Cats are known for being aloof and fickle in the way they show affection. Unlike dogs, they don’t seem to live to please us.
It makes sense, in a way – cats were domesticated about 4000 years ago, while humans and dogs have been living together for twice as long.
A cat’s love may not always be obvious, but it’s very much there. When you take time to earn and understand your cat’s subtle signs of love, it’s well worth it.
How Cats See Humans
When cats spend time with us, they show us the exact signs of affection that they show other cats.
Cats that live with other cats in cat colonies and shelters will rub their faces and bodies up against one another. They snuggle, purr, and take naps together – the same way pet cats cuddle with their human family members.
Animal behaviorist John Bradshaw observes cats in many different settings and links their displays of affection to the idea that cats see us as other cats. While dogs are known to treat humans much differently than other dogs, as though they realize we are not one of them, cats are different – they may see their owners as one of their own kind.
How Cats Show Their Love
Cats have many ways of saying, “I love you.”
Your cat may raise their tail when they see you. They may hop into your lap, purr, and rub their face and body against you. Your cat may also weave around your legs and gently bite your fingers.
Young kittens knead their mothers to increase milk flow while they’re nursing. This kneading action persists into adulthood. Some behaviorists say it is the cat’s way to marking you with the scent glands on their paws, while others speculate it’s simply a comforting behavior carried over from kitten-hood. One thing’s for sure – a cat will only knead a human they feel comfortable with.
Showing Your Cat You Love Them Back
The best way to truly show your cat that you love them is to minimize stress in their life.
So many popular YouTube videos feature humans annoying their cats. It might seem hilarious to watch your cat react to a cucumber on the floor, but it’s obviously not a good way to earn your cat’s affections. Plus, stress is physically and emotionally harmful for creatures of all kinds.
Even vet visits do not have to be stressful. You can use positive reinforcement to train your cat just as you would a dog. Positive reinforcement has been used to train all kinds of animals, from horses to alligators to tigers.
You can train your cat to happily enter their carrier using target training, rather than shoving them inside. It’s also possible to condition your cat to tolerate and even enjoy grooming, medical procedures, and other activities that cats typically find stressful.
Ready Pet Go Loves Cats!
The professional pet sitters at Ready Pet Go understand what it takes to earn your cat’s love. Get in touch with us online or give us a ring at 240-221-5335.
