The signs of true loveIt's often easy to spot when cats are being finicky or feisty. But what about when they are showing pure feline affection? What does that look like? We spoke with Dr. Allen Schoen, a veterinarian, behaviorist and author of the best-selling book Kindred Spirits and Vetstreet’s own Dr. Marty Becker, author of Your Cat: The Owner's Manual, to share 10 ways cats deliver love and affection to the people who matter most to them.
"I've been studying animal behavior since 1974 and can say without a doubt that cats can and do bond with their favorite people," declares Dr. Allen Schoen, a veterinarian, behaviorist and author of the best-selling book Kindred Spirits. "I've been fortunate to share my life with some of the sweetest, most loving cats. When they come in contact with us, they are consciously making an inter-species connection."
But the trick is to recognize -- and appreciate -- what they are trying to tell you. Here are ten ways cats show their affection.
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1. Lightly touching her forehead against you.
2. Cheek rubbing you.
3. Twitching the tip of her tail.
4. Holding eye contact and sharing a soft blink.
5. Turning on the purr power.
6. Sitting on you or beside you.
7. Kneading her paws on your lap.
8. Licking your hair and earlobes.
9. Bringing you dead mice, birds and other so-called gifts.
10. Emitting a high-pitched trill.