01-04-2006, 03:59 PM
DaviDC,
I would agree that males are moreso with STRANGERS, however, bonding between a female and its owner results in actual defensive/protective behavior, like a big cat guarding its cubs, which is often directed at humans as well as other cats.
My girls and I have always had close bonds - because they are members of the family, not just pets (same goes for any kitty, actually). When we were having "personal petting time" - and the ex would come in to talk to me and reach down to touch my girl, she would bite and snap as if to say "he's mine right now!"
I had another cat as well, and she tended to do things that were somewhat irritating (messing with wires, etc.) and when I'd yell her name and say "stop that!" - the alpha GIRL would literally come from as far away as her basement sliding glass door perch, run upstairs, find the other kitty and bonk her on the head once or twice.
It got so amusing, that all I had to do was SAY it, no infraction having happened, and my little girl would come RUNNING to take a few swats at the other.
I had her for 16 years. The little boy with the CRF (chronic renal failure) is the closest I've come to that kind of loyalty and intelligence as well. They are near equals, but with different temperments, as you've noted, by sex.
I would agree that males are moreso with STRANGERS, however, bonding between a female and its owner results in actual defensive/protective behavior, like a big cat guarding its cubs, which is often directed at humans as well as other cats.
My girls and I have always had close bonds - because they are members of the family, not just pets (same goes for any kitty, actually). When we were having "personal petting time" - and the ex would come in to talk to me and reach down to touch my girl, she would bite and snap as if to say "he's mine right now!"
I had another cat as well, and she tended to do things that were somewhat irritating (messing with wires, etc.) and when I'd yell her name and say "stop that!" - the alpha GIRL would literally come from as far away as her basement sliding glass door perch, run upstairs, find the other kitty and bonk her on the head once or twice.
It got so amusing, that all I had to do was SAY it, no infraction having happened, and my little girl would come RUNNING to take a few swats at the other.
I had her for 16 years. The little boy with the CRF (chronic renal failure) is the closest I've come to that kind of loyalty and intelligence as well. They are near equals, but with different temperments, as you've noted, by sex.