Why Cant Humans Completely Domesticate Cats? Unlocking the Secrets Behind Cat Owners
Why Can't Humans Completely Domesticate Cats? Unlocking the Secrets Behind Cat Owners
Cats and dogs are the two most beloved pets in the world, yet they differ greatly in their relationship with humans. While dog owners maintain their “superior” position as masters, with no such thing as “dog slaves,” cat owners often find themselves unwittingly becoming “cat slaves” or “铲屎官” (literally meaning “poop scooper,” highlighting their servile role).
Why this disparity? The root cause lies in the dynamic between humans and cats, where cats are the undisputed masters. For the sake of easy access to food or a comfortable life, the ever-so-aloof feline may temporarily condescend to humans, using their innate charm to infiltrate human circles. Once their status is established, humans, addicted to “cat-cuddling” or “撸猫” (literally meaning “petting a cat”), may become inseparable from their feline companions, marking a small victory for the cats in their conquest of humanity.
When Did Cats Capture Human Attention?
Data suggests that almost 600 million cats are kept as pets globally, including abandoned strays. This figure is staggering. Among all felines, domestic cats enjoy a prominent advantage in reproduction and survival, a testament to the affection they inspire in humans.
As early as tens of thousands of years ago, our ancestors began domesticating livestock for their own use. Records suggest that during the matriarchal era in China, people already raised and bred wild animals. However, our understanding of the history of cats is limited, as no feline remains have been discovered in the graves of our ancestors. Archaeologists were initially able to deduce that humans began keeping cats around 4,000 years ago based on ancient Egyptian murals and the totems worshipped by ancient Egyptians.
Chinese records of cat ownership date back to the pre-Qin period, with mentions in the "Book of Songs": "There are bears and badgers, cats and tigers." At that time, cats were considered alongside other animals like bears and tigers, indicating that they had not yet been fully domesticated. During the reign of Emperor Wu of the Han dynasty, the famous minister Dongfang Shuo mentioned in his “Answer to the Difficult Questions of the Imperial Guard”: "Even the finest horses in the world, used to catch mice in the imperial palace, are inferior to a lame cat." This point, combined with the discovery of a four-cat patterned lacquer dish in the Mawangdui Tomb of Changsha, provides indirect evidence that Chinese people had essentially confirmed domestication of cats during the Western Han dynasty.
Later, with the rampant proliferation of rats, after people became familiar with the biological characteristics of cats, the emperors of the Sui and Tang dynasties decreed the extensive raising of cats within the imperial court. This trend reached its peak during the Song dynasty, with cats making frequent appearances in various paintings.
Currently, the global population of domestic cats has surpassed that of dogs by more than three times, reaching over 600 million. These soft and cuddly companions have taken over our living rooms and cultivated tens of millions of devoted cat owners and “铲屎官.” But are cats merely creatures that depend on humans and only know how to be cute? The reality is far more complex than we imagine.
What Use Are Cats to Humans?
When posed this question, most people's first thought is catching mice, after all, "cats catch mice, it's only natural." For centuries, the image of cats catching and eating mice has become ingrained in people's minds. So, when you mention cats, a picture of guardians of granaries springs to mind. However, due to the passage of time and the lack of historical records, it's impossible to verify how many mice cats have actually exterminated and how much they have contributed to humanity.
However, the relationship between cats and mice in today's world differs significantly from our perception. For example, if you venture into the remote corners of big cities, or even just near garbage dumps in ordinary cities, you'll discover that cats and mice often coexist side by side near trash. In this close proximity, cats not only refrain from hunting mice but seem to have formed a close bond, as if they are good friends. Mice, meanwhile, don't seem to fear their "natural predator" so close by, and both are busy sharing the "leftovers" of humanity.
This phenomenon is quite common nowadays. Whether it's domestic cats or abandoned strays, experiencing hunger is rare. Domestic cats, of course, are spoiled by their owners with delicious food and drink daily, having no need to fill their bellies by sacrificing mice. Similarly, for stray cats, humans generate a substantial amount of food waste every day. This waste, considered worthless by humans, becomes a shared resource for stray cats and mice.
Generally, as long as resources are abundant, the likelihood of conflict between mice and cats is minimal. While cats do enjoy hanging out in areas where mice congregate, this doesn't necessarily mean they will hunt them. In fact, those areas often offer plenty of food, allowing cats to fill their stomachs there as well.
Essentially, cats are indeed naturally gifted hunters in the animal kingdom, and they have a natural dominance over mice. However, the relationship between them is not one of absolute consumption. Most of the time, when cats catch mice, they aren't doing it for food but for play or to torment them. While some mouse pups may not survive this process, adult mice are relatively safe.
Through all this, I'm trying to convey one point: cats are not particularly useful to us, at most, they are simply a source of one-sided affection.
Why one-sided? Because cats, unlike dogs, aren't fully loyal to humans. Cats are solitary animals who often prefer to roam alone. They often respond to human affection with indifference.
Despite this, why do we still generally prefer cats?
Of course, personal preferences vary, and we have to acknowledge that not everyone loves cats. Dogs also have a loyal following. As a relatively aloof animal, cats have captured the hearts of many and earned their affection not because of their exceptional abilities or talents, nor because of their practical contributions, but because: they are simply irresistible!
Cats' round, chubby faces are an innate characteristic that draws humans to them. Add to that their large foreheads and tiny noses, soft, pink paws – they share many similarities with human babies, but cats somehow appear even cuter. In the scientific realm, there's a term for human affection for cats: “cute aggression,” a primal instinct. Humans are powerless against this adorable appearance, and “cute aggression” triggers the release of various hormones in the human brain, inducing feelings of joy and further promoting cat cuddling and petting.
The most attractive feature of cats, however, is their mesmerizing, big eyes. Despite their small size, cats have remarkably large eyes. Scientists have discovered that adult cat eyes are similar in size to human eyes, and their structure is also quite close to human eyes. Canine or rabbit eyes are usually located on either side of the head, helping them detect danger more quickly. But cats are natural hunters. Apart from their keen hearing, their eyes must constantly focus on the movements of their prey. As a result, their eyes are positioned in the middle of their heads, similar to humans. Coupled with their furry little heads, this appearance is truly captivating.
From another perspective, modern young people prefer cats because they don't need to be walked, they don't need to be accompanied, and they are naturally independent. Dogs, on the other hand, require daily walks and a significant amount of playtime. If they don't get enough attention, they may destroy things or develop depression. Cats, however, don't have this issue. As long as they have water and food, they can live happily on their own for a long time.
In other words, cats better satisfy the needs of modern people who want both companionship and a little space from the pressures of city life. To put it bluntly, they want to get more while giving less. Cats are perfectly positioned for this win-win situation.
But here comes the question: is human affection for cats completely genuine, and do cats actually like humans? In other words:
Can Cats Be Truly Domesticated into Loyal Companions to Humans?
There's no denying that many people love cats, but many are unaware of whether cats reciprocate this affection. Most people would agree that when cats accept petting or food from humans, they have lowered their guard and are willing to engage. This could be a wishful assumption on our part.
For example, sometimes when owners call their cat's name, they remain unresponsive. This isn't because the cat didn't hear (in fact, they can hear any little sound), but because they simply don't want to acknowledge you. Similarly, when you take your cat to an unfamiliar environment, they won't stick by your side like dogs. Instead, they might get close to strangers.
There's also a harsh reality: cats love to “travel” on a whim. A cat you've raised for several years may simply leave, never to return. Of course, there are two possible reasons behind this. One is that they may sense their impending demise and don't want to make their owners sad, so they find a place to rest their souls. The other is that they might simply be searching for a better home and leave you behind.
Therefore, cats do have a certain degree of inherent aversion to humans. While they may appear to have a close bond with their owners, the security they gain from this bond isn't their primary goal, but rather a survival instinct. Cats are not social animals and have a strong sense of territory. They prefer to sleep soundly during the day and run amok at night, agile and difficult to control. Sometimes, when you try to tame them, you can't even find their shadow.
Furthermore, humans have very little control over cat mating behavior. We can use advanced technology to help egg-laying chickens produce more eggs and ensure high-quality milk, but for cats, to be honest, they are immune to some of our actions. Cats dislike us dictating their mating behavior. Even a cat in heat, if two cats don't see eye to eye or if the male cat doesn't appeal to the female, a full-scale “war” and conflict may erupt between them. As a species, cats are extremely difficult to tame.
Instead, cats have tamed humans!
Cats may not have human brains, but they are considered highly intelligent animals. One of their most significant qualities is their exceptional emotional intelligence. While humans can't tame them, cats can tame themselves for a more comfortable living space and delicious food, making themselves docile and obedient to gain access to human life.
Typically, cats enjoy making unexpected appearances. Cats that are lost, have nowhere to go, or want a free meal may show up at your doorstep at dusk, emitting soft meows, or even rubbing against your legs, pleading for your acceptance. Once their “beauty trick” succeeds, out of basic respect, they may initially circle around you and accept your touch. But if they don't feel like it, they'll ignore you no matter what you do. Despite this, most “铲屎官” will still cater to them, becoming their devoted servants. At this point, they become the true “猫皇” (cat emperor), while humans become “猫奴” (cat slaves).
While this is just a joke, it also demonstrates that there is no clear hierarchy between humans and cats. Unlike dogs, where the human-dog relationship is a clear master-servant one, with the term “舔狗” (dog that fawns over someone) being used for those who grovel. Cats sometimes act indifferent to their owners, but as owners, they must willingly take care of their cats' food and drink. This is also a manifestation of humans being tamed by cats.
Conclusion
Cats and dogs, the two most popular pets for humans, exhibit vast differences in their personalities and habits. Dogs, with their loyalty and obedience, as well as their dependence on their owners, make them easier to tame. Cats, on the other hand, with their independence, aloofness, and elusive nature, make them more challenging companions.
While cats cannot be fully domesticated, they can utilize their charm and cunning to skillfully manipulate human emotions and affection, ultimately achieving their goals. Perhaps this is one of the main reasons why cats have so successfully conquered humans.
As humans, we should strive to understand feline nature better, respect their independence and freedom, and learn to interact with them in a more scientific and humane way, building a harmonious and equal partnership.
Cats and dogs are the two most beloved pets in the world, yet they differ greatly in their relationship with humans. While dog owners maintain their “superior” position as masters, with no such thing as “dog slaves,” cat owners often find themselves unwittingly becoming “cat slaves” or “铲屎官” (literally meaning “poop scooper,” highlighting their servile role).
Why this disparity? The root cause lies in the dynamic between humans and cats, where cats are the undisputed masters. For the sake of easy access to food or a comfortable life, the ever-so-aloof feline may temporarily condescend to humans, using their innate charm to infiltrate human circles. Once their status is established, humans, addicted to “cat-cuddling” or “撸猫” (literally meaning “petting a cat”), may become inseparable from their feline companions, marking a small victory for the cats in their conquest of humanity.
When Did Cats Capture Human Attention?
Data suggests that almost 600 million cats are kept as pets globally, including abandoned strays. This figure is staggering. Among all felines, domestic cats enjoy a prominent advantage in reproduction and survival, a testament to the affection they inspire in humans.
As early as tens of thousands of years ago, our ancestors began domesticating livestock for their own use. Records suggest that during the matriarchal era in China, people already raised and bred wild animals. However, our understanding of the history of cats is limited, as no feline remains have been discovered in the graves of our ancestors. Archaeologists were initially able to deduce that humans began keeping cats around 4,000 years ago based on ancient Egyptian murals and the totems worshipped by ancient Egyptians.
Chinese records of cat ownership date back to the pre-Qin period, with mentions in the "Book of Songs": "There are bears and badgers, cats and tigers." At that time, cats were considered alongside other animals like bears and tigers, indicating that they had not yet been fully domesticated. During the reign of Emperor Wu of the Han dynasty, the famous minister Dongfang Shuo mentioned in his “Answer to the Difficult Questions of the Imperial Guard”: "Even the finest horses in the world, used to catch mice in the imperial palace, are inferior to a lame cat." This point, combined with the discovery of a four-cat patterned lacquer dish in the Mawangdui Tomb of Changsha, provides indirect evidence that Chinese people had essentially confirmed domestication of cats during the Western Han dynasty.
Later, with the rampant proliferation of rats, after people became familiar with the biological characteristics of cats, the emperors of the Sui and Tang dynasties decreed the extensive raising of cats within the imperial court. This trend reached its peak during the Song dynasty, with cats making frequent appearances in various paintings.
Currently, the global population of domestic cats has surpassed that of dogs by more than three times, reaching over 600 million. These soft and cuddly companions have taken over our living rooms and cultivated tens of millions of devoted cat owners and “铲屎官.” But are cats merely creatures that depend on humans and only know how to be cute? The reality is far more complex than we imagine.
What Use Are Cats to Humans?
When posed this question, most people's first thought is catching mice, after all, "cats catch mice, it's only natural." For centuries, the image of cats catching and eating mice has become ingrained in people's minds. So, when you mention cats, a picture of guardians of granaries springs to mind. However, due to the passage of time and the lack of historical records, it's impossible to verify how many mice cats have actually exterminated and how much they have contributed to humanity.
However, the relationship between cats and mice in today's world differs significantly from our perception. For example, if you venture into the remote corners of big cities, or even just near garbage dumps in ordinary cities, you'll discover that cats and mice often coexist side by side near trash. In this close proximity, cats not only refrain from hunting mice but seem to have formed a close bond, as if they are good friends. Mice, meanwhile, don't seem to fear their "natural predator" so close by, and both are busy sharing the "leftovers" of humanity.
This phenomenon is quite common nowadays. Whether it's domestic cats or abandoned strays, experiencing hunger is rare. Domestic cats, of course, are spoiled by their owners with delicious food and drink daily, having no need to fill their bellies by sacrificing mice. Similarly, for stray cats, humans generate a substantial amount of food waste every day. This waste, considered worthless by humans, becomes a shared resource for stray cats and mice.
Generally, as long as resources are abundant, the likelihood of conflict between mice and cats is minimal. While cats do enjoy hanging out in areas where mice congregate, this doesn't necessarily mean they will hunt them. In fact, those areas often offer plenty of food, allowing cats to fill their stomachs there as well.
Essentially, cats are indeed naturally gifted hunters in the animal kingdom, and they have a natural dominance over mice. However, the relationship between them is not one of absolute consumption. Most of the time, when cats catch mice, they aren't doing it for food but for play or to torment them. While some mouse pups may not survive this process, adult mice are relatively safe.
Through all this, I'm trying to convey one point: cats are not particularly useful to us, at most, they are simply a source of one-sided affection.
Why one-sided? Because cats, unlike dogs, aren't fully loyal to humans. Cats are solitary animals who often prefer to roam alone. They often respond to human affection with indifference.
Despite this, why do we still generally prefer cats?
Of course, personal preferences vary, and we have to acknowledge that not everyone loves cats. Dogs also have a loyal following. As a relatively aloof animal, cats have captured the hearts of many and earned their affection not because of their exceptional abilities or talents, nor because of their practical contributions, but because: they are simply irresistible!
Cats' round, chubby faces are an innate characteristic that draws humans to them. Add to that their large foreheads and tiny noses, soft, pink paws – they share many similarities with human babies, but cats somehow appear even cuter. In the scientific realm, there's a term for human affection for cats: “cute aggression,” a primal instinct. Humans are powerless against this adorable appearance, and “cute aggression” triggers the release of various hormones in the human brain, inducing feelings of joy and further promoting cat cuddling and petting.
The most attractive feature of cats, however, is their mesmerizing, big eyes. Despite their small size, cats have remarkably large eyes. Scientists have discovered that adult cat eyes are similar in size to human eyes, and their structure is also quite close to human eyes. Canine or rabbit eyes are usually located on either side of the head, helping them detect danger more quickly. But cats are natural hunters. Apart from their keen hearing, their eyes must constantly focus on the movements of their prey. As a result, their eyes are positioned in the middle of their heads, similar to humans. Coupled with their furry little heads, this appearance is truly captivating.
From another perspective, modern young people prefer cats because they don't need to be walked, they don't need to be accompanied, and they are naturally independent. Dogs, on the other hand, require daily walks and a significant amount of playtime. If they don't get enough attention, they may destroy things or develop depression. Cats, however, don't have this issue. As long as they have water and food, they can live happily on their own for a long time.
In other words, cats better satisfy the needs of modern people who want both companionship and a little space from the pressures of city life. To put it bluntly, they want to get more while giving less. Cats are perfectly positioned for this win-win situation.
But here comes the question: is human affection for cats completely genuine, and do cats actually like humans? In other words:
Can Cats Be Truly Domesticated into Loyal Companions to Humans?
There's no denying that many people love cats, but many are unaware of whether cats reciprocate this affection. Most people would agree that when cats accept petting or food from humans, they have lowered their guard and are willing to engage. This could be a wishful assumption on our part.
For example, sometimes when owners call their cat's name, they remain unresponsive. This isn't because the cat didn't hear (in fact, they can hear any little sound), but because they simply don't want to acknowledge you. Similarly, when you take your cat to an unfamiliar environment, they won't stick by your side like dogs. Instead, they might get close to strangers.
There's also a harsh reality: cats love to “travel” on a whim. A cat you've raised for several years may simply leave, never to return. Of course, there are two possible reasons behind this. One is that they may sense their impending demise and don't want to make their owners sad, so they find a place to rest their souls. The other is that they might simply be searching for a better home and leave you behind.
Therefore, cats do have a certain degree of inherent aversion to humans. While they may appear to have a close bond with their owners, the security they gain from this bond isn't their primary goal, but rather a survival instinct. Cats are not social animals and have a strong sense of territory. They prefer to sleep soundly during the day and run amok at night, agile and difficult to control. Sometimes, when you try to tame them, you can't even find their shadow.
Furthermore, humans have very little control over cat mating behavior. We can use advanced technology to help egg-laying chickens produce more eggs and ensure high-quality milk, but for cats, to be honest, they are immune to some of our actions. Cats dislike us dictating their mating behavior. Even a cat in heat, if two cats don't see eye to eye or if the male cat doesn't appeal to the female, a full-scale “war” and conflict may erupt between them. As a species, cats are extremely difficult to tame.
Instead, cats have tamed humans!
Cats may not have human brains, but they are considered highly intelligent animals. One of their most significant qualities is their exceptional emotional intelligence. While humans can't tame them, cats can tame themselves for a more comfortable living space and delicious food, making themselves docile and obedient to gain access to human life.
Typically, cats enjoy making unexpected appearances. Cats that are lost, have nowhere to go, or want a free meal may show up at your doorstep at dusk, emitting soft meows, or even rubbing against your legs, pleading for your acceptance. Once their “beauty trick” succeeds, out of basic respect, they may initially circle around you and accept your touch. But if they don't feel like it, they'll ignore you no matter what you do. Despite this, most “铲屎官” will still cater to them, becoming their devoted servants. At this point, they become the true “猫皇” (cat emperor), while humans become “猫奴” (cat slaves).
While this is just a joke, it also demonstrates that there is no clear hierarchy between humans and cats. Unlike dogs, where the human-dog relationship is a clear master-servant one, with the term “舔狗” (dog that fawns over someone) being used for those who grovel. Cats sometimes act indifferent to their owners, but as owners, they must willingly take care of their cats' food and drink. This is also a manifestation of humans being tamed by cats.
Conclusion
Cats and dogs, the two most popular pets for humans, exhibit vast differences in their personalities and habits. Dogs, with their loyalty and obedience, as well as their dependence on their owners, make them easier to tame. Cats, on the other hand, with their independence, aloofness, and elusive nature, make them more challenging companions.
While cats cannot be fully domesticated, they can utilize their charm and cunning to skillfully manipulate human emotions and affection, ultimately achieving their goals. Perhaps this is one of the main reasons why cats have so successfully conquered humans.
As humans, we should strive to understand feline nature better, respect their independence and freedom, and learn to interact with them in a more scientific and humane way, building a harmonious and equal partnership.
This article is original, please keep the link when forwarding:https://www.5zo.net/showinfo-2-88255-0.html