Cats are sometimes seen as solitary, unbiased creatures, however some benefit from the firm of their house owners, even throughout mealtimes. In case your cat likes while you watch them eat, you’re not alone. This is named “affection consuming”, and it’s much more widespread than chances are you’ll understand.
There are a number of causes affection consuming might happen, together with intuition and safety. Discover out extra about why your cat might get pleasure from it while you watch them eat.
The 4 Causes Why Cats Like Being Watched Whereas Consuming
1. Social Intuition
Cats are distinctive in that they’ve some solitary behaviors and a few social behaviors. As a lot as they typically hunt alone and declare and defend territory, they’ll stay in teams and bond with different cats, together with grooming and sleeping collectively.
Some wild cats have interaction in communal consuming and convey prey again to the group. While you watch your cat eat, it could possibly be sharing an analogous social expertise.
2. Security and Safety
Cats are susceptible whereas they’re consuming. Within the wild, cats are each predators and prey and the time they’re targeted on their meal—particularly within the open space—could possibly be a chance for one more predator to pounce. Having different cats round to observe for predators permits one cat to give attention to meals, which is the safety you may present as an proprietor.
You could discover that anxious or timid cats want to have you ever standing by whereas they eat. This offers them consolation and safety, particularly in the event that they share your house with different cats or canine.
3. Ingrained Habits
As kittens, cats are doted upon by their moms and house owners. Individuals who have breeding cats will typically help kittens in consuming or syringe feed. As soon as these kittens change into adults, they’re used to meal instances being a social expertise and anticipate you to be watching them or giving them consideration.
4. Worry of Lacking Out
Cats are curious creatures and sometimes need to know what’s taking place in the home. In case your cat is consuming when you’re going about your day, they may worry lacking out on one thing enjoyable that’s taking place whereas they’re consuming. In the event you’re watching them, they know you’re not having time with out them.
Is It Okay to Watch My Cat Eat?
There’s nothing inherently incorrect with watching your cat eat if that makes the expertise higher for them, however understand that it is a powerful routine to keep up. In case your cat will get used to being watched whereas they eat, you’re too busy or have to go away, your cat might not really feel snug consuming with out you.
It’s finest to encourage your cat to eat independently and really feel safe. Spend time together with your cat outdoors of mealtime by taking part in, exercising, or cuddling. In the event you suspect that your cat feels afraid of consuming alone, corresponding to with different cats or canine round, attempt to discover a extra secure spot where your cat can feel safe eating.
Conclusion
Cats eager to be watched whereas consuming is a curious habits, nevertheless it’s rooted in instincts and their bond with people. Whereas there’s nothing incorrect with serving to your cat get pleasure from mealtime by watching, it’s necessary to encourage extra independence to make sure your cat received’t go off meals for those who’re busy or not round to face guard.
Featured Picture Credit score: Milles Studio, Shutterstock
