How to Love a Cat and Be Loved in Return

Few would argue against a feline’s natural beauty, grace, and intelligence. They’re undoubtedly one of the few creatures that seem to have “tamed” us – instead of the other way around. Nowadays, cat lovers not only accept them as close companions, but we embrace all their funny proclivities and oddball behaviors. Still, it can be hard to love a cat and understand the ways cats return the feeling.

Let Me Count the Ways

First, let’s take a quick look at some of the many ways cats show their undying affection for the people who feed, groom, and love them:

• Kneading – If your cat hops on your lap every time you sit down and begins to press on you rhythmically with the front paws, he or she loves you.
• Rubbing up against you – Whenever you’re standing around, does your cat brush up against your calves? What about head butts? Again, that’s cat love!
• Unblinking eyes – It’s been said that you should never hold a cat’s gaze because they view it as a confrontation. However, if a staring contest ends with a long, slow kitty blink, your cat is showing trust and love.
• Happy tails – You probably know that a happy, relaxed cat will walk around with his or her tail straight up. Many cats do this as soon as they see their special person.
• Show me the belly – Sure, some cats do not enjoy a belly rub, but if you know one who gets into it, it’s because you’ve earned the enormous trust it takes to be vulnerable like that.

Other Cat Body Language

You can definitely show that you love a cat by understanding his or her body language and showing consideration for certain behaviors or feelings.

Pay close attention to the position of the ears, the sound of a particular meow, and body positioning. As we mentioned above, a vertical tail is a happy one; a low-lying, slow-flicking tail is not.

Love a Cat Like This

You can also show that you love a cat by paying extra attention to specific needs. For starters, keep a routine going strong for your cat that includes precise meal and exercise times. Remember, while your cat cannot tell time, he or she is specially tuned into the moments when you’ll be home and when you typically leave every day.

You can also express that you love a cat by:

• Giving him or her attention and affection
• Cleaning out the litter box after each use
• Talking to him or her (yes, meows are acceptable)
• Brush your cat’s fur out regularly and trim the nails
• Commit to dental care
• Crate train
• Play together every day using toys that really spark predatory instincts
• Attend wellness visits every year or 6 months
• Update vaccinations and keep parasite prevention current
• Keep your cat indoors (build a catio!)

Cats will always have a special place in our hearts, and we hope that you’ll also love a cat throughout life. They’re sweet, friendly, and adorable animals who deserve the best care and protection we can provide. If our veterinarians can help you towards that end, we’d love to hear from you.