Does Your Cat Really Plot to Kill You?
π Summary
Research comparing house cats with wild felids found similar personality structures, earning cats a jokey 'killing machine' label. In reality most cats don't attack because humans are too large to harm, and affectionate, easygoing cats have no such intent.
1 What the Research Says
Teams from the University of Edinburgh and the Bronx Zoo studied five felids and found their personality structures are remarkably similar; a house cat shares a ‘startlingly similar’ structure, with neurotic and dominant traits described as a killing machine.
2 Why Cats Don’t Attack
One conclusion is that cats don’t attack because you are far larger and they lack the weapons to seriously hurt you.
Not every cat is intent on murder; cats vary. Self-centered ones dislike restraint and, confined indoors, may crave escape, so solitary cats might be ‘plotting.’ But a gentle cat that likes you generally has no such thought.
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