Whether it’s a “Be Mine” candy heart, a fancy diamond ring, or just being by their side for 50 years, humans have many ways to express their love for that person. special in their life. But how do you know you’re “the one” for your pet? Here are some say-tail signs that your pet thinks you are his purr-fect person.
It’s more than puppy love
If there’s one word to describe most dogs’ emotions, it’s “expressive.” Dog parents can easily tell that those big, wide eyes and quick little tail wiggles are begging, “Just one more treat, pwease.” And that bowed head that turned away said, “I’m sowwy to chew the couch cushion.”
Showing that they like you is usually just as expressive. He rushes to the door as soon as you walk in, whether you’ve been gone for five minutes or five hours. It’s lying with their head in your lap when you’re not feeling well. It’s shoving your way under the blanket so they can snuggle up to you on a cold night – OK, that one may have an ulterior motive.
Your dog may also want to be by your side. All. THE. Time. In the kitchen when you’re trying to cook dinner, in the bathroom when you’re doing… whatever, in the living room when you’re trying to clean the house (except maybe when you have the dreaded vacuum cleaner running). They will follow you around and when you stop moving they may lean on you or sit on your feet. Bending down and sitting on the feet can have other meanings, but affection is one of the reasons dogs do this.
However he shows it, your dog is making it pretty clear that you are his human and that he loves you. Cats, on the other leg…
Your cat probably loves you
Some cats are aloof and barely recognize their owner’s presence, but research shows they’re probably related to you in their own way. Cats tend to be a little less obvious when expressing their feelings for you, but there are signs you can look for.
There are many cats that TO DO love to snuggle up. Their loud purrs are usually a good sign that they’re happy and satisfied with you, although it’s important to know that their purrs don’t always mean they’re happy. If your cat likes to rub their paws, chin, or cheeks against you, that’s another sign you’re right for them. These body parts have scent glands and this is their way of telling other cats that you are their person.
Another sign that your cat likes you is when he brings you gifts. These could be great gifts, like their favorite stuffed animal or their lattice ball. But it could also be not-so-nice (in your opinion) gifts, like a dead animal — or perhaps worse, one that’s still alive and now loose in your home. Your cat brings you these gifts because you are part of his family and he wants to share his “food” with you. They can also show off their hunting skills and encourage you to come and learn to hunt with them. Although this is their way of expressing love, it may not be the way you want to receive their love. Otherwise, you can try equipping them with a detachable collar with a bell attached to reduce the chances of a successful hunt and gruesome gift-giving ceremony.
Pets Can Boost Your “Love Hormone”
Did you know that you can have a biological reaction when your pet shows you love? Interacting with dogs has been shown to increase your level of oxytocin – also known as the “cuddle hormone” or “love hormone” – as well as other neurochemicals. Oxytocin is best known for its role in reproduction, lactation, and bonding, but it’s also a natural stress reliever. It’s both a hormone and a neurotransmitter, sending chemical messages throughout your body, causing changes like decreased heart rate, slower breathing, lower blood pressure, and inhibited stress hormones. . Research has shown that when dogs and humans have positive interactions with each other, the same changes in neurochemicals (oxytocin and others) occur in both species. Aww, you make yourself happier!
They love me, they don’t love me
Are you a member of a multi-human household and reading this blog and thinking, “Well, I see these signs but they’re not pointing at me!” Does your dog run towards you with his fetch toy, then change direction at the last minute and drop it at the other person’s feet? Does your cat walk over you to go to the other person for cuddles on the couch?
It’s not uncommon for pets to have a favorite human, usually the one who feeds them and gives them the most attention. So maybe you are not “the one” for your pet, but you could be the “other” that he will play with and accept food when “the one” is not home. You can try to improve your status by feeding them more often or playing with them more, but you could still be the “other” and that’s okay.
Their bond is strong
There are many heartwarming stories showing the strong bond pets have with their owners. Whether it’s a dog that has traveled hundreds of miles to get home or a cat that has found its owner’s new home 40 miles away, it’s amazing what some animals will do to reconnect with their parents.
When did your pet know you were “the only one” for him? Was it love at first sight when their sweet eyes met yours at the shelter? Or did it take you a while to get to know each other? Were they the silent pup who shyly approached you? Did they suddenly show up on your doorstep one day and your home is now their home? Either way, we’re glad your pet has a loving parent and has found “the one” for them.
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