This is a very important question for cat owners all over the world, do cats feel love? It would be nice to know if your feline companion understands the love you have for him and whether or not those special treats and toys make them feel loved.
Today we’re going to dive into the topic of whether or not cats can feel love. We hope you find this article interesting and learn something new as you dive into learning more about whether cats can feel our love or not.
Cats See Humans as Parents
A study was completed in 2019 that gave scientists the inside scoop on cats and how they view their human companions. Your pet cat sees you as its parent. You’re in charge of making sure they have a place to go potty, a spot to eat, and drink as well as a comfortable spot or two to sleep during the day.
Many of the kittens in this particular study showed that they feel stress whenever their human caregivers left the room. It wasn’t until the caregiver entered the room again that their stress levels decreased.
How do Cats Show Love?
One could make an educated argument that since kittens showed signs of stress when their human companion left the room, that they see us as parents which would mean cats can feel love. But how do cats show love?
Let’s discuss some unique ways your cat shows you that they love you and know you love them.
Slow Blinking
You may notice that when your cat is feeling content that they blink slower than normal. This is their way of showing you that they feel comfortable and are happy to be in the current situation. You can try to blink slowly back to your cat to say “I love you” in return.
Purring
We all know that a cat purring means that you have one happy cat, but did you know this one of the signs that your cat does feel love?! It’s true! If your kitty is snuggled up to you or on their favorite bed purring then chances are your cat is showing you that they love you and are happy in life.
Holding Their Tail High
When it comes to finding out if your cat feels love or not, we must pay attention to their body language. When your cat is holding their tail up high they’re saying they feel confident and happy at this moment. It means quite the opposite if your cat’s tail is puffy and straight-up or wiggly on the ground.
Head and Cheek Bumps
Another way to know that your cat does feel love is when they do head or cheek bumps. This is your feline companion’s way of putting their scent on you, essentially saying that your theirs and they love you.
Belly Flops
Have you ever seen your cat do a belly flop? They just walk right up to you and flop down on the ground as if to say “rub my belly” or “pay attention to me”. This body language is well-known to be a happy language that shows you that your kitty does feel love and wants you to show them a little love with a pet or rub on their body. Don’t rub the belly of a cat who hates belly rubs, that isn’t going to make your pet happy. Just give them a gentle rub to say you love them.
Meowing
Another easy way we’ve learned that cats do feel love is their meowing. We all know that a cat’s meow can be for many reasons but if you find your kitty greets you with a happy meow upon your return from work or entering a room, then chances are that your feline friend is vocalizing their love to you and you should tell them you love them back.
The true key to learning whether your cat feels love or not is to watch their body language. Cats speak to humans through the movement of their tail, eyes, and body more-so than their language. While it’s easy to learn what each of your cat’s meows means, overall, it’s best to say that your cat does know how to feel love and express love but they do it in a different manner than you’d expect.