Cats mirror their owners' behaviour
Cats adapt their eating, sleeping and activity patterns to match that of their owners, according to a new study. Featured in the Journal of Veterinary Behaviour, the study focused on two groups of cats, both receiving excellent care in terms of food, grooming and medical attention. Their owners all worked during the day, returning home in the evenings.
The first groups of cats lived in smaller houses and stayed closer to their owners, whereas the second group had larger homes where they were kept outside at night. In time it was found that the cats in the first group came to mirror their owners' eating, sleeping and activity patterns. The cats in the second group became nocturnal and their behaviour became similar to semi-dependent farm cats.
Jane Brunt, executive director of the CATalyst Council said cats learn "the patterns of our actions, as evidenced by knowing where their food is kept and what time to expect to be fed, how to open the cupboard door that's been improperly closed and where feeding and toileting areas are."
Brunt adds that the influence owners have over their cats is important to ensuring they stay motivated and active. By taking the time to play with their cats, "felines are more motivated to stay active." Just as humans influence their cats, Brunt claims the reverse is also true, as we often adjust our schedules by getting up earlier and responding to the needs of pets.
The research, conducted by the University of Messina's Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, indicates that cats can be influenced by negative human habits as well as positive. Author Giuseppe Piccione points out that cat and human obesity rates often match. Piccione and colleagues conclude:
"Our findings underline the high influence of human presence and care on the amount of activity and daily rhythm in cats."
The BSAVA has opened submissions for the BSAVA Clinical Research Abstracts 2026.
