If you have one or more pets at home, you probably wonder if they love you and if you are doing everything right to make sure they are happy.
To help you see things more clearly, discover the 7 signs that prove your pet, dog or cat, loves you and is happy with you!
1/ Your dog or cat sleeps with you
If your pet does you the honor of sleeping near you, it undoubtedly means they care about you. Indeed, when they sleep, animals are vulnerable, so they seek to feel safe and protected. Sleeping near you reassures them because they know you're there to watch over them. It's therefore a good sign of their trust and attachment to you.
2/ Your pet shows you its belly
Your pet's belly is the most sensitive part of their body. It's where most of the organs essential for life are located. So, if they show it to you as if offering something, it means they love you and know you won't hurt them. You can take our word for it, animals don't show their little bellies to just anyone!
And if you also get the right to pet or scratch him, it's a real honor that your little one is doing you!
3/ He gives you gifts
For a cat, bringing prey back to its owner is a definite sign of affection. Indeed, a mother cat brings prey to her kittens so they can eat. So, if your cat brings you a mouse (yes, it's not always a very pleasant gift), thank him and wait until he can't see you anymore before disposing of it. You might upset him!
For a dog, greeting you with its favorite toy in its mouth or bringing you its toy is also a sign that it likes you very much. Observe it closely and you'll see that it doesn't bring its toy to just anyone!
4/ Your dog or cat licks you
It's commonly believed that when a dog licks us, it's their way of giving kisses. It is indeed a demonstration of affection from your four-legged friend. However, you don't have to let them lick your face, as it's not very hygienic!
It's less well-known, but cats can also give us licks. Yes, when you cuddle your cat, it might start licking your hand. This means it enjoys your affection and wants to take care of you. Some cats also groom their owners, especially their fur.
He might even go so far as to nibble you to show you how pleased he is. That's yet another sign of his love!
5/ He looks at you intently
Cat owners are generally familiar with this display of affection from their feline friend. If your cat gazes at you and slowly crinkles its eyes, it's a sort of affectionate smile. So, don't hesitate to return the favor by doing the same. Look at it tenderly and gently crinkle your eyelids. It's quite possible it will respond.
In dogs, eye contact is also a sign of affection. If your dog loves you, you mean everything to him, and therefore he'll look at you constantly. He might even gaze intently into your eyes. These looks are all proof of his love for you!
6/ Its tail is raised
In both dogs and cats, a raised tail carried high is a sign of happiness and good humor. It shows that the dog feels comfortable and confident with you. However, contrary to popular belief, a wagging tail isn't always a happy dog.
To be more precise, in dogs, tail movements from left to right indicate that your pooch is in a happy mood.
In cats, if they carry their tail in a question mark shape (that is, raised with the tip slightly curved), it means that they are happy at your place (well, at their place) and with you.
7/ He follows you like a shadow
If your faithful companion loves and appreciates you, he will seek your company. This doesn't necessarily mean he'll demand cuddles. He may simply be content to lie down or sit near you. Others, more demonstrative, will snuggle up to you, perhaps even rubbing their cheeks or resting their head on you.
If your dog or cat follows you around the house from room to room, it's definitely a sign of affection. They can't bear to be away from you for too long.
Other proofs of love exist
We have just listed all the expressions of love that are common to cats and dogs. But there are others.
For example, in cats, purring can express contentment. Therefore, if your kitten purrs while on your lap, it means it's comfortable. It might also knead you with its front paws. This kneading mimics the gesture kittens make when nursing from their mother. It's a good indicator that your cat feels completely at ease and enjoys your company.
For a dog, celebrating your return is also undeniable proof of its affection for you. It means it's very happy you're there and that it missed you.
As you can see, the ways your four-legged friend shows you love are numerous and varied. So, how many signs of love do you receive from your pet? Tell us in the comments!
