I think about this sometimes. I have to assume that they see us as their humans. Obviously not in so many words, but, cats have been domesticated for very long time – so coexisting with us, and depending on us, can be a very natural thing for them. Cats know that we are not cats, you’re right about that. But I believe the relationship is not unlike a kitten toward their mother. The behavior that cats show to us (kneading, cuddling, nuzzling, etc) is similar to the way a kitten would act toward its mother, in turn, the way that we treat our cats is not unlike a mother cat with a kitten. With grooming/petting, providing food, etc. So I believe the reactions that they have are similar to that relationship within the feline world, but overall they recognize that we are not cats. Just big, weird looking mommy “cats.” Cats will attempt to cuddle with or nurse from their mother until the mother pushes them away, typically this happens when the queen goes into heat or becomes pregnant with a new litter. So I’m not sure there is any biological mechanism within the kitten that turns off the desire to have that kind of a bond.

It’s a reciprocal relationship. We know cats are not human and cats know we are not cats but there is an affinity between us. They are hunters, we were hunters and we understand one another quite well without words.

I’d go with @TheOnlyNeffie – we’re just big, weird looking “mommy cats”.

@flutherother i’d be surprised if cats knew they were cats to be honest. Cat is a human concept.

@mammal Good point, but I don’t think ‘cat’ is entirely a human concept. Dogs know what cats are and cats know the difference between cats and humans.

You feed them, you entertain them you scratch them behind the ears, you clean their excrement, therefore, they are god and you are mere mortal.

Cats recognize humans initially as predators, but they become socialized as kittens, and then they relate to people as they would to other cats even though they know we are not cats.

They see you as an employee. ;)

I’m a human cushion for my older cat & a human scratching post for my younger cat! :-/
Other than that I think I’m just a mild irritation to them Lol.. but I love them to bits..

Happy new year everyone btw, nice to be back after my little break ;-)

I’m pretty sure my Magrat thinks I’m her biological mother. I’ve never, ever seen a cat who is more loving to their human. She purrs at me constantly, kisses my face, hands, arms, knees, or whatever she can reach with her mouth, climbs on me, grabs my face with her hands, that kind of thing. She’s suffocating, really. But I love it :)

I agree with the ‘big, weird, mommy/daddy cat’ theory.

I see them as 3 year olds in relation to humans.

My two are in crazy race around the house and attack each other mode right now at 6:52 a.m.

3 days of rain have them with lots of pent up energy and man, are they outta control right now! lol

My male is hilarious, very vocal, and just like a little kid, when I discipline him for his rowdiness, he actually screams at me and then takes his frustration out by attacking his ‘sister.’. haha

Kids!

Role model. When you are not home they are desperately trying to figure out your Fluther log in password.

Your cat sees you as its personal slave. If you perform all of your cat duties appropriately then all will be well. If you fail to do your job then you will have to pay dearly for your insolence.

@Judi @lucillelucillelucille @gondwanalon HA! I get the last laugh. I determine what type pf eats they will have, when it is placed for them to get it, and when I open the door to either let them out or let them back in. And when they get in areas they know they shouldn’t if they are so slow that I catch them they will get the squirt of water between the eyes and not a dang thing they can do. They maybe god of I am the bigger one with all the lightning bolts <evil laugh> Hahahaha Hahahahah!

Snuggle buddies who feed them as well. Best of both worlds.

@Hypocrisy_Central If you are to realize a cat’s love for you, them you must do your cat’s biding. Caution: It your cat determines that the water squired is coming from you then your cat will conclude that you are not a nice slave and you will lose your cats affection.

as we know for a fact. dogs live with us but cats think they own the house and we live with them.i’m sure my cat thinks that way.

This reminds me of a joke:

A dog looks at its care giver and thinks “He/she gives me love, food, water, treats, play time, comforable housing and healthcare. You must be God”.
A cat looks at its care giver and thinks “He/she gives me love, food, water, treats, play time, comforable housing and healthcare. I must be God”.

Just had a mutual head rub ritual with my big tabby guy who is lounging right next to my laptop on the library table in my living room right now. He prefers ‘manly’ gestures of affection, no cuddley,girly, kissy face crap. lol

A cat thinks you’re a big weird toy for their amusement, smellier than dogs, easier to control and less dangerous.

@gondwanalon My cats are not dumb….....they know where the food is to be had. So long as they remember where the food bowl is, they won’t abandon me unless the pickings got real, real good with any of my neighbors. ;-P

I wonder about this from time to time, when I indulge in the fantasy that words like “cat” and “me” are not exclusively human constructs.

I’ve come to two conclusions which are not mutually exclusive – they see me as a large, funny-looking cat or they think I’m some kind of mobile furniture that remains warm all the time.