How Cats Show Their Affection

 

 

Cats Show Their Affection in Subtle Ways

(Guest post by Lisa Fimberg, Founder of PetPav.com)

While dogs are known for being friendly and affectionate, our lovely feline friends are sometimes known as being aloof.  But, that is hardly the truth.  There are tons of affectionate cats out there. Some cats are vocal and outgoing, while other cat’s demonstration of affection can be a little more subtle.  In fact, if you learn to understand a cat’s body language and signals, you will see how they are showing their love. 

Head Rubs

If your cat rubs her face on you, she is marking you as her property. There are glands on her face that secrete pheromones which act to mark your feline’s territory as well as signal comfort and familiarity. Each cat's pheromone is unique, just as our fingerprints are. When he or she leaves behind this calling card, she's saying that you are all hers.

Needs to be near you

If your cat follows you from room to room and hangs out wherever you are, it's a sign that your beloved is interested in you and wants to be where you are. Some cats that otherwise are not as outwardly affection show their love by being near or around you.

Slow Eye Blinks

When a cat encounters strangers or other cats, they usually greet them with an unblinking stare (or if they are mad at you!) However, slow eye blinks are a sign of contentedness and affection. You can make a game of this by slowly blinking back at your cat and see how long the interchange can last between the two of you.

Greets You at the Door

Most cats that are bonded with their owners will respond with excitement when they hear your car in the driveway or when you make distinctive sounds (like unlocking the door) when returning home. If your cat runs to the door when you come through, it obviously means they've missed you and are happy that you’re home.  Or he or she might just meow from afar and then approach. 

Rolls Over

When your cat rolls over and exposes his or her belly to you, he or she is signaling that she trusts and loves you.  By exposing her belly, he or she is exposing her vulnerability. If she did that outside, she would be attacked. However, in the comfort of your home, this tummy exposure is a signal that she’s comfortable enough with you to let down her guard.

Kneading

This instinctual gesture originates from birth, when your cat kneaded her mother to stimulate milk flow. In later life, kneading signifies contentment, pleasure and adoration, especially if accompanied by drooling. This is one of the greatest expressions of love that your cat can show you.  Cats will sometimes knead your arm, leg or somewhere close by you.

 

We love our cats, even if they don’t always ‘meow’ their affection, but they certainly show it.

 

You can find more articles on cats, dogs and other pets by Lisa Fimberg on her pet social network: http://www.petpav.com.  And make sure to put your pet or pet business on this fun and informative pet social network.

Comments

[Anne Sweeney]

I saw a lot of this at a Boston Pet Exhibit in Boston, MA.. Bill Scotti was putting on a presentation with some frisky, talented and trained felines from the North Shore Animal Rescue where the cats put on quite a show !
Sponsored by a pet food distributor. Got quite a Crowd !