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Why are cats less faithful than dogs?

Cats and dogs are two different animals. Just as they are different, the concept of faithfulness as applied to them are different.

Dogs are pack animals. They are genetically predisposed to remaining in company with one who demonstrates leadership qualities. Even if abused, they retain a level of trust in that social member that is nearly compulsory. This is not necessarily a faithfulness issue, but one of loyalty. Faithfulness implies sacrifice at all costs. Dogs will remain with their pack, even if driven away, they will remain on the outskirts, risking their own well being. There will come a point though, where they will leave, if they are welcomed elsewhere and a strong leader is present.

I had a dog once, that I had to give up because I was not meeting his needs for work. That dog nearly died mourning the loss of the only home he had ever known for four years. It took six months for him to recover his interest in life and be receptive to a new family. Some would say he was faithful to me and in a sense, he was. I think it was more a familial loyalty and love that was involved. Dogs do experience love for other beings, not just responsibility, and he desperately missed his family. It has been about 12 years, but I still miss him. He probably would recognise me given time, but I believe it would have been cruel to have us meet. He would not have understood why he could not be with me after “finding” me again.

Cats on the other hand are basically a solitary animal. Domestic cats, even feral ones in a defined territory, however, do form a loosely knit society, even queens known to one another will co-rear their litters of kittens together. Cats have a highly developed sense of fairness. If they are well treated and they have an affection for their caregivers, they will remain with their family for years. If they leave, for whatever reason, it is because some need has not been met. True, cats can get disoriented if allowed outside and are frightened away from their territory. But given the opportunity, they frequently can make their way back home. Lost cats have been known to travel long distances to find their owners. Cats do love their caregivers, they are just more subtle about it. They can be boisterous in their greetings but they do not insist upon physical contact for extended periods like a dog would after a long separation. They just continue about their business once assured nobody is going anywhere. To me, this demonstrates a trust that all is now well in their world and they can relax.

I have three cats who have very different ways of greeting me. One will run into the room, jump onto my chest and forcibly headbutt me, purring loudly. Another stands on her hind legs, leaning on me while meowing quite loudly for me to pick her up. The third will sit on a nearby piece of furniture, squeaking and chirping, waiting for me to gently stroke her jaw with my finger. Anything more physical, and she will go to the sofa so we can sit together. All three follow me around the house, as do the dogs, just to be with me and supervise my activities. Is this faithfulness? I think so. It is just a different method of showing it. If my cats had access to the great outdoors, I have no doubt they would be following me about the yard. In previous years, other cats I have had did do this, forming part of the procession I led as I did my chores about the place.

Edit: By the way, this supervision was not a result of hoping for food. They were always fed before going outside. At that time, they were indoor-outdoor kitties. Now that we live in town, they are strictly indoor cats. But they still follow me around after eating.

The morning assembly before heading to the barn. 2002 top to bottom: Curry, Cinder, Gary, Madison and Penny

All of my cats have also demonstrated a watchfulness over me. If any strange animal or sound is apparent, the cats will sit up, ears pricked, and growl until either I go look or the supposed threat is gone. They will also check the windows. If the cats could get out, they would fight and chase off strangers. Dogs of course, will announce any threats or invasions to the home or den area. Some bark, others just pace. Houses represent a den to both species and therefore a place to be defended if necessary. Both dogs and cats will retreat avoiding conflict whenever possible however. This does not mean they are disloyal or less faithful. They are assessing what is to be defended and to what degree. Young are fiercely defended, a den can be made elsewhere. It just depends upon circumstances. I have found both species to be equally faithful, just in different ways.

Hope you find this helpful and you are permitted to give a cat, or should I say a home to a furry deity.

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