Top 10 Ways Your Pets Show You They Love You
#10: Relaxed Ears
Judging the body language of a pet is often one of the easiest ways we, as their owners, can become close with them, and establish strong relationships. Dog owners know this all too well, particularly when it comes to relaxed ears. A comfortable pup should possess a pair of relaxed ears, as opposed to those lying flat against their head, or upright, in an alert position. These loosened ears essentially means that your dog feels relaxed around you, enjoys your company, and probably wants some physical affection, pronto! So, scratch away!
#9: They Pee a Little
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The act of an “excited pee” is another behavior that tends to follow dogs, particularly those who haven’t seen their owners in a little bit. These pups get…well, just a little too excited, as a result, and can occasionally let loose a little, when they’re excited to see you. This is natural, and shouldn’t be admonished, or seen as a sign that they need to go out for a walk. Additionally, most dogs eventually grow out of this sort of behavior, and just keep on showing you love without that little extra gift to go along with it!
#8: Kneading
The act of kneading in cats is one that’s connected to when they were kittens, and feeding from their respective mothers. Adult cats that knead their paws on owners are essentially showing them that they’re enjoying the quality time. These owners shouldn’t be alarmed if the claws are out, either, since this can occasionally be part of the process. Cats love marking their owners with scents, and kneading allows them to do this, potentially, while sitting on a lap, enjoying a movie or some television. However, if your cat is kneading a blanket or rug, then they may just want some food, or be stressed out in some way, and they’re utilizing this behavior as a stress reliever.
#7: Trilling
Hey, have you ever wondered what that little chirping noise is that cats make when they’re not meowing? It’s called trilling, and it’s made by cats who are trying to communicate trust or affection to human beings. Cats generally don’t meow or trill to other cats, so it’s important for us to recognize this unique way of communication! Trilling oftentimes means that your cat really wants to hang out and see you, while other times it can also be expressed when they’re playing with that new toy you bought them!
#6: Eye Contact
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Eye contact can mean different things with different pets. Cats, for example, utilize slow blinks to show their owners a contented form of love. Pet parrots can also pin their eyes at their owners, flashing a happy look in their direction. It’s dogs that perhaps possess the most affecting and long-lasting relationship with eye contact, however, since this becomes such a huge part of the training process. After pet dogs have been trained, they will often continue to stare lovingly at their owners, continuing to develop this huge bond that makes us adore them so much.
#5: Rolling Over
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No, we’re not talking about dogs with this one, although we DO love us some puppy belly rubs! Instead, we’re discussing how cats will occasionally roll over and show their owners their bellies. This is not generally done to invite a scratch or rub on that area, although there are some cats who enjoy this type of reward. Generally speaking, cats who show owners their bellies are doing this to show trust. This is their most vulnerable spot, a place for predators, so a cat showing someone this area is telling that person that they absolutely trust them.
#4: Tail Wags
Everybody knows that cats and dogs are different, and nowhere is this seen better than with the tail wag. A dog doing this means that they’re super excited to see you, but if there’s a cat with a swishy tail, beware! They are NOT in the mood, and should be avoided until they calm down. Felines show love with their tails by sticking them straight up, with a small curly shape on the tip, like a question mark. Meanwhile, dog owners would do well to see if the tails on the pups are wagging more to the right than the left. This usually means that their pet is in a great mood, and wants to show you some love!
#3: Sleeping With You
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Our pets often choose a favorite “person” in the house. This person, as a result, will be that pet’s sleeping partner. Maybe it’s your tabby cat that sleeps on your chest at night. Or that dog at the foot of the bed. Or, maybe you actually don’t want your pet in the bedroom at night, but they sneak inside anyway, and sleep on the floor! This essentially means that they want to be as close to you as possible, and should definitely be seen as a sign of affection. If your cat doesn’t do this, however, don’t worry: if they even curl up next to you when they sleep, that means they trust you to protect them from predators.
#2: Leaning
The act of a pet leaning on you ties in, essentially, with how they’re feeling when they sleep. They trust their owners to keep them safe, and dogs will often lean against their owners at any time of the day. These pups do this to show owners comfortability and trust, but this behavior can also reflect their desire to have you protect them, should they be feeling uneasy about a situation. Even some birds have been known to showcase this behavior to their owners, while domestic cats will also rub and lean against their owners, marking them with their scent. Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions. Preening Your Parrot Wants to Clean You Because It Loves You! Regurgitating! A Truly Gross Way of Showing Affection from Birds Accepting Grabs A Bird Letting You Pick Them Up is Huge Swimming Up to You Yes, Fish Can Love Their Owners! Licking Cats Do It. Dogs Do It. We Love It!
#1: Purring & Vocalizing
Cat owners, perhaps more than any other pet, realize how challenging it can be to read what their pet may be thinking. Nowhere is this showcased better than with the cat’s most common behavior: purring. Some cats do purr when they’re feeling active or agitated, but this behavior generally means that they’re in a good mood and are showing their owners some love and affection. Meowing may be a cat’s most common way of communicating with us, but that contented purr, perhaps combined with some kneading and a gentle head butt, is almost always a good sign from a truly happy feline. What’s your favorite memory from a close pet? Let us know in the comments!
