How to tell if your dog or cat loves you
BY Blue Cross
21st Feb 2024 Animals & Pets
3 min read
The British public share a
special bond with our pets, so here’s how to tell if your dog or cat loves you. Is it puppy love?
While you may get flowers or a
card from the person you love on Valentine's Day, it can be hard to know how our
four-legged friends feel about us.
Our cats and dogs can’t tell us how they feel so what are the
signs that show that you share a special bond with your pet rather than them
just seeing you as a feeding machine?
Signs your dog loves you
Soft eye contact
Think about when someone stares at you, how awkward and
uncomfortable you can feel, it’s the same for dogs.
"When your pet looks at you with soft relaxed eyes, they trust you and are happy "
So, when your pet chooses to look at you with soft relaxed eyes,
they trust you and are happy in your company, having accepted you as
non-threatening.
And, it could be argued, that trust is the highest form of love
you can receive.
Tail wagging
A dog wagging its tail is often a sign of happiness. Credit: Helena Lopes
A wagging tail can display a whole range of emotions from your dog
but you’ll know when it’s a sign of love when they treat you to a full body
wiggle. This will start at their shoulders and carry on through to the tip of
their tail. Their tail will spin around in circular motins like helicopter
propellers.
This type of tail wagging is usually reserved for people that are
special to them, seen most when dogs see their owners—need we say more?
Cuddles (on your pet’s terms)
Your dog can choose to curl up wherever they like so when they
cuddle into you they are actively choosing you.
"It can vary from full body cuddles, to leaning into you to ask for some love"
This can vary from full body cuddles, to them leaning into you to
ask for some love. However any cuddles must always be on your pet’s terms. Some dogs
will find having someone’s arms around them stressful and restrictive and this
may cause your dog to shy away from close contact with you.
Happy greeting
Being welcomed home by your pet is a sign they're happy to see you. Credit: Samson Katt
It’s great to be welcomed home by our pet and your dog isn’t doing
this for the sake of it, it’s a sign that they are genuinely happy to see you.
This is also the case if your dog greets you when they are already
wrapped up in another activity, like playing or eating. We all know how much
they like their treats, so you know you’re well-loved if they choose you over
that!
Licking you
Your dog may lick you for a variety of reasons but one of them is
affection. They are ultimately seeking attention from you because they want to
interact with you, and licking you is a very quick way to get your attention.
Signs your cat loves you
Headbutting
Cats usually only bump heads with members of the same social group
to reinforce their bond. They have scent glands in their cheeks and head which
allows them to create a group scent when they headbutt and rub against each
other.
"They have scent glands in their cheeks and head which allows them to create a group scent "
So, when they headbutt you, they are essentially seeing you as one
of their family and are trying to mingle their smell with yours. In cat
language, that’s love.
Kneading
If your cat kneads you they
could be drawing a connection from the secure relationship they had with
their mother, to the relationship they have with you.
Licking or grooming you
Cats lick you to show you're part of their social group. Credit: Tranmautritam
Cats will lick other cats in
their social group, partly to create a bond, but also because licking other
cats within the group creates a group odour. The group smell helps domesticated
and feral cats to tell who is in their social group.
"Cats lick others in their social group, to create a bond and a group smell"
So, your cat is probably
licking you because they know they’re a part of your family.
Sleeping with you
When cats sleep near you it's a sign of trust. Credit: Sornbhakkanut Boonprasop
Cats sleep a lot by nature and
will often take themselves away to a nice quiet and safe spot. Cats make
themselves vulnerable when they sleep so if they choose to sleep near you this
is a sign of trust.
Claire Stallard, Animal Behaviourist at Blue Cross, said:
“Our pets have become our best friends, part of the family, our trusted and
loyal companions.
“Once you get to know your pet and learn to read and understand
their language, you just might notice the signs that show you just how much
they enjoy you being around.”
For more expert pet tips visit bluecross.org.uk
Banner photo: Richard Brutyo
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