How to Show Love to Cats

Many people, especially those who don’t like cats, think that cats are aloof, aloof and indifferent rather than lovable. Although cats show less affection than dogs, cats still want to receive and reciprocate affection for their owners. By being responsive to your cat’s needs, and knowing how to understand and respond to your cat’s expressions, you can learn how to show affection to them.

Table of Contents

Recognizing and Responding to Emotions

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Present next to the cat. Many dogs respond to their owners’ attention by running, barking, and sticking out their tongues happily. Cats like to be able to decide for themselves how and when to show affection, although sometimes they may want you to initiate it first. ^{[1] X Research Source}

It’s hard for cats to show affection if you’re never around, so whenever possible, show up next to your cat. Simply being in the same room as your cat gives your cat a chance to show you affection and show signs of wanting you in return.
Talk to your cat while spending time together. Whether or not your cat can understand what you’re saying, talking provides an opportunity for interaction, and the cat will likely respond to you in their preferred way.
If your cat spends a long time alone, play with her before you go outside, and provide her with an environment where she can entertain herself, such as toys and a high enough place to sit. Cats can observe life outside. Then make sure you play with the cat when you get home.

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Let the cat accept you. While most cats are content to be alone, that doesn’t mean cats like to be alone. A cat that wants to include you in its “circle” will also look for signs of agreement on your part. ^{[2] X Research Source}

The common act of brushing against a cat’s owner (also known as marking”) — usually a full body scrub from head to tail — is a way for cats to mark you with their scent. Cats secrete pheromones from glands in their cheeks, and use this scent to mark possession of you. As long as you accept this act of marking, you have shown affection to the cat by accepting their affection.

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Appreciate being loved by cats. Like humans, cats love to give gifts to people they have a crush on, even though those gifts could be a dead rat on a pillow – rather than a bouquet of roses. If you’re lucky, your gift might just be a toy your cat loves. ^{[3] X Research Sources}

If your cat sleeps on you or near you, it’s also a sign of affection. Cats, like many other animals, become more vulnerable when they’re asleep, and they need to truly trust your affection and protection to sleep so close to you. So, even if you don’t like sharing a bed with your cat, it can help you show your appreciation and affection for your cat. ^{[4] X Research Sources}

READ More: How to Cuddle a Cat

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Watch for signs of trust. In addition to showing trust by sleeping next to you, a cat can also show affection through actions that expose their weaknesses, such as stretching and exposing their belly to you. . ^{[5] X Research Sources}

However, you should be careful, many cats turn their stomachs out but don’t really want you to pet them there. Watch for signs that the cat wants to be petted, or you can gently stroke the cat’s belly to see if it scratches or bites you.
You should still remember that sometimes the best way to show affection to your cat is to let them show you affection and accept it.

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Be proactive when needed. While many cats aren’t afraid to show affection, there are some cats that are apathetic because they want you to be the first to show them – or at least you have to figure out the right way for them to show it. feel for you. Some cats want you to show interest first. ^{[6] X Research Sources}

Appearing in overwhelming bulk is an act that frightens cats; that’s what predators usually do before they attack. Get down to the level of the cat. You can sit or crouch so the cat can face you. When petting a cat, instead of reaching up and down (which looks a bit like a hawk pounce on prey), bring your hand from the side to the side or from the bottom, and slowly raise your hand above the cat’s body.
Don’t chase a scared cat. Many cats will be more approachable if you ignore them. When they get close to you, let them smell you before you touch them. If your cat’s ears are tucked behind its head, it means they don’t like what you’re doing, so stop and try something they might like.
Always let the cat sniff your hand, if the cat slips away, then don’t pet it. If the cat rubs your hand, the cat is wanting to be petted.

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Recognize signs of affection. Some cats love to be petted, some tolerate it, and some don’t like it at all. The best way to know this is to gently stroke the cat in a “safe” position such as along the spine and observe the cat’s reaction. For example, grunting is a good sign. A little petting a cat that doesn’t like being petted can stress the cat and not see the action as affection. ^{[7] X Research Sources}

You can encourage the act of “marking” by keeping your index finger at the cat’s eye level, a short distance away, or even when you’re on the other side of the room. Most cats will take that as a sign that you want to be petted and marked. ^{[8] X Research Sources}
A “cat kiss”—slow blinking or half-closed eyes—is a sign of your cat’s affection and is easy to reciprocate. You can also do the same yourself first and wait for your cat to respond. ^{[9] X Research Source}

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Play with cats. As with any other friend, sharing quality time together and having fun together is a classic sign of affection. Cats love to play; Find out what activities your cat enjoys best and spend time each day playing together. ^{[10] X Trusted Source The Humane Society of the United States Go to Source}

Most cats love to play catch, so toys like fake mice or scraps of paper can be a fun game. A ping pong ball attached to a string, or a laser pen projected onto the floor (but not into the cat’s eyes) can give your cat a fun workout.
Cats love to climb and scratch, so buy a cat claw pole, which can attach a toy or target at the top for an extra challenge. Many cats like to hide in things like cardboard boxes to jump out and pounce on toys. ^{[11] X Research Source}
Play for a short period of time each time, and distribute multiple plays throughout the day. Don’t force your cat to play or exercise, or the playtime will quickly lose its fun. Cats also tend to get bored quickly, so mix games and playstyles often. However, always keep an eye on your cat’s reactions – no two cats have the same taste in play.
Spending time playing not only helps prevent the risk of injury in your cat – choking on things like ropes, for example – but it also helps train your cat and strengthens the bond between you and your little one. mine.
Cat grass is completely harmless and cats love it too.

Show affection to cats through care

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Proper care of cats. If it’s often said that the shortest way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, that’s also a way to show love (and get it in return) to cats.

It’s best to talk to your veterinarian about your cat’s nutritional needs, but in general, most cats need 3 to 4 small meals a day, preferably cat foods. of high quality. Some human foods are suitable for cats, but some are not, so you should ask your veterinarian. ^{[12] X Trusted Source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Go to source}
Feed your cat responsibly. Don’t give your cat junk food that provides too many calories and then have to reduce the cat’s main intake to compensate.
Do not give your cat milk. Cats can’t digest cow’s milk, and you should instead give your cat clean water (i.e., keep the cat’s water bowl full 24/7).

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Give your cat some privacy. Cats are usually friendlier than people think, but they still love to have some privacy. ^{[13] X Trusted Source The Humane Society of the United States Go to Source}

Although your cat often likes to sleep on you or next to you, you should still prepare a quiet, comfortable, and private place for your cat to rest. Old (but clean) blankets, sheets, and pillows can be very helpful.
Similarly, your cat’s litter box should also be located in an easily accessible but quiet place, and must be cleaned daily. If you have more than one cat, buy extra sand pots (three for two cats, for example) to prevent them from fighting over sovereignty.

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Take your cat to the vet as recommended. Your cat may not see this as an act of affection right now, but in the long run, what could be more emotional than doing whatever it takes to help her have a happy, healthy, and long life?

Cat care recommendations can vary based on factors such as age, health condition, and clinic preferences, but it is common to have a checkup once or twice a year.
From a young age, make sure you keep your cat fully vaccinated.
Read articles on the topic of Cat Care for detailed information on health care and warning signs of illness in cats.

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Grooming the cat. Cats are very adept at maintaining body hygiene and grooming themselves. However, your proper help will be very helpful and (at least sometimes) will be grateful to the cat. ^{[14] X Trusted Source The Humane Society of the United States Go to Source}

Most cats will let you brush their coat if you do it gently with the right tools. Use a round-headed brush for long-haired cats and a bristle brush for short-haired cats. Brush your cat’s coat to minimize tangles. There are specialized combs and tools for more sensitive areas like around the eyes.
Grooming also provides a great opportunity to check for lice and ticks.
Although not as important, brushing your cat’s teeth and/or taking her to the vet’s dental office is also a good thing. Articles on the topic of Cat Care also have a lot of information about dental hygiene for cats.

Warning

Although cats may enjoy playing with rubber bands and hair bands, they can also swallow these items, which is very dangerous. Avoid letting cats come into contact with them.
Be sure to supervise cats closely when they play with stringed or similar toys. If swallowed, they will cause serious damage to the cat’s intestines. If your cat has swallowed them, do not try to pull the string out of the cat’s mouth.
Don’t irritate the cat. If the cat starts baring its teeth or hissing or wagging its tail rapidly, back away and change your approach. You can try again with an item that is less threatening to the cat.

Steps

Recognizing and Responding to Emotions

Show affection to cats through care

Warning

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