Now RSPCA cat behaviour specialist Samantha Watson has actually shed a little light on the secret and revealed 5 methods cats reveal love for their owners.
Samantha, clinical officer at the RSPCA said: “There are a variety of methods our cats inform us that they enjoy our business and feel safe with us. Learning to read your cat’s body movement is extremely useful as not just can it reveal you how they feel about you, however it will allow you to find indications of tension and comprehend when they wish to be left alone.
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“Cats are often thought of as being a bit aloof, but they do give away some subtle body language cues that show how much they like you. Humans are always keen to feel their pets adore them, but it is important to remember that every cat is an individual, and sadly not all cats will want to interact with you.”
According to Samantha, the leading 5 methods to inform if your cat enjoys your business.
Headbutts
“Whenever a cat rubs their head or cheek against you, they are actually transferring some of their own scent onto you and marking you as a trusted friend rather than foe” said Samantha.
“By marking you with their scent they are effectively recognising you as part of their social group. Scent is one of the most important senses to a cat, and mixing their scent with yours is a key part of bonding.”
Eye contact and sluggish blinking
“For cats and many other animals, eye contact can be something very threatening, so if your cat is looking at you with relaxed, soft, or almond eyes this is a good indication that they feel comfortable in your company” said Samantha.
“Slow blinking is also a sign your cat is fond of you, that they trust you and don’t feel the need to be on guard in your company. Researchers have found that cats are more likely to approach a person who slow blinks at them. If you want to show them you return their trust, mimic their slow blink back to them.”
Tail up welcoming
“You can inform a lot about how a cat is feeling by taking a look at their tail position and motions. A low swishing tail can suggest they are feeling stressed out or dissatisfied, however a tail pointing upwards with a down curve at the idea is an indication they are actually happy to see you.
“They might even approach you with a short ‘peeping’ or ‘trilling’ sound which is also a sign they are pleased to greet you.”
Social roll and revealing their stomach
“A popular misconception is that when a cat shows you their tummy, they want it rubbed. Stomachs are a very vulnerable area for a cat, and most cats don’t like to be touched there,” includes Samantha.
“When a cat rolls over to show you their belly, they are greeting you and testing out whether they can trust you. A good response is to give them a head rub and show them their trust has been well placed. Don’t be surprised if you get a scratch or a nip in response to stroking their belly!”
Allogrooming
Samantha said: “Cats lick or groom other cats in their social group to both create a bond and to create a group odour. This scent helps cats to tell who is part of their social group. If your cat licks you, it’s a pretty safe sign that they are trying to bond with you. However, owners should be aware of excessive licking, which can be a sign there is something wrong.”
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