5 Ways to Show Your Cat You Love Them
If you’re anything like us, you want to make sure your cat feels happy, safe and loved. Since cats don’t speak human, it’s up to us to find out how to communicate with them!
Words might not work, but we all know actions speak louder than words anyway!
Like any form of communication, there’s a chance of sending mixed messages... So, we’re going to explain the right ways to show your cat you love them!
1. Playtime
Nothing is more valuable than your time and attention. Giving your cat your attention and spending time interacting with them will make them feel loved.
The best way to do this is to take some time out regularly and play with your pet. You can use toys to make playtime more fun and entertaining.
This will help your cat meet their daily exercise requirements, keeping them fit and healthy. Most importantly, it will show them that you enjoy their company - and make sure they enjoy yours!
2. Cat massage
We all love a good massage, and know how relaxing they can be. So giving your cat a massage is a wonderful way to make them feel good and show them you love them.
It also has benefits to their health, as it stimulates your cat’s nerves, muscles, and circulatory system. This improves circulation, increases range of motion and may lower blood pressure.
It’s also an opportunity for an external check-up for ticks, mites, or any injuries they may be hiding.
Massaging your cat is similar to petting them, just with more intention. Make sure they’re in a chill mood, and start with some head scratches, especially around the ears and cheeks.
Then move down along their neck and shoulders, before arriving at the base of their tail. You can give them a good scratchy massage here on their tailbone.
Finally, give them a lovely chin scratch and feel them purr.
Massaging your cat strengthens your bond with your cat. Serotonin is released in your cat's body that makes them feel happy. Massage is also very soothing and can help reduce anxiety.
3. Grooming
Grooming your cat regularly improves blood circulation, keeps their fur tangle free and also reduces the amount of fur they ingest while grooming, helping prevent hairballs. It’s also important for keeping their fur clean, distributing natural oils for a shiny coat, and keeping them looking their best.
Cats love grooming themselves. This can be seen by the fact that cats spend so much of their time grooming themselves and other kitties. So why not get in on the action and spend some bonding time brushing your cat?
We love the Bailey Brush and use it in our cat cafe all the time!
4.The slow blink
Cat behaviorists believe cats blink slowly at us to tell us that they love us. Intense, direct stare is often seen as a threat to cats, so a soft and gentle blink is a way to make eye contact without it being threatening. It shows that we are comfortable and relaxed in one another’s presence.
So, if we blink back at them slowly, they will understand that we love them. This is a small gesture but it helps you communicate your love to your furry friend.
5. Treat time
Treats are an irresistible way to ensure a great bond with your cat. You can give small, tasty treats to your cat to show your cat that you love her, and as a great method of positive reinforcement.
Like everything, moderation and balance are key. The generally recommended advice is that treats can be given to your cat every day, but should make up no more than 10% of their daily calorie allowance.
Choose your treats carefully to make sure they offer good nutrition, and don’t include any nasty or low quality ingredients.
Keep an eye out for treats that offer extra health benefits, like these high protein, low calorie Tiki Cat Crunchers that have pumpkin to aid in digestions.
Check out our healthy and tasty cat treats!
Final thoughts...
Speaking of high quality supplies, providing your kitty with the best of the best is a wonderful way to show your cat you love them, while supporting a healthy lifestyle.
Make sure that you provide everything they need to fulfil their natural instincts, so that they can live a happy and fulfilling life.
For example, cats need to scratch their claws in order to maintain healthy nails, to mark their scent on their home territory, to express emotions like excitement or stress, and to stretch their bodies. So it's vital to provide them with suitable objects to scratch, such as scratching posts or pads.
Feeding an age-appropriate and well-balanced diet to your cat helps them keep healthy and happy. Make sure to research the brands you feed them, and don’t just go for the cheapest option.
This will help your cat live longer - and isn't there some saying about food being the way to a person's (or cat's) heart?
Check out our cat food options here.
Cats deserve all the love in this world. We hope these options give you some ideas for how to make them feel loved and happy. For more cat care tips, why not read our Top 6 Cat Care Tips?
