Four ways to tell if your cat loves you — based on science

Cats do love their owners, according to science. Look out for these behaviours to prove that your feline friend is truly bonded to you

Even the most devoted cat owners wonder at some point, perhaps waking up in a cold sweat in the middle of the night, whether their cat really loves them. Dog people like to smugly point out dogs’ long history as humankind’s best friend.

But research shows cats’ reputation as a cold and aloof pet is undeserved.

Because of their evolutionary ancestry, domestic cats are, by their nature, more independent than dogs. The wild ancestors of our cats didn’t live in social groups as canines do.

However, during the process of domestication, cats developed the ability to form social relationships not just with other cats, but also with people.

While they may not rely upon people to feel safe as dogs do, many cats show affection towards their guardians and seem to highly value the company of their human companions. Their attachment to humans is partly influenced by their experiences of being handled by people as a kitten.

Cats behave towards humans in the same way that they respond to their feline friends, so the secret of whether your cat feels bonded to you lies in their behaviour.

  1. Look out for scenting
  2. Watch how they greet you
  3. Look for blinks
  4. They get up close

More information:
https://www.readersdigest.co.uk/inspire/animals-pets/four-ways-to-tell-if-your-cat-loves-you