Mary Allen
Sure, you love your cat – but do you show her too? In such a way that she understands? For today’s World Cat Day, we are giving you tips with which you can show your cat your love.
Confessing our love for someone is not always easy – especially when that someone is a cat. After all, the velvet paws speak a different language than we do. Even in love. That is why we take the International Cat Day as an opportunity for some tutoring in things to show love for the cat:
We Speak One Language
We, humans, communicate mainly through our voices. Even if this is not necessarily the case for our cats: By imitating the sounds of your kitty, you give her security and make her feel that she can trust you. If you listen carefully, you will even be amazed at how diverse your cat’s “language” is. Because in addition to purring and meowing, the velvet paws can also trill, chirp or chuckle.
Oh, Lick Me
One of the first experiences cats have after birth: being licked off their mum’s rough tongue. That’s why it can happen that your kitty later pampers you with her sandpaper tongue to show you her affection. If you allow this, you can strengthen your mutual bond.
Conversely, some cats also enjoy being pampered. Fortunately, you don’t have to lick your cat to do this. Instead, moisten a small towel, for example, with a little lukewarm water and rub it over the fur. Toothbrushes can also be used. So you can imitate the pampering program of the cat mothers.
Blink in Your Eyes, Baby
Let’s finally get to the basics: Hardly anything says “I love you” in cat language as much as slowly blinking at you. Is Kitty just relaxed next to you and looking at you with heavy lids? Then return her blink, blink at her for a few moments – and she’ll definitely feel how much you love her. In this moment you both show that you can relax together and that you feel safe. And there is no better proof of love, right?
I Hold My Head for You
In the best-case scenario, a headbutt among people is meant to be playful, but maybe even meant to be aggressive – not so with your house tiger. If your cat gives you a head nut, you can take it as a compliment. By rubbing her head against you, she exchanges scents with you – and marks you as part of her group. With that, she tells you very clearly: Hey, I accept you! And you can hardly expect a greater compliment from a cat.
Let Yourself Be Petted
We like to massage loved ones – it is the same with cats. And as with people, the following applies: only as and as much as your counterpart wants. Cats show quite clearly when they are too close to being around. Then they might hit you or run away. Therefore, it is best to wait for your velvet paw to seek your attention on its own. And then stroke them on their favorite spots. For most cats, these are around the chin, cheek, and ears.
Love Goes Through the (Cat) Stomach
Of course, you shouldn’t overdo it, but: Your cat will definitely be happy about a treat as a token of your love. But really only use them in moderation, for example as a form of positive reinforcement in upbringing. Many cats in Germany are already overweight – with negative consequences for their health. And keeping your cat healthy is ultimately also a token of love.
Sometimes You Need a Break
As nice as the time for two is – in between, you have to keep your distance. Sure, that makes seeing you again a lot nicer. For your cat, this means that it must be able to withdraw at any time if it needs rest and distance. Set up your kitty’s various hiding spots that she can go to as she likes. And respect its limits: if your cat withdraws, you shouldn’t disturb or impose yourself on it.
Can You Smell Me Good?
A tip that is especially important when you first get to know each other: Let the cat sniff you extensively. Cats take in a lot of information through smell. This is why it is a good idea, for example, to hold out your hand to a still-unknown cat to sniff before you simply stroke it.
You can also let the kitty sniff your scent on a scarf or T-shirt so that she gets used to you. You will see: the cat can certainly smell you good quickly – and nothing stands in the way of your quality time together!