Type of source: Book in English by one author

The Complete Illustrated Guide To Cat Care And Behavior
Bruce Fogle, D.V.M

Original text:

For a cat, humans make good cat substitutes. In many ways, cats enjoy warmer, more convivial relationships with us than they do with other felines. Humans are almost ideal social companions as they do not represent any kind of threat to a cat. We do not compete for food, territory, or sexual supremacy-- factors that interfere in the relationships between cats. When raised in close proximity to us, cats look upon humans as being "feline" enough to be treated as fellow cats while being sufficiently different not to be a danger. A lasting dependency and friendship can develop between a cat and a human being, with the cat regarding its owner as an all-powerful, all providing mother.

Notes /summary:

Humans can be good friends with cats because humans do not try to take their food, territory, or mate. So cats can relax and enjoy being with humans even more than being with other cats. The owner has a lot of power over the cat, but also gives it food. So a cat imagines that its owner is like its mother.

Reference:

Fogle, B. (1999). The complete illustrated guide to cat care and behavior. London: Thunder Bay Press.