It can sometimes be difficult to determine how your pet feels about you, but luckily a veterinarian has revealed the common signals that will reveal how your cat or dog truly feels about you
If you’ve got a cat or dog, you’ll know the tremendous amount of love that having a pet can bring. Besides, dogs have long been known as being man’s best friend.
When you spend so much time with your beloved pets, it can be natural to start wondering just exactly what they’re thinking. From whether they’re feeling happy to whether they understand everything that’s going on, another common question to think about is whether your cat or dog is as interested in you as you are in them.
Luckily, an expert has revealed the exact signs that show whether your pet dog or cat loves you – and they’re simpler than you may think. Tesco Insurance has partnered with Natasha Watson, a veterinarian at Vetfone, to share the top 10 ways to tell if your dog or cat loves you.
According to her, there’s a variety of ways to determine whether your dog is keen on you. “Dogs have a unique way of expressing their love and affection. From wagging their tails to giving you gentle cuddles, their actions speak volumes,” she says.
“They are very social animals who are great at understanding human emotions and will often learn to mirror them. By recognising the signs your dog shows to let you know just how much they adore you, you can deepen your bond with your furry companion,” she explained.
One easy way to tell whether your dog likes you is to look at their tail. If they wag their tail in a slightly upright side-to-side motion, it can indicate happiness and contentment – so if they do this when greeting you, it’s likely they’re big fans of yours. Prolonged eye contact is another telltale sign, as is a pup sharing toys with you.
Elsewhere, it’s a good sign if you ever find your dog cuddling in or leaning on you as canines will do this with people they feel comfortable with. Similarly, if you ever see your dog following you from room to room, chances are they’re just showing their affection as they want to be near you.
Dogs are also naturally protective of people they love, so if your dog ever looks as if they’re guarding you, it can be a demonstration of their loyalty. They might even ‘talk’ to you using barks or whines to try and express their emotions.
Other signs your dog loves you include them jumping up, responding well to your recalls or mirroring your expressions.
When it comes to cats, while they’re stereotypically less expressive than dogs, they’re still known for showing their affection. “While dogs are known to be very expressive, cats tend to show their affection through subtle cues with their body language. However, their quieter communication style does not mean they do not love humans, that’s often a big misconception,” said Natasha.
“Many cat owners, enthusiasts, and experts will attest to this – they are capable of forming incredibly strong connections with humans. Understanding their signals can help strengthen your bond with your pet, while also making you more aware of the hints they give when they’re unhappy or unwell.”
Among these hints, a cat’s eyes can be an easy way to judge how they’re feeling. As the animals often communicate with their facial expressions and eyes, if a cat slowly blinks it can show them displaying their trust and affection.
Meanwhile, just like dogs, if a cat holds their tail high they’re likely to be happy to see you. And while head butts might seem aggressive, a cat that rubs or head butts you can signal that it sees you as one of them.
Other signs to look out for are grooming, kneading and meowing and purring. When a cat shows you their belly or their bottom, it can also be a good sign as they’re displaying their vulnerability to you.