There is no denying that we Aussies absolutely adore our feline friends. Most of us cat owners would do just about anything for our purring pals. From booking a cat-friendly hotel to arranging a super stylish photoshoot, showing your cat love is nothing to be embarrassed about. In fact, the act of showing your cat love should be celebrated!
So, whether it’s allowing your cat to sleep on (or even in) your bed or throwing your kitty his or her very own birthday party, showing your cat love is perfectly okay. Indeed, according to new research from Purina Fancy Feast®, more than half (53%) of cat owners say their cat completes them. How cute!
The dos and don’t of showing your cat love
When it comes to mastering the secret of communicating with cats, it’s important that owners understand the dos and don’ts of cat love. This will help ensure you show your cat love in an effective way.
Thankfully, animal behaviourist Dr Jo Righetti has teamed up with Fancy Feast® to share some advice on how we Australian cat parents can show our feline friends just how much they mean to us. Here is Dr Righetti’s list of cat love dos and don’ts.
Cat love dos
Do give your cat the attention they love. For some cats, that could be a pat, a cuddle, or fun and games. For others, it’s giving them their favourite food and cat treats. Like most animals, cats love mealtimes, just be careful not to overfeed them.
Talk to your cat. According to new research from Fancy Feast®, seven out of 10 cat owners talk to their cat as if they’re human and 20% of us even meow back to our cats. Cats enjoy vocal interaction; so let your cat know how much you love them with your cat chat.
Do have fun watching your cat. Give your cat a long, slow blink or even a wink. This signals that you are relaxed with your cat. If you’re lucky, they may blink back at you.
Cat love don’ts
Don’t force your cat into interaction they don’t enjoy. Vigorously rubbing their tummies upsets many cats and some fussy felines even dislike being picked up. If you want your cat to accept this handling, then you have to build up your touch gradually.
Don’t assume that your cat is aloof and would rather be left alone. Yes, cats do like to sleep the day away, but they also like being close to you, so give them safe places to be near you if they choose.
3 ways to show your cat love
Cats show us affection in many ways. This includes purring, licking us, rubbing their cheek on us and simply hanging out with us. Given that cats show love in many ways, it’s only fair that we learn how to return the show of affection. Here are three ways to show your cat love, without freaking them out!
1. Keep your cat entertained
You may be forgiven for thinking your cat is happy to sleep all day. Yes, cats do love to snooze, but they also love to engage in fun activities with you. There are numerous ways to keep your cat entertained. From food puzzles and homemade toys to playing hide and seek. Plus, there’s always the option of adopting a feline friend for your purring pal!
2. Invest in their health
One of the very best ways to show your cat love is to maintain regular vet checks. This will help ensure that if your cat does develop any health issues they can be addressed early on. Plus, talk to your vet about preventative health measures. After all, prevention is the best cure!
Note: If you don’t already have cat health insurance you may want to consider this. It’s a great way to avoid the difficult decision of choosing between your financial health and your pet’s wellbeing. Having a suitable cat insurance plan means you can focus on the health of your purring pal, rather than the cost of veterinary care. Find out more about raising a healthy cat.
3. Blinking and head bunting. No, really!
Apparently, when you see your cat slowly blinking at you this is a sign of love and trust. It’s also referred to as a ‘cat kiss’, which can totally be reciprocated. So, next time you’re sitting with your cat and he or she glances up at you, give a slow blink to show your trust and appreciate your kitty.
Similar to ‘cat kissing’, head bunting is when your cat butts her head against yours. Again, it’s a sign of love and affection, which you can return is a likewise fashion.
How do you show your cat love?
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