What It Means When A Cat Chooses You (Real-Life Example!)
Quick Answer
I don’t know where Curtis came from or how he ended up living under our car for a month.
He was a big bruiser of a stray cat who was covered in battle scars and so aggressive that we couldn’t even get near him for the first month.
That didn’t stop us from providing him with a steady supply of food, though!
After about four weeks of sleeping on the hard tarmac in hot, humid conditions, Curtis finally succumbed to our advances and ventured as far as the front door.
We were concerned he’d be aggressive toward our four pampered resident cats, but he seemed to know instinctively that they were no match for him.
All he wanted was to step inside, enjoy the cool, safe environment, and settle into a peaceful, uninterrupted sleep.
From that day on, Curtis decided he would become a part of our family.
He remained with us for the next 15 years and became the biggest old softie you could ever imagine.
Why Did Street Cat Curtis Choose Us?
Why am I telling you this? Because I’m wondering, why did Curtis choose us?
Out of all the other cars on the street he could have taken refuge under?
Of all the other yards he could have hung out in, or the homes where he could have sneakily set up camp?
How did he know that we were the most likely candidates on that particular street to offer him a loving home, no questions asked?
People say that cats just know, that they have instincts we humans can’t even comprehend.
But really, how did Curtis know? Was it just chance, or was there something else guiding him to our doorstep?
What Makes A Cat Choose You?
There are many theories as to why cats choose a certain person and not others.
Body Language
Sometimes it’s all about body language.
The way a person moves or acts can either attract or deter a cat, so they may choose someone based on how they interact with them.
Feeling In Control
There’s a reason cats often make a beeline for the one person in the room who dislikes cats!
That is likely to be the one person who is ignoring them and not encouraging them to come any closer.
Funnily enough, that’s the person they feel most safe with, because they are not a threat.
Cats feel safer when they have control over their environment, and what could be safer than the person who is not trying to pet you or pick you up and restrain you into a cuddle?
Trusting Their Instincts
Of course, there is also the possibility that cats simply trust their instincts, much like Curtis did when he chose our family.
They may sense something in a person that makes them feel safe and comfortable, which could explain why some cats seem drawn to certain individuals.
Spirit Guides?
We’ve all heard of the lucky (or unlucky) black cat.
Some cat lovers believe there is a more spiritual explanation, saying a cat is a type of spirit animal that has some sort of connection to us that we don’t fully understand.
Positive Associations
Personally, I’d go for a more practical explanation.
We provided Curtis with food, water, and shelter—a refuge from the hot Dubai sun, sand, and humidity.
Over time, he learned that our presence meant good things, like food and safety, and he associated us with positive experiences.
No wonder he knew he was onto a good thing.
He soon learned that we were a source of comfort, security, and the good things in life.
But why did he choose us in the first place?
Was there some kind of sixth sense at work?
A strong instinct that guided him to that particular spot?
Surely it just comes down to chance.
Doesn’t it?
Signs A Cat Has Chosen You
If you’re wondering how to know if your cat has chosen you as their favorite, there are a few key signs to look out for.
Cats can be quite subtle in their affection, but these behaviors are usually a good indication that they have chosen you as their special human.
Following You Around
One of the most obvious signs that a cat has chosen you is that they will follow you around.
Whether you’re walking to the kitchen or going to bed, your cat will want to be by your side.
He may even meow or chirp to get your attention.
Sleeping On Your Bed
If your cat chooses to sleep on your bed at night, it’s a strong indication that you are his chosen human.
Cats are creatures of comfort and safety, and they will only feel comfortable enough to sleep near someone they trust.
Showing Affection
Cats show affection in many ways, and if your cat has chosen you, he will likely show it by seeking out your attention.
You may find him curled up in your lap purring, rubbing around your legs, kneading on your lap, or even giving you gentle headbutts.
Bringing You Gifts
If your cat has chosen you as his favorite person, he may also bring you gifts.
These “gifts” may be anything from a toy mouse to a dead bird, but they are a sign that your cat sees you as a family member.
Another of our rescue cats, Loulou, used to wake us up in the middle of the night with her loud yowling as she arrived to deposit her toy furry mouse gift on the floor right next to the bed.
Grooming You
Cats groom each other (known as allogrooming) as a form of social bonding, so if your cat grooms you too, it’s a sure sign he has chosen you as part of his social circle.
Grooming is a bonding experience between cats, and it can also help build trust between you and your cat.
Vocalizing
Intriguingly, cats meow to humans but rarely to other cats.
Over time, cats learned that humans tend to respond to meowing sounds (perhaps because they are somewhat similar to those of a crying baby) and have adapted to use them to communicate with their favorite humans.
I can’t think of a smarter way to get food, water, shelter, and attention, all while making minimal effort!
Cats Bonding With Humans
Cats are social creatures that form strong bonds, both with their owners and other cats.
But when it comes to bonding with humans, they can be a bit picky.
It’s not uncommon for cats to choose one or two people in a household as their favorites and ignore the rest.
There could be several reasons for that.
For example, a cat may choose a particular person based on the way they interact with him, or he may simply feel more comfortable with certain individuals over others.
If you are the one who always feeds him, plays with him, and brushes him, then you may just be his favorite human.
But not necessarily!
Just like us humans, every cat has their own unique personality traits and life experiences.
As a result, some cats may be more reserved, while others may be very affectionate.
Cats Marking Humans As Territory
Cats are territorial animals and mark their territory by depositing scent from the scent glands in their faces, paws, and tails.
The most common way they do this is by rubbing against objects, familiar animals, and people.
So when your cat rubs his head against you, he’s not just saying ‘hello’ but also claiming you as part of his territory.
This behavior is a sure sign that your cat trusts you and considers you part of his social group.
What To Do When A Cat Chooses You
Congratulations!
You’ve been chosen by a cat. Now, what should you do?
Here are some tips to help you build a strong relationship with your feline friend.
Respect His Space
When a cat chooses you, it doesn’t mean he wants to be with you all the time.
Respect his personal space and give him the freedom to interact with you as and when he wants to.
When your cat wants to be alone, let him be.
Don’t force him to interact with you.
Instead, wait for him to come to you.
Feeding And Care
Feeding a cat is an important part of building a strong bond with him.
Make sure you stick to a regular feeding schedule and offer high-quality food.
Also, grooming your cat is essential for his well-being and can be another way to bond with him.
Playtime
Regular play sessions are important for cats, as they help release energy and keep them physically active.
Playtime can also be a great opportunity to bond with your cat.
Try different types of toys and games to see what your cat likes best.
And don’t forget to reward him with treats when he does something good during playtime.
This will reinforce positive behavior and strengthen your bond.
Regular Vet Visits
To ensure that your cat stays healthy, it’s important to take him for check-ups at the veterinarian.
Regular vet visits can also catch any health issues early before they become serious.
Patience And Understanding
Building a strong relationship with your cat takes time and patience.
Be understanding of his needs and behaviors, even if they may seem odd to you.
Curtis was quite the feral cat when he first appeared on our radar, but after four weeks of supplying him with food and water and respecting his space, he felt confident enough to trust us and move in with us.
Common Misconceptions About Cats Choosing Humans
When it comes to cats choosing their human companions, there are some misconceptions out there.
Here are a few of the most common ones:
Misconception #1: All Cats Choose Their Humans
While it’s true that some cats may seem to choose their humans, not all cats do.
Some cats are more independent and may not show as much interest in bonding with a human.
It depends a lot on how much exposure they had to humans as kittens.
Misconception #2: Cats Only Choose One Human
While cats may have a favorite human, they can bond with multiple humans in a household.
It’s certainly not uncommon for a cat to show affection to more than one person.
Misconception #3: Cats Only Choose Humans Who Are Good With Cats
While it’s true that cats may be more likely to bond with someone who is gentle and kind to them, they can also choose humans who are not as experienced with cats.
They may even choose someone who doesn’t really like cats because, as I mentioned earlier, that is the person who will leave them be.
Misconception #5: If A Cat Doesn’t Choose You, It Means He Doesn’t Like You
Just because a cat doesn’t seem to be interested in bonding with you doesn’t mean he doesn’t like you.
Over the years, we’ve shared our lives with cats who prefer me, who prefer my husband, who don’t have a clear preference and seem to like both of us, or who don’t really want to interact with either of us.
Every cat is unique and will have different reasons for choosing a human companion.
Or for not choosing one.
So try not to take it personally if you are not your cat’s favorite person, or if he shows an obvious preference for someone else.
There may be things afoot that we mere humans will never quite understand!
