6 Signs Your Pet Loves You

It’s National Pet Day! epetsure is so excited to celebrate this wonderful day honoring all the amazing pets that we are dedicating a blog post just for this occasion.

Dogs and cats often seem like they are from different planets. They communicate with each other and with us in very different ways. The only thing that remains constant is our unconditional love for them.

However, have you ever wondered if your dog or cat loves you? Sure, you feed them, walk them, play with them and often times snuggle in your bed with them. There’s no question about whether you love them. But, how can you be sure that your furry friend really loves you?

Easy!

Here are 6 common pet behaviors that show just how much they love us.

Cats

1. Head butting. To be on the receiving end of what is called “head bunting” in the cat world, means they trust you and feel safe with you.
2. Kneading. It’s a behavior that stems from kitten-hood and means that your cat adores you.
3. Slow Blinking. Eye contact coupled with slow blinking is like getting a very special kiss from your cat. Mimic the behavior in return to show your cat just how much you love him/her too.
4. Love Bites. If your cat likes to nibble on you, they really have a thing for you. Painful cat bites don’t count, of course. Only the sweet little tickle bites mean love.
5. Licking Your Hair or Ears. If your cat takes the time to groom you, then you have definitely been approved into his/her inner circle. Grooming for cats is one of the most obvious signs of friendship and trust.
6. Tummy Up. It’s not always easy for cats trust, but if a cat is sprawling out in front of you, showing it’s belly, this is a sure sign this kitty feels loved and protected.

Dogs

1. Eye Contact. Between two dogs, this is often considered rude and a sign of aggression. But if a dog gazes at you with relaxed eyes, showing little or no whites, it means he/she is happy and comfortable with you.
2. Your Voice. If a dog comes running to you when called, even if he/she is in the middle of doing something seemingly more interesting, it’s a sure sign he/she is happy to see you.
3. Your Scent. If a dog loves you, then anytime it picks up your scent, it activates the reward center of the dog’s brains. Research has proven that it is similar to how the human brain reacts when seeing photos of loved ones.
4. Tail Wagging. Not all tail wags are happy or friendly, but when the tail is mid-height and the rest of the dog’s body language shows positive signs, it’s clear the dog is happy to see you.
5. Snuggling. With all the different places a dog could rest their head, if they choose your lap, or within arms reach of you, they are definitely seeking quality time and special bonding with their favorite human.
6. Smiling. When a dog’s mouth is open and relaxed, it’s a sure sign of a calm and happy pup.

All pets are unique, so some may not always show these common signs of affection for their human companions. It doesn’t mean they don’t love you, it just means they have a different way of showing it.

Do you and your furry friend have a special bonding ritual not listed in this blog post? Tell us in the comments section below, or write to us on our Facebook page. We’d love to hear from you and your fur baby!