The current study uses free manipulation preference assessment to investigate the preferences of domestic cats at the individual and group levels. Although there are obvious individual differences in cats’ preferences, social interaction with humans is the most favorite stimulus category for most cats, followed by food.
This is true for pets and cats in shelters. Future research may examine the use of preference stimuli in the application environment and assess the motivation of individual cats to work with their most preferred stimuli, as an indicator to measure the effect of reinforcement. That explains why cats are not really unfriendly, cold at heart or malicious like human’s word of mouth.
Not persuasive enough? 21 photos below will blow your mind away with the statement: cats are good boys too!
(h/t: brightside)
#1 “She’d been at the vet for a while, and her ace big bro stayed this way all day when she got back”
#2 “My cat holds my hand and stays with me when I’m feeling down”
#3 “The nurses let Henry see Nona for Christmas and he spent the entire day on her lap”
#4 When somebody has to play doctor with the kid
#5 “Kodiak was upset because the neighbors were shooting off fireworks. So, Dr. Pepper the cat, came in and laid next to him”
#6 “I think our new foster kitty just found his forever home”
#7 “Office cat greets each visitor at our local vet to ensure their comfort and put them at ease”
#8 When you need a newspaper buddy
#9 “Lilly had to have surgery today. It went well, and she’s now recovering at home with Mittens, her therapy cat”
#10 “Ever since my son was born, this cat thinks it’s his duty to protect him”
#11 “This one time my grandma fell and my cat Colin looked after her until the ambulance came”
#12 This cat learned how to high 5 her owner
#13 “The shelter said that Odin the Cat was not cuddly and that he did not like children. This was Odin the day after we brought him home”
#14 “My grandma broke her hip. Her cat, Vincent, visits her every day and always ends up in her arms!”
#15 This cat is a comfy pillow for the baby
#16 “My son and our cat, every single day”
#17 When cats help you get a good night’s sleep
#18 When you need some help with your bath routine
#19 These 2 cats treat the bearded dragon as their brother
#20 “My grandma just got out of the hospital and now uses a walker. My cat now acts as her lazy bodyguard”
#21 “My grandma’s farm cat guarding her chickens”
