More accurately, they treat us how they treat other cats. They haven't been bred to do otherwise like dogs have. It doesn't mean they think we're cats.

[–] liztliss@lemmy.world 1 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago)

I know what you mean here, but it's a bit egotistical of humans to be like "we literally know what this creature who can't talk" is thinking when they can barely properly guess what their long term partner or friend is always thinking 🤣 cats MIGHT be more simplistic in thought patterns than humans, but to assert what all cats believe based on an incorrect reporting on John Bradshaw's studies of cats is just plain wrong- please do a quick search! You'll see there are conflicting reports of what his book seems to claim, but he himself does not assert that that's what cats literally believe. 😬

Edit to add: here's the article where he's being interviewed about it, and the relevant part!

https://www.nationalgeographic.com/adventure/article/140127-cats-pets-animals-nation-dogs-people-science

"I've read articles where you've said cats think of us as big, stupid cats. Is that accurate?

No. In the book [I say] that cats behave toward us in a way that's indistinguishable from [how] they would act toward other cats. They do think we're clumsy: Not many cats trip over people, but we trip over cats.

But I don't think they think of us as being dumb and stupid, since cats don't rub on another cat that's inferior to them."

[–] TheRealLinga@sh.itjust.works 0 points 1 year ago

I wish to read these studies! To help me understand myself! It would make alot of sense if I was just a giant, really lazy cat