Paws and Hearts: The Art of Affection in Our Furry Friends
Is there anything better than slobbery kisses from a playful puppy or warm snuggles with a fluffy kitty? These precious moments when we sense our pet’s unconditional love are priceless, and returning that affection is an important part of bonding with your pet.
At Animal Care Unlimited, we are committed to the physical and emotional wellbeing of every pet in our care. To help pet families recognize the signs of pet affection so they can connect with their pets on a deeper level, our team has put together some tips to help you speak the love language of pets.
What’s My Pet Trying to Tell Me?
When it comes to signs of pet affection, it’s often pet body language that does the talking. Here are some of the ways your pet declares, “I love you,” without saying a word:
All They Want is You
Does your pet wait with bated breath for you to take your place on the couch so she can leap into your lap? Do you feel followed as you move about the house? Some pets just can’t get enough of their favorite people, and this is simply their way of saying, “You’re the best!”
Your Cat is a Biscuit Baker
Kneading behavior is an instinct remaining from kittenhood when they would knead their mamas to stimulate milk production. If your cat kneads you, it means she feels secure and content, and of course, that she loves you.
Your Pooch Loves to Smooch
There are a lot of theories surrounding why dogs love to lick just about anything, so let’s look at context. If you’re welcomed home with a wet kiss or given a loving lick during cuddle time, it’s clearly one of the unspoken signs of pet affection, and it means your pet is happy to be with his favorite human. If your dog’s licking suddenly becomes obsessive, however, it could be a sign of a medical or behavioral problem.
Your Pet Delivers Presents
Some animals declare their love by leaving little “presents” at the feet of their people. When your cat proudly plops her prey (real or pretend) at your feet, she’s saying, “You’re the cat’s meow.”
They Use Their Words
Some signs of pet affection do appear in the form of “spoken” declarations of love, especially when it comes to cats. When you’re cuddling with your kitten and you hear her motor humming, it means she’s immensely content. Likewise, an excited yip from your pup when you enter the room means he adores you.
Understanding Pet Behavior
Learning how to read pet body language and how pets express love contributes to bonding with your pet. We hope you’ve enjoyed learning how to decode the love language of pets. Please contact us at (614) 766-2317 if it’s time for your pet’s checkup.