Are cats getting tamer, or is it people who are changing?

This article explores whether cats are becoming tamer as they adapt to living alongside people, or if it's human behavior and attitudes that are changing. A Facebook page for a cat named Sandi, created around 15 years ago, has gained millions of followers, highlighting the increasing popularity of social media accounts featuring cats.

Cats now travel in backpacks and strollers, and surveys consistently show that the majority of owners view their pets as family members. While domestication of cats is considered complete, research by biologist Kevin Parsons suggests that adaptation to living with humans may still be ongoing. Urban foxes and fallow deer in Dublin's Phoenix Park have exhibited changes such as shorter snouts and increased boldness around humans, potentially due to city life favoring less fearful and better-exploiting individuals.

In contrast, traditional views hold that cats were less domesticated than dogs, as they chose to live near humans for their own benefit. Kittens exposed to humans during a critical period are more likely to become friendly adults, indicating cats' capacity for forming close relationships with people. The article also notes demographic shifts and changing attitudes among pet owners, particularly those without children, who are more likely to refer to their companion animals as "kids" or "family members" and report stronger emotional attachments.

These changes in human behavior and attitudes may have reshaped the lives of cats, with many now receiving health insurance, behaviorist consultations, and specialized diets. While cats continue to evolve, the more significant transformation appears to be in human attitudes and relationships with these animals.