How Can We Tell the Cat Loves Us?

For those new to cats, deciphering the cat’s signals can seem daunting. We all grow up seeing, or having, dogs wag their tails and jump all over us, and learn this means they are happy.

But cats? Many people are puzzled by cats.

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Cats are subtle.

But that doesn’t mean it is difficult to tell. It means we don’t know what to look for. Cats best project their state of happiness by being happy. What do cats do when they are happy?

Are they lying around in full view? Are they stretched out over prominent pieces of furniture? Do they appear when we do something they find interesting? In short… are they noticeable?

As we become adept at noticing the cat, we notice how well the cat enjoys being noticed. Meeting eyes, brushing by each other in the hallway, or studying us from a comfy spot are all cat compliments. If we do not acknowledge these in some way, we are not being friendly.

We encourage the cat to notice us by noticing them.

Saying their name or sharing a facial expression with our cats is a fun way to draw out any cat. It is especially appreciated by shy cats who need some encouragement. In return, cats will advance to more assertive ways to notice us, like discussing it with us or pointedly walking over our spheres of activity, and our persons.

We shape our communication by objecting to each other’s most obnoxious part in the transaction, and we get a routine that we both like.

In the couple of hours leading up to dinnertime, all of our cats come up with ways to discuss this important matter. This is an easy way to interact with the cats, enjoy each other’s company, and get some petting in.

Cats will put a paw on our arm, or talking, or both, as Mr. Bond is doing now. At some point, I’ll pick him up for a hug. He has to feel acknowledged throughout the process. This is how we both keep our doors open for the ongoing relationship.

So don’t short-circuit our cat training by not taking these opportunities when we can. This allows us to manage the cat’s needs in a way which also fits our schedule.

Just as they show affection in ways that work for them, they accept affection from us in ways that work for us.

It only takes either of us to recognize that the signals might be different… but the love is the same.

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There’s more ways to get our cat to be affectionate in The Way of Cats than the article you are reading now. See all of my CAT AFFECTION posts.