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Cats/How do cats show love?

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Expert: - 9/5/2011


Question
Hi. I hope this doesn't sound like a silly question, but how do you know if your cat loves you? How do cats typically show affection/love to their owners? Thanks.

Answer
Hi Dee Dee,

This is a controversial subject, actually! Since science will never be able to prove that cats love in the same way that humans do, there are those who reject the idea that cats are capable of feeling emotions similar to love. However, those of us who have bonded with a cat or have spent time observing them raising their own families will generally agree that cats most certainly do feel love.

The best way we have to determine that our cats are showing us affection is to look at how they bond with one another. When they also treat us with those bonding behaviors, it makes sense that they are accepting us as their family and treating us with love. Some behaviors include grooming us, sleeping next to us (or on us), rubbing up against us or pressing their heads to us. If your cat goes outdoors, even bringing a mouse or bird to your doorstep can be a sign of affection. It's like providing for the family.

Hope that helps!

Jessica

Cats

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Jessica

Expertise

The areas in which I have gained the most experience are cat health and feral cat management/rescue. I provide supportive care to chronically ill cats, hospice care to terminally ill cats and also am involved in trap-neuter-return efforts. My specialities lie in taming feral cats and in the allopathic treatment of cats with illnesses or special needs. I also have owned Siamese, Himalayans, Abyssinians, Russian Blues, Savannahs, Bengals, Peterbalds, Don Sphynx and Oriental Shorthairs and am well-versed in cat breeds as well as cat behavior and nutrition.

Experience

I have 15 years of extensive experience with cats ranging from breeding to medical care. My daily routine consists of caring for cats with diabetes, thyroid disease, kidney failure, feline leukemia, feline AIDS as well as feral cats. I have experience with liver patients, heart patients, feline infectious peritonitis, cancer, recovery from amputation and trauma, congenital deformities and most every disease in between. I have assisted cats giving birth and hand-nursed kittens who were neglected by their mother from 2 days old through weaning.

Education/Credentials
15 years' hands-on experience

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