Today is International Cat Day! Taking place on 8 August of every year. It was created in 2002 by the International Fund for Animal Welfare. It is a day to raise awareness for cats and learn about ways to care for and protect them. It is no secret that here in the UK we are a nation of cat lovers, in fact 24% of UK adults own a cat with an estimated population of 10.9 million pet cats residing here! However, moggies tend to get a bit of a bad rep for being more aloof or less affectionate than their canine counterparts. Whilst it’s true that cats are often less obvious in their affections than dogs, we don't think that means they love us any less! So, carry on reading if you want to find out 5 common ways that your cat is telling you they love you...
Grooming
Multiple scientific studies show that if your cat enjoys giving you a bath it is because they see you as a member of their feline family, albeit an over-grown, furless one, and so they are trying to take care of you. Animals often groom one another as a way of bonding. So next time you get licked or groomed by your cat, just know that your feline friend is trying to show you some love.
Eye Contact
Cats usually dislike eye contact, interpreting direct eye contact from a stranger - whether they are feline or human - as a threatening behaviour. If your cat happily looks you in the eye then that means they are totally comfortable with you and know that you are their friend. If they blink slowly whilst making eye contact then rest assured that they totally adore you, as this is a cat's ultimate display of love!
Bringing you 'gifts'
Though it might be unpleasant to receive some of the 'gifts' your cat brings home, this is actually a sign that they love you and are trying to take care of you. When your cat presents you with a feathered gift, they are treating you the same way they would one of their kittens. In short, they're teaching you how to hunt because they're never seen you catch your food and they want to make sure you know how!
Headbutting
Cats mark their territory by using the scent glands on their cheeks and head that leave behind their own distinctive smell. By headbutting you or rubbing their head and cheeks against you, your cat is lovingly marking you as theirs, whilst also reminding you who is in charge, of course!
Meowing
Did you know that cats very rarely meow at one another? In fact, it is often thought that our feline friends use their meow to specifically communicate with people! And, just like us, your cat is unlikely to talk to you if they don’t like you (unless they want something!) If your cat does meow (even when they are well-fed and content) then they are trying to talk to you. All good things, I'm sure.
If you'd like to learn more about your cat's behaviour, you can read our previous blog post here.