A furry head-butt from your feline friend or an adoring stare from your dog makes you feel all warm and fuzzy. But is your pet telling you they love you, or is it just a coincidence? Some people question whether dogs and cats truly love their humans. However, science backs up what smitten pet parents have known all along. Yes, our pets love us.
The Science of Puppy Love (and Smitten Kittens)
The next time you’re in a debate about how much your pet loves you, consider these interesting tidbits. A study published in Science showed a mutual release of oxytocin (the “love hormone”) when dogs and their owners gazed into each other's eyes.
Cats also showed a boost in oxytocin during positive interactions with their humans. Although cats tend to be a bit more subtle in their response. Another study suggests that dogs and cats get to know their owners, distinguishing them from strangers, similar to an infant-caregiver attachment.
Can Pets Feel Love Like Humans?
Studies are ongoing about how pets display love. Many animal behaviorists agree that dogs and cats are capable of forming deep social bonds with people. In dogs, this love often presents itself as loyalty and protectiveness. Cats typically show their affection by sharing space, treating their humans as oversized fellow cats.
Dogs and cats may not express love the same way as humans, but that doesn’t mean they don’t feel affection. So when your pet does something that makes you think how much they love you, you’re not imagining it. Dogs and cats can and do love their humans, but they show their affection in different ways.
Six Ways Dogs Show Affection
For thousands of years, humans have bred dogs to live closely with them. Dogs are companions, work partners, hunting buddies, faithful guards, and playmates.
People have trusted dogs with jobs, responsibilities, and their hearts, and dogs have developed plenty of ways to demonstrate their love and loyalty. Of course, some dog breeds are more affectionate than others. But if your dog exhibits any of the following signs, they’re likely telling you they’re head-over-paws for you.
1. The Happy Tail Wag
Dogs communicate in many ways, and tail wagging is a big part of their body language. A wagging tail can signal a variety of emotions depending on the speed, position, and direction of the tail.
A soft, relaxed tail that swings easily is a sign of affection. If your dog starts to speed up their wag and get their whole backside involved, they're super excited to see you.
2. Licking
Dogs lick for a lot of reasons, including nervousness and stress. However, they also lick to show affection, reminiscent of how puppies lick their mom for attention. As with any behavior, it’s all about context. If your dog is licking you and seems relaxed and happy, then it’s a positive sign.
3. Following You Around
Sure, your dog might be following your every move because it’s dinner time, but they also want to be close to you. Dogs are pack animals and desire to be around those they love and trust. Your pup might follow you from room to room, wait outside the bathroom for you, or simply lie at your feet to show their loyalty.
4. Eye Contact
Dogs tend to avoid contact when they get stressed, nervous, or scared. If your pup holds your gaze in a relaxed, calm environment, they trust you. This stare triggers the release of oxytocin previously mentioned.
5. Bringing You Gifts
When your dog drops their favorite ball at your feet or brings you a random stick, you may assume they want to play. However, this act isn’t always a playtime invitation. Sometimes, your dog just wants to share something with you that’s important to them because they love you.
6. Leaning or Sitting Against You
If your pup sits against you or leans on you, they’re claiming you as their safe space. It shows trust and vulnerability, and it’s a display of affection.
Six Ways Cats Show Affection
Cats get a bad rap for being distant and aloof, which makes a lot of people assume they don’t care about humans. The typical joke is that cats view humans as servants more than companions. However, cat lovers know that their fur babies are loving and sweet; they’re just more subtle about it.
1. Blinking Slowly
When you stare at your cat and they stare back and give you a few slow blinks, it’s a sign of affection. Some cat parents call this a cat kiss. Your pet trusts you and feels safe and content.
2. Purring
Purring is a classic sign of feline happiness, especially when they're being petted. A purr can signal pain or anxiousness, but if your cat’s purring in a calm environment, then they’re saying they feel quite content.
3. Head Butts and Rubbing
When your cat bumps their head against you or rubs their cheeks on you, they’re saying, “You belong to me.” That’s a big deal. Your cat’s marking you with their scent glands, claiming you as their own, and showing everyone that they want to keep you.
4. Kneading
Kittens knead their mothers for milk, repeating the motion when they’re older as a sign of comfort and security. Cats will knead plenty of soft surfaces, including you, showing that they feel at ease.
5. Following You
It may not be exactly like a dog following on your heels, but cats often show their affection by keeping tabs on your location. If your cat chooses to nap near you, watch you from a doorway, or follow you into the next room, it’s a sign they enjoy being around you.
6. Leaving You Presents
Ever opened up your front door to find a dead bird on the porch? This sign of affection may not be the most thrilling one for humans, but for your cat, it's a major show of love. In the wild, cats bring prey to different members of their group, so when you get a gift, it’s a sign that your cat sees you as one of the family.
Your Pet Loves You, So Love Them Back
Okay, so your dog or cat loves you, but how do you return the affection? Overall, being kind to your pet, talking to them in a positive voice, and petting them are all surefire ways to tell your dog or cat you love them.
Respect your dog's and cat’s body language. If they seem like they want to be alone, give them their space. Get to know your pet. Not every dog likes to be hugged or have a belly rub. Provide your pet with food, water, and a comfortable place to sleep.
Establish a routine for meals, playtime, potty breaks, taking walks, etc. These things help build trust.
Playing with your pet is also a great way to strengthen your bond and show them how much you enjoy being with them. As you show your pet love, they’ll send you their own unique love letters, whether it’s a contented stare, a slow blink, or a boisterous tail wag.
Get more tips and insight into all things pets by checking out the rest of the Neater Pets blog.