I've heard that cats view us as large cats, rather than themselves as
small humans.

But then, why do they freak out at new, unknown cats, but tolerate
(and even enjoy) the company of new, unknown humans? It would seem
that if their view was that we're all cats of differing sizes, then
their reactions to the introduction of new "cats" should be one of
hostility, regardless of size.

Also, cats (mine, anyway) go ballistic at the site of a dog, but
babies and small children of the same size are tolerated (if
reluctantly).

Just wondering...