The cat is so unique and unpredictable that scientists studying animal behaviour have always struggled to provide a consistent and valid behavioural profile that covers all the types of these small felines.
We should always refer to cats in the singular form because their personality stands out as their most important trait.
Cats are social animals, but in a completely different way to dogs, which create their emotional bonds for the benefit of the group as a whole. The cat is with us for pleasure and therefore expresses its sociality in an individualistic way, i.e. with a unique style all of its own.
They enjoy relaxing in our presence, or indulging in pleasant kitten-like regression, but are also fascinated by our own activities and often follow us around, or accompany us as if determined to understand what it is we are doing.
Living with a cat therefore means accepting this mysterious behaviour and giving up any idea of control. Because spending time together, for cats, also means being free to express their extrovert flair as soloists.
A cat loves someone who is inobtrusive; someone who knows how to respect its space.