Research overview: the secure-base effect and human presence in cats

If cats form attachments, their owners might serve as a secure base that buffers stress in novel or threatening situations. This overview surveys research testing the secure-base effect in cats, including whether the presence of the owner reduces fear and encourages exploration in unfamiliar environments compared with a stranger or being alone. It discusses mixed findings, the influence of individual attachment style, and how methodology shapes results. It connects this work to the broader debate over the nature of the cat-human bond. The topic examines whether, and under what conditions, owners function as a source of security for their cats, informing welfare and handling.