Relationships that are co-dependent
This cat can often depend on an emotionally invested owner. The owner may view the cat as either a family member or a close friend.
The owner typically plays regularly with the cat, and is seen as a part of the same social group (the cat behaves in a friendly way towards the owner, even regularly licking the owner’s hands and face) and as a secure base (the cat will seek the owner when worried).
The cat doesn’t relate well with others (is even likely to hide when, for example, someone comes to the house.
The cat learned from its owner that the best things happen when they are near them. For example, the owner may stay with their cat while the cat eats. These cats might even consider themselves to be very clingy. Separation can cause problems (the cat may stop eating if it is left alone). It could be that the cat is having trouble controlling his frustrations.
If you have a cat living with you, this relationship will be common.
Casual relationship
These cats prefer life outside to living in hectic households.
They may visit multiple homes within their territory, possibly having several! They might even be absent for several days.
These cats are friendly towards their owners, but they won’t try to be close to them. In fact, they may even attempt to distance themselves from their owner.
Friendship
Emotionally invested in their cat: Worries about him/her, views him/her a friend or family member and finds time to play with them.
The cat is very warm and friendly towards the owner (will often sit on the owner’s lap)/
The owner is seen not only as part of the same social group (the cat will regularly lick the owner’s hands and face) but also as a secure base (someone to seek out for comfort when the cat is worried).
The cat is a good friend and will interact with others.
Cat and owner have a wonderful, loving relationship. However, they can also be able to live apart.
This cat likes to be near the owner but doesn’t feel a need to maintain physical proximity to the owner (doesn’t always follow the owner around the house and may even take him/herself away to a preferred location).
It is unlikely that separation will be a problem.
The relationship appears to be more frequent in homes with several cats and a lot of outside access.
Maintain an open relationship
This type of bond shows a cat’s view as an independent, solitary animal that should be able to see the outside.
Cats are able to relate to people and will often visit their neighbours and greet them. They also have some affinity with their owner and can be seen to be distant from the owner.
They possibly will not sit on the owner’s lap or lick the owner’s hands or face.
Remote relation
This type of cat relationship is cared for by the owner, but they are not considered close friends or family members.
They may not be very close emotionally, even though the cat’s behaviour towards the owner may be quite friendly.
This cat is likely to avoid people and their owners, possibly due to lack of trust.
They will not lick the owner’s hands and face, nor will they seek the owner even when worried.
University of Lincoln