When you really think about it, cats are like the snarky, sarcastic English teachers of the animal world. But they have a soft side – and boy, is it ever soft. And fluffy. And furry. You may not realize it, but your cat shows love, just in his own, special cat way.
Any search into why humans love cats, or any animal for that matter, inevitably ends with feeling intrigued at just how incredibly well domesticated animals can communicate with humans.
And the way they can do this without using words, as Andrew Stanton puts it, is what makes them cute to us.
Isn't that all warm and fluffy?
To make you feel even more warm and fluffy, I've got this list of ways your cat communicates its undying love to you. Because let's face it — you knowwhen your cat's upset. You don't need a list for that.
When your cat rubs rhythmically on your body (known as kneading) PetMD animal experts say:
"If your cat is curled up and kneading your lap while you’re petting him, he’s returning the affection and telling you he loves you right back."
On the subject of how much it hurts when their claws dig in:
"Do not punish your cat for this behavior -- he doesn't realize it hurts. To better ensure the comfort of both you and your cat, make a habit of keeping his nails trimmed, or invest in nail guards to cover your cat's nails."
Those dead birds and mice? They're gifts, according to cats expert Amy Shojai.
"Mighty hunter cats that catch everything from toys to bugs, mice or frogs, often share the bounty with those they love. Kitties who present you with this bounty deserve praise. They wouldn’t bring these special gifts if they didn’t love you."
No, not quite like that.
If your cat head butts you Zidane-style, you've got problems. But if your kitty headbutts you in a more tenderway, pet expert Laura Moss says it's due to their desire to "scent" you with the scent glands on their head. When they smell this scent on you, it brings them comfort and familiarity.
When your cat stares at you and slowly blinks, it means exactly what it means when a human does it – affection!
Dr. Karen Becker says it's the "equivalent of being kissed" by your cat.
Alrighty.
This is quite literally your cat saying "I trust you." That's according to IHeartCats.com, which points out that cats do not show their stomachs to strangers they're uncomfortable around.
As with many animals, looking at the tail of a cat is actually a very good way to measure what it is thinking. Cat blogger Marilyn Krieger wrote:
“Kitties express happiness and warm feelings by fluffing out the base of their tails while subtly quivering them. Simultaneously, they hold their tails upright with a slight curve at the top.”
Cat purrs, believe it or not, are actually very deep. They can mean a variety of things, including a smile. Franny Syufy over at About.com wrote:
"When your cat purrs in your presence, you can be sure she’s expressing her love for you."
You know that a friend that would jump over mountains to be with you? That's your cat. If your feline friend is hopping over tables and buckets to be near you, "she clearly enjoys your company." (That's according to Laura Moss over at Treehugger.)
You can be extra sure that your cat shows love when she follows you around at mealtime. But then, is it the food or you she loves?
8 Ways A Cat Shows Love
1. Rubbing Your Body
When your cat rubs rhythmically on your body (known as kneading) PetMD animal experts say:
"If your cat is curled up and kneading your lap while you’re petting him, he’s returning the affection and telling you he loves you right back."
On the subject of how much it hurts when their claws dig in:
"Do not punish your cat for this behavior -- he doesn't realize it hurts. To better ensure the comfort of both you and your cat, make a habit of keeping his nails trimmed, or invest in nail guards to cover your cat's nails."
2. Bearing Gifts
Those dead birds and mice? They're gifts, according to cats expert Amy Shojai.
"Mighty hunter cats that catch everything from toys to bugs, mice or frogs, often share the bounty with those they love. Kitties who present you with this bounty deserve praise. They wouldn’t bring these special gifts if they didn’t love you."
3. Head Butting
No, not quite like that.4. Looking Into Your Eyes
When your cat stares at you and slowly blinks, it means exactly what it means when a human does it – affection!
Dr. Karen Becker says it's the "equivalent of being kissed" by your cat.
Alrighty.
5. Showing Their Belly
This is quite literally your cat saying "I trust you." That's according to IHeartCats.com, which points out that cats do not show their stomachs to strangers they're uncomfortable around.
6. Curving The Tip Of The Tail
As with many animals, looking at the tail of a cat is actually a very good way to measure what it is thinking. Cat blogger Marilyn Krieger wrote:
“Kitties express happiness and warm feelings by fluffing out the base of their tails while subtly quivering them. Simultaneously, they hold their tails upright with a slight curve at the top.”
7. Purring
Cat purrs, believe it or not, are actually very deep. They can mean a variety of things, including a smile. Franny Syufy over at About.com wrote:
"When your cat purrs in your presence, you can be sure she’s expressing her love for you."
8. Following You
You know that a friend that would jump over mountains to be with you? That's your cat. If your feline friend is hopping over tables and buckets to be near you, "she clearly enjoys your company." (That's according to Laura Moss over at Treehugger.)
You can be extra sure that your cat shows love when she follows you around at mealtime. But then, is it the food or you she loves?
Cats are really full of love... for the right person or animal friend. Check out the story of this cat who like to take her cat food to go. Can you figure out the Cat Food Bag Mystery?
Now, One More Photo? OK, One More.
