Here's what it really means when your cat curls up with you for cuddles
When asked a thing of a pet that's going to show you unconditional love and affection most people would probably point to dogs
cats on the other hand are generally known for being aloof and independent but
Stereotypes don't always ring true after all kitties are often happy to cuddle up with their humans
And if you think that's just because they want something out of you. Well think again
Yes, here are the real reasons why cats love to curl up for cuddles?
While dogs were once the first choice for a family pet that's no longer true in some countries
Thanks to these stresses and demands of modern lifestyles fewer and fewer people have time to look after pooches after all
They require far more attention than cats. It's no surprise. Then that moggies have taken pups place as the most popular pet
Indeed veterinary professor Daniel Mills told the Daily Telegraph in 2015
The domestic cat has recently passed the dog is the most popular companion animal in Europe
with many seeing a cat as an ideal pet for owners who work long hours and
Therefore more and more people are learning about the various ways in which cats show affection
However several studies have claimed that the furry creatures don't need humans at all
For instance one 2015 investigation found that cats don't experience
Separation anxiety in the same way that dogs do so, they won't panic when you leave the room or go away for a few days
This study shows that cats do not need their humans to feel safe. They don't depend on us they look after themselves
Celia Hadden author of several cat behavior books told The Daily Telegraph if they're scared a cat won't come to its owner
It'll jump on top of a wardrobe or hide under the bed
Still apparently this doesn't mean that your cat doesn't love you
Instead you could even look at it as a compliment
After all if cats don't need humans to survive but choose to stick around. Anyway, then it becomes apparent that they must like us
Moreover beyond that basic instinct there are many physical ways in which cats prove their loves for their owners in
Fact there are so many ways that cats can show affection that The Guardian columnist face Chopin managed to list
25 of them in a 2015 article, there's no denying that some of them are inherently obvious
Licking and playful biting for instance would be affectionate from any animal and cats are no different
Nuzzling into your face or chest with a gentle headbutt. Meanwhile is clearly intended to be affectionate
even if it does have the bonus of transferring the cat's pheromones to you and therefore marking you as their own and
Traits such as following you around the house or waiting by the door for you to come home our obvious signs of love
However a few of Chopin's examples point to more subtle ways in which cats demonstrate their love for humans for
Instance she explained that cats don't meow to each other. In fact, they only meow to communicate to humans
So if your moggy is being particularly noisy it's because they're trying to tell you something maybe that it loves you
but one of these apparent signs of affection really mean
Are they genuine displays of appreciation in love or?
Are they in fact just ways for a cat to get you to feed them and shelter them?
Well, if you Darren believe that your cat could be so mercenary then you'll be pleased to hear that
It's more likely to be the former
Figuring it out for sure is simply a case of knowing what to look for according to cat behavior expert carlo siracusa
Indeed the veterinarian told the dodo that to understand these animals. We must use cat rules not human rules
Yes, well those clear signs of affection do exist. There are other telltale signals that you can watch out for as well
For example, you never notice your cat walking around with its tail in the air
well
it's a signal that cats use to feel each other out if
The cat raises its tail up in response then they can approach each other
Likewise if a cat is lifting its tail up that means that it's comfortable with you
Another clue that you may notice in your moggy is the slow blink if
It makes eye contact with you and slowly narrows its eyelids. That's basically the equivalent of a kitty kiss
So, you know, you could try doing it back. We can't promise that your pet will understand but it can't hurt to reciprocate, right?
Clearly then there are reasons for your cat's affectionate actions. And that's no less true when it comes to literally cuddling up with you
Indeed their touch alone is almost proof enough that cats are being genuine with their affection
Nevertheless there are also several other reasons, why cats choose to curl up with their owners
It's no secret that cats love warmth and it's all the better if they can find that warmth from external sources
Indeed whether they're soaking up some rays in the summer or hunkering down near a radiator in the winter
Our feline friends are seldom far away from a source of heat and there are few better than you guys did humans
Your cat may also cuddle up to you simply to feel safe indeed no matter how much of a natural predator cats
Are they still don't want to become prey while they're sleeping?
But if they're in your presence, they'll feel secure because they know that you won't let any harm come to them
And of course cats desire comfort after all they sleep an average of 15 hours a day
It's no surprise then that they want to do so somewhere where they feel comfortable
Pillows and cat beds are all well and good but humans can be even better
Especially when they're already snuggled under blankets of their own which is why you'll often wake up to find a cat laid across you
That isn't the only reason cats like to sleep on top of their owners, though
They also love the familiar soothing scents and sounds of the human body
That slow inhale and exhale as you snooze the night away and a slow rhythm of breathing for cats. It's the perfect lullaby and
They'll also recognize the sense that you admit which again ties into that feeling of security and comfort
in
Case you hadn't clocked on yet. These are all very positive emotions and associations
So when you put them all together, it becomes obvious that yes, your cat really does adore you
Moreover they love cuddling up to you
It means they feel safe protected and loved and also gives them a warm comfortable place to sleep. So
while cats may not depend on humans in the same way that dogs tend to it doesn't mean they don't reciprocate your affection and
When they come to curl up for cuddles, you know that deep down they really do. Love you
Sorry kitties your reputation as aloof independent creatures is at an end