The Power of Love

Cats are excellent at showing their love!

Love has the power to perform miracles, heal the ill and cure disease. Read any self help book, love poem, romance book or listen to a love song and all will attest to the powers that love holds.

So, if love can do all this for humans, can it not do the same for our pets?  The problem I see in working with cats is that the rumor of a cat's general aloof nature indicates that cats don't need nor feel love. But, cats are no different than any other sentient being, including humans; each one is unique in his or her expression of love.   Usually, you get back what you give.  If you raise a cat with love, you will receive love in return.

Generally speaking, you will have better luck if you have owned your cat since it was a kitten and raised with love in its life daily and consistently.  Many cats that were once treated poorly or even indifferently may not know how to love, or may not know how to express the love they do feel. A cat cannot say "I love you" with its words, but instead has to show it, and each cat's way of showing love is distinct. It's important for the owner seeking love from his or her feline to learn their cat's "language" if they wish to feel the love their cat gives out.

Cats are also not to be confused with dogs in the way they express themselves, and this too has given way to the extensive rumor that cats don't love or care to be loved.  Dogs are by nature pack animals, looking up to a leader and showing their reverence in a more obvious manner than a cat would. But that doesn't mean a cat doesn't show their love just as strongly. It's just...different. Just because a cat doesn't wag its tail and lick your face the moment you get home doesn't mean the cat is not happy you are there. Kitty may prefer to saunter instead of bolt to you, roll on the floor and seem relaxed rather than jump up on your legs or chest, and you had better hope Kitty does not wag her tail at you, or else you will be "in the dog house." Some cats like to lick faces as a sign of affection, though this is rare. And, no, regardless of what you have heard, they are not licking your face for the salt!

Cats that are close-knit friends share in mutual grooming. If your cat wants to bathe you, consider it a compliment. A cat jumping up and curling in your lap is not simply looking for heat or they could sleep by the radiator. They are seeking your companionship, as they would curl together with a feline buddy. Yes, cats do accept humans as their "equals" or even look up to them when given the proper amount of love and attention. Unlike dogs, they more than likely will not lick the hand that beats them, but rather bite it. And your cat cannot say "ok stop petting me now." Some cats will walk away, others are a bit more aggressive in their communication.  In other words, cats are very good at showing their feelings; you just have to know how to read them.