We all know that we love our pets, but do they truly love us as well?  Are dogs and cats capable of showing that kind of emotion?  According to science, the answer to this question is a resounding yes, though as pet parents we already knew that to be the case.

When dogs and cats interact with their human counterparts, there is a release of a hormone called oxytocin.  This is the same chemical that is released when humans stare at their babies.  Studies show that dogs tend to lock their eyes to show affection, often longingly looking at their owners for attention and approval.

Dogs are comfortable showing love when they feel that they are loved.  Generally, they will initiate behavior associated with affection when they feel that it will be reciprocated in return.  Wagging their tail happily, rubbing up against your leg, showing their belly, and herding behaviors are all good examples of this type of interaction.

Dogs yearn for our acceptance and permission.  Nothing makes them happier than feeling like we truly accept them as part of our family unit.  They love to spend time with us, even if it is just time cuddling on the couch.  Most dogs do really like to engage in outside activities as well, weather permitting of course.

Canines love to have a job.  They like routine and set rules, thus training is a way to make sure that they feel safe and engaged.  Positive reinforcement is always desirable.  Examples of positive training include treats, verbal praise, playtime, and toys.

Dogs truly wait all day for us to get home from work to shower us with love and slobbery kisses.  Most of them are even able to sense when it is time for us to arrive so that they are ready to pounce at a moment’s notice.  They are always there for us and we can count on them to make us smile, even when our days are long and stressful.

Researchers have come to believe that the mind of a dog is roughly equivalent to a human of two and a half years of age.  As such, they are thought to have all of the same range of emotions of infants of this group – joy, excitement, fear, suspicion, guilt, and affection.  They are not believed to be capable of experiencing shame or contempt as these generally develop in later years of childhood.

Most of us are keenly aware of how much our dog loves us, but what about our cat?  Their aloof and independent nature may lead us astray, but cats do view their humans as a source of comfort and security.

A secure cat greets their owner and often voices a happy hello with a leg rub, while an insecure cat will often twitch their tail, lick their lips, and avoid their owner.  Approximately 64 percent of cats are securely attached to their owners, often this is pretty on par with what is seen in dogs and babies.

How do cats show their love for their humans?

  • Purring
  • Grooming you
  • Slowly blinking at you
  • Showing their belly to you
  • Rubbing against you
  • Head bumping
  • Hanging out with you

Like dogs, cats also like to be shown love in return.  Some ways to bond with your cat include slowly blinking at your cat (this means, “I love you” in cat), brushing and grooming, playing games, and spending quality time with them.

In conclusion, cats and dogs possess a similar range of emotions to human infants and can love us back just as much as we love them.