Cats, recently going viral online with a video of people learning to meow together, can actually be divided into two types: domestic cats and wild cats. According to records, domestic cats have been by humans’ side for 3,500 years. Why say they follow rather than are domesticated? Because up to now, no one dares to say cats can be fully domesticated and obedient like dogs, following commands and instructions. Facing cats that can’t be completely tamed, most people ask: Will pet cats develop affection for their owners?

I will share an example from my own home. When I was seven or eight years old, we were very fortunate to have a tabby cat at home. It was small and lived for nearly ten years before dying from age-related organ diseases. My hometown is rural, and initially, the reason for keeping a cat was to catch mice. After all, when a cat meows, mice tremble. One of the strongest impressions left on me was that cats are especially inactive, especially in winter. After defecating and urinating, they like to bury their waste with something. After eating or waking up from sleep, they definitely use their front paws, wet with saliva, to wipe their faces. When it’s hot, they like to nestle in warm places, such as by the stove or the hearth. At night, they like to sleep on the bed with people. To say cats have no affection, I think, is too arbitrary; sometimes when I return from a trip, the cat will wait at the door to greet me, meowing a few times. Every summer night when I go out to catch frogs in the fields, the cat will also follow several miles to wait by the roadside at the fields and then walk back together. These all can prove that cats' hearts are also rich with emotion. They are just more reserved and don’t easily express it.

So, how do we cultivate a bond with our cats in daily life?

Observing their many quiet habits, cats actually love to play a lot. For example, a ball of yarn can entertain them for an entire afternoon. So I think the first step is to set aside time to play games with them, using homemade toys or professionally bought cat toys. You can tease the cat whenever possible, closely observe its emotional changes, talk to it while playing, and give it a pleasant but easy-to-remember name.

Usually, when you see a cat, you can subconsciously gently pet it. If it likes it, it will purr, which means it’s happy and enjoys what you’re doing. Pay attention to where and how hard you stroke. Also, be kind in feeding them—keep plenty of cat food at home. When talking to cats, use a gentle and calm tone, and avoid shouting, or the cat may become wary and distance itself from you.

Therefore, well-raised cats will definitely develop some affection for their owners, and this affection requires effort from both sides to maintain and nurture. Only by investing can you receive a return; only with sincerity can you gain the sincerity of the other party.