personalities that need to be accounted for. Your cat might be more docile than others, but it remains important that you spend time with it and monitor its behaviour often.

Subtle signs they might be into you

Cats, unlike dogs, were not bred by humans to obey orders and be loyal companions. Therefore, many feline social cues tend to be far more subtle by comparison, and it is important that you appreciate these differences as opposed to lamenting that your cat isn't as "dog-like" in comparison to others.

Cats communicate primarily with body language, using cues such as slow blinks, cheek rubbing and purring to show affection, even if they are not receptive to more physical shows of affection such as petting or cuddling.

Cats also have a "proximity seeking" behaviour - they show affection towards their owners by being around them or following them around. Some cats might prefer to cuddle while in your vicinity; some might not, but that's a matter of personality. If you would like to better understand their behaviour or make them more receptive to touch, consider seeking a cat behaviorist.

A commitment!

With all of that said, an aloof cat is not a sign that you can neglect or leave your cat to its own devices - Owning a pet is a large commitment, and it is still just as important for you to understand their needs and modes of communication, even if they might not express it outright.

If you would like to learn more about cat behaviour, we have more articles that that you can check out here.