Cats are complex and, without being able to ask them, it’s sometimes hard to tell how they really feel - but there are ways to find out if they love you.
Anyone who owns a cat, knows that there is no other feeling like when your cat chooses to cuddle with you. And with Valentine’s Day just gone it’s not just a time to celeberate romantic partners - you can also celebrate your pet pal.
RSPCA cat behaviour expert, Samantha Watson, has shed a little light on the mystery of discovering whetehr or not cats love us with identifying five ways cats show affection for their owners.
Samantha, a scientific officer at the RSPCA, said: “There are a number of ways our cats tell us that they enjoy our company and feel safe with us. Learning to read your cat’s body language is hugely beneficial as not only can it show you how they feel about you, but it will enable you to spot signs of stress and understand when they want to be left alone.
“Cats are often thought of as being a bit aloof, but they do give away some subtle body language cues that show how much they like you. Humans are always keen to feel their pets adore them, but it is important to remember that every cat is an individual, and sadly not all cats will want to interact with you.”
Whilst some cats are lucky enough to have a loving home, others have been waiting a long time to find their forever home. There’s plenty of cats in RSPCA care who are hoping their perfect family will come forward and spread the love this Pal-entine’s Day. To find out more about how to give a cat in need a forever home, visit the RSPCA website.
According to Samantha, the top five ways to tell if your cat enjoys your company are:
RSPCA cat behaviour expert, Samantha Watson, has shed a little light on the mystery of discovering whetehr or not cats love us with identifying five ways cats show affection for their owners.
5. Allogrooming
Samantha said: “Cats lick or groom other cats in their social group to both create a bond and to create a group odour. This scent helps cats to tell who is part of their social group. If your cat licks you, it's a pretty safe sign that they are trying to bond with you. However, owners should be aware of excessive licking, which can be a sign there is something wrong.”