Cats Imitate Owners' Habits, Says Study

A new study has found that cats can mimic human habits (good or bad) and adapt to their owners' lifestyle, according to Discovery News.

For the study, researchers from the University of Messina's Faculty of Veterinary Medicine studied two groups of cats - one group that lived in smaller homes and closer to their owners, and the other group that lived in a larger area and stayed outside the house at night.

Both groups of cats were well looked after in terms of food, grooming and medical attention. Based on their observations, the research team found that the cats that stayed closer to their owners adapted their owners' lifestyle. Their sleeping and eating patterns were similar to that of their owners, but those cats that stayed away from their owners were found to be active during the night.

"Cats are intelligent animals with a long memory," Jane Brunt, executive director of the CATalyst Council, told Discovery News. "They watch and learn from us, (noting) 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 their feeding and toileting areas are."

The study suggests that the environment in which a captive cat grows has a role in its personality and behavior. Studies have already shown that cats are social animals and humans play a significant part in their social group. They serve as role models for the cats and hence, need to motivate the animals to keep them active, the Discovery News report said.

Cats can also influence the habit and lifestyle of their owners and also give an opportunity to learn from them.