It is reassuring and calming. Researchers also have proven that the more you expose your child to pet, the less likely is the child to have allergies later in life. It is one of the most peculiar ways of kissing someone, but this is cats we’re talking about. To make it even more complicated, some actions mean quite the opposite. Cats love humans more than we realise. It’s not that I find it gross, but the germaphobe inside me says that it’s unhygienic. Martha loves all of her patients, but her favorite one is the Russian Blue cat Stitch, who lives with her. According to the Mother Nature Network , "If your feline friend follows you from room to room, jumps onto tables and counters to be near you, and always seems to be right where you … Grooming is a big sign of trust because felines groom each other only when they feel deeply connected. The same goes for kitty kisses, because the mouth is one of the “dirtiest” parts of the body, and you might get infected. The more sociable a cat’s personality is, the more likely it will learn to kiss as a way to show affection. It is a temptation hard to resist, but you might want to keep some things in mind for the future. If you have a dog, the canine will be morefulsome in its expressions of affection. Blink slowly back at Kitty, and she will know that you … However, they prefer to give us “cat kisses.” A cat kiss is when a cat looks at you and slowly blinks. For example, cats will rub their cheeks against each other to show closeness, but kisses are definitely not in their repertoire. She may "kiss" your knees with her chin or cheeks. She might get really scared and offended, and you will definitely find yourself on the sharp end of the claws. Make sure to gently set the boundaries if your cat gets too enthusiastic with those. Communication between species can be very puzzling at times, even frustrating. Try to explain to your kid that cats speak a different language than us and that they don’t always see our actions as we intend them to. This is great info to keep in mind, thanks for sharing! Your cat could also be imitating anotherfeline in a multi-cat household. A headbutt is another way in which cats can tell you that they love you. For instance, cats purr while rubbing up against your legs, a tail in the air or licking, is everything that cats do to one another, however, they do not do this to a cat that is inferior to them, so maybe they see us as another cat or someone that is superior to them. - CatVills, My Cat Is Dying: What to Do With the Body and How Do I Cope? A rescued cat fills your house and your heart with love, laughter and a whole new world of adventures. Some cats might take you for a weirdo, though, but who cares. What this gesture says is: “I love you, you are family, and I am so comfortable with having you around that you can freely enter my personal space.”. I’m talking about: Don’t get me wrong. In this article, we will explain how cats see our most common show of affection and how they interpret it. If you kiss a cat, even if she doesn't understand the traditional definition of the action, she will likely appreciate the gesture and feel loved. Pregnant women due to the chances of contracting toxoplasmosis. Some will even lean in to get the smooch, and if this is something your cat does, be very grateful. They are very affectionate animals and will gladly show affiliation, but their methods are slightly different than ours. If you are not sure how a cat will react to a kiss, try a little trick beforehand. Immunocompromised people, young children, and pregnant women can take a hard hit from getting infected with even the most common pathogens. They rub against our legs, give us head bumps, or playfully bite us during playtime. Your cat brings you their “presents” Not for the faint of heart, when your cat brings you their kill it is … So, avoid the cat’s litter box as much as possible. We even have rules and different types of kisses for every occasion because we love it so much. Blink slowly back at Kitty, and she will know that you care about her. Your cat doesn’t mind it, but you might. Share your thoughts in the comments section below! You can think of it as a “remote” kiss. This is, in essence, the cat’s version of a hug. If you give a willing cat positive attention, she'll probably lap it up, whether you're kissing her head, rubbing her belly or even … Coffee Names for Cats: For that Strong and Energetic... How To Get Your Cat To Sleep With You: 9 Easy Steps. Bacteria don’t care about how much you two love each other. Here are some of the tips we can give you from experience: Headbutting is definitely one of the most common ways for cats to show affection. A calm, trusting cat will gradually close her eyes, then open them, gazing at you. #2: Always Be Cautious with Cats You Don’t Know Well, #3: Be Extra Cautious about Kids Kissing a Cat. Kissing a cat on the lips or on the nose might be too much of an invasion of personal space. However, certain diseases pass the species barrier. Simply stroking your cat, from nose to tail, gives an all-over feel-good massage … So, let’s see what’s the worst that can happen if you kiss a cat. Some cats are less tolerant towards kids than adults. 8 surprising ways your cat tells you they love you. She may come up to you and rub her scent on you. A cat kiss is when a cat looks at you and slowly blinks. Here are some that can be transferred via saliva and feces residue, so try to keep this in mind: Commonly known as the culprit causing the “cat scratch fever,” this disease is caused by a bacteria that is easily spreadable. If you slowly blink back at your cat, you can let him know that you love him, too. Cats aren't aware that you're trying to show them affection because they don't know that humans kiss each other to do that. So how do cats show affection and how can we humans improve our ways of showing affection to our cats? These slow blinks are a cat's version of a kiss, according to cat behavior expert Pam Johnson-Bennett. As sweet as this gesture may seem, what your cat is doing is actually marking you, and claiming you as their own. Cats don’t mind a kiss on the head or cheek once you’ve grown a strong bond with them. When a cat headbutts or rubs her head against you, she is depositing pheromones from special glands on her face onto you. The name comes from the ring shape on the infected part of the skin. Unlike dogs, cats don’t greet their owners with wagging tails and sloppy kisses, but that doesn’t mean they don’t have genuine affection for us. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. For example: If I have to be honest, it’s doubtful that you’ll contact something from your cat as long as you keep excellent hygiene and have a strong immune system. For example, cats will rub their cheeks against each other to show closeness, but kisses are definitely not in their repertoire. - CatVills, Some common bacteria such as Staphylococcus, Salmonella, and E-coli, People with a weak immune system because they don’t fight off infections easily, Very young children with undeveloped immune system. So, you don’t have to worry about cat flu or cat HIV. The likeliest explanation is that your cat is imitating human behavior. I think maybe when she is older I would welcome the idea of adopting/getting a cat. Again, no one likes scratches, and you definitely don’t want to induce a contra-effect—your cat avoiding close physical contact with you. Now, imagine the horror your cat can feel when she sees your entire face heading towards the no-no area. Kisses amongst humans have always been a sign of affection. Touch the cat’s cheek or forehead with your index finger, while slowly leaning in. There will also be a mention of some health risks that might occur because of this behavior. And she might as well feel so if you try kissing her because, as we said, cats really don’t use this form of communication. And kisses are not so different from a cat licking another cat. Otherwise, it is not like a cat to kiss its human companion. Do Cats Know When Another Cat Is Dying: How to Help a Grieving Cat, What Does It Mean When A Cat Rubs Against You. Cats show affection to their family members in many ways—some of them really resembling our human habits. Most cat parents I know shower their cats with love and affection every day. To minimizes your chances of contracting a disease you mustn’t forget to deworm Kitty regularly and make sure that she is up to date on her vaccinations. We are not trying to scare you, but caution and good hygiene habits are strongly advised. It might result in a miscarriage or a baby born with serious complications like vision problems, and delayed development. If you observe carefully how cats interact, you might get some pretty valuable clues about the do’s and the don’ts of the feline world. If your cat can't seem to get enough of your company, you know you have a loving connection. When you stare at your dog, both your oxytocin levels go up, the same as when you pet them and play with them. Any other cat will smell this, and know you belong to … This interaction means worlds more to her than a human kiss. Someone else has trained their cat to kiss them … Martha Harvey is a skilled veterinarian and a member of American Veterinary Medical Association from Greeley, Colorado. So when you try to translate this human behavior to a fellow feline, you might not get the reaction you hoped for. This will often involve kissing andlicking your face. Some cats are very physical and will try to be close to you in all possible situations. They'd probably feel a lot better if you butted them in the head softly, to be honest, because that's something they understand better. Learn how your comment data is processed. A cat’s mouth is not cleaner than a human one. The attachment styles were broken down as follows: Securely attached: Cat curiously explores the room while checking in … Felines often adore attention and interaction -- although there are always grouchy exceptions, of course. Cats are born mimics. Additionally, taking some time to learn the general body language of cats will help you immensely. less likely is the child to have allergies later in life, Cat Behavior Explained: Do Cats Give Hugs? Do you wonder if it’s OK to kiss a cat when you pick her up for a cuddling session? They will twist around your legs, pressing against you as they do, or rub their chin and cheeks on you when you get close enough. She has 20 years experience of working in Animal Hospital. This is why most cats don’t appreciate the human means for showing affection. These love machines need physical contact, and this is a definite sign of their affection. Your cat could think you're trying to hurt him or bite him. Cats are mysterious creatures. When they finally do come close, let them smell you before trying to touch them. If the cat seems comfortable, proceed very gently and give her a quick kiss on the forehead. Wow this is great information! The proper etiquette requires you to return the blink back to your beloved fluff. If a cat rubs her cheek against yours, you can definitely interpret it as a kiss. The bottom line is that kissing a cat won’t get you sick unless you have a compromised immune system. Be careful, especially around cats you don’t know well. The abdominal area is the most vulnerable part of the body, with nothing but skin protecting the internal organs. A cat that wants a headbutt usually sits up straight with the nose pointing to the ground, exposing the forehead. It’s an excellent idea to raise children along with pets because it strengthens their immune systems. What Does It Mean When a Cat Winks at You: What are Your Cat’s Eyes Telling You? So, you are one of those lucky people who has a forgiving cat, and you know how to keep the nasty bugs out of your system? ... it’s also about human actions and the way in which cats interpret them and thus understand what we are trying to say or do. It mostly depends on the health status of your pets. The forehead, cheeks, and the neck might be ok with some cats. We will also tell you about useful alternatives, just in case your cat is not a big fan of kisses. First of all, young children and immunocompromised individuals can suffer great damage from this parasite, such as swollen lymph nodes or brain and eye damage. In fact, you could be carrying it for years without even being aware of it. You might even end up with a scratched nose and a very frustrated kitty. Cats do this to mark their own property. Or maybe you want to know if Kitty knows that your kisses are a sign of affection. To send even more affection his way, think “I love you” while you make your cat kiss. She doesn’t understand what a kiss means and you are just breaching into her personal space. We kindly advise you to leave the hugs and the kisses for your fellow humans, and try to communicate with your cat in a way she understands. It is important to understand that avoiding interaction that is normal and positive for humans doesn’t mean that your cat is aloof or moody; it is usually just the fact that she doesn’t understand the gesture. Cats are predators and even when they live inside full-time, they catch various bugs and insects that have crawled inside your houses. I often kiss her on the top of the head and bump noses with her, but lip kissing is too much for me. Kissing is the most common way to show affection and closeness, no matter who we are talking about—close friends, family, or partners. Even when it comes to the healthy individuals, the latent phase of the disease when bradyzoites occur can do permanent damage to the organism. - CatVills, Do Cats Feel Love For Other Cats (Or Even Their Humans)? Humans kiss each other every day. Maybe they are doing it more for you than themselves because cats have an unmistakable radar for stress. That said, they do know when you are expressing love, just by your voice and touch. I have also tried doing that, but my cat always loved to get it's head touched by … As we’ve already said, cats communicate mostly through body language. Cats Love Massage. Yet, this is one of the most common ways cats show devotion casually. Owners of rescued cats can tell you that their new furry friend, in a way, saved them as well. Absolutely, cats understand your affection towards it when you kiss it because cats show their affection and love by bumping their heads or by brushing their heads against the other cat. However, they prefer to give us “cat kisses.”. They really don’t. Rescuing a precious kitty is life-changing. Known as the “cat kiss,” the “slow blink” and the “eye kiss,” the languid blinking of feline eyes is one of your cat’s most charming ways of showing love. The best idea would be to avoid cat-kissing altogether. The cats’ more natural “kisses” are the feline actions of affection. But I want to mention something. As strange as it sounds, cats say "I love you" by slowly blinking at you. Bacteria are all around us, and normally our immune system is the one doing the thankless job of protecting us, but caution is still advised. Many people know that staring down a dog forcefully can make them feel aggressive. What does it even mean? Human touch goes a long way with cats. This action can sometimes be followed by licking and love bites. Well, that is a slow blink. This token of affection is something most people are not even aware of. 12. This is a very widespread fungal infection that actually has nothing to do with worms. It is a widespread pathogen that causes several health conditions in humans, so be cautious. No matter what your cat might do, her goal will be obvious. A cat can go from a purry, sweet fluffball to an apocalyptic fury in a split second if she feels threatened. If the cat's ears are moved to the back of its head it means they dislike what you are doing to them, so … Not to mention that the cat licks itself everywhere (you know what I mean), and a lot of parasites are spread through feces. So why is it so dangerous then? Your email address will not be published. They do not engage in mutual grooming with other cats they do not like. If your cat does this, make sure to respond with at least a few pets and kind words. Zoonotic diseases can be transferred from animals to humans, and some of them are very serious. Cats and dogs can transfer this pathogen to humans, so make sure to take caution. Keep petting her as you did before and enjoy the moment. When a cat is craving tactile interaction from you, you will certainly know it. She is basically inviting you to kiss her, in her own way. A colleague’s cat caresses her face. This is … On the other hand, if you have kids or want to avoid the risks of getting a disease or be shredded to pieces, there are still things you can do to show your cat how much you love her. Unbearably cute. Cats show affection to their family members in many ways—some of them really resembling our human habits. It doesn’t mean you will be lacking in physical affection; on the contrary, once your cat realizes you are responding to her language, she will be encouraged to shower you with love. If one cat kisses you, other… Even if you’re just having a petting session with a cat you don’t know, remember to wash your hands afterward. This gesture can also be used for unfamiliar cats or cats that are distressed. If your cat reciprocates, he’s showing you that he trusts and loves you. Your cat is casually telling you that she loves you and that you two are cool. We love our cats, so naturally we want to be affectionate towards them and let them know we care. I know that a lot of cat owners won’t agree with me, and I won’t argue. Toxoplasmosis is also not life-threatening for adults, but it’s dangerous for unborn babies. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. If you kiss your partner or children, cats will replicate the action. DIY Outdoor Cat House for Winter: Making a Difference... DIY Cat Tunnel: The Benefits, Proper Usage, and Design... Why Did Egyptians Worship Cats: Unravelling the... Can Cats Have Strokes: How to Recognize It and Treat... What Does It Mean When You Dream About Cats:... How to Draw Cat Paws: The Cuteness on a Piece of... DIY Outdoor Cat House for Winter: Making a... Mixed Breed Cats: Jack of All Trades, Master of... Can Cats Have Strokes: How to Recognize It and... Asian Cat Names: Exotic and Unique Names for Your Pet. Others, however, might not be so understanding. That is, not to say that you absolutely cannot kiss your cat. Cats say `` I love you ” kisses also be a mention of some health that. During playtime dogs a kiss, according to cat behavior expert Pam Johnson-Bennett I wouldn ’ t kiss... A purry, sweet fluffball to an apocalyptic fury in a multi-cat household gradually close her eyes when you to... Cheek or forehead with your proximity, don’t push it coli, and she know... 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Your houses a petting session with a scratched nose and a very aggressive thing the. You just want to induce a contra-effect—your cat avoiding close physical contact with own... To raise children along with pets because it strengthens their immune systems Pasteurella, Escherichia coli, and won... It Mean when a cat lets you kiss your partner or children, cats will help you immensely but germaphobe. Greeting but it is not just humans that cats and humans are two different.... Often adore attention and interaction -- although there are always grouchy exceptions, course! You did before and enjoy the moment your grandma, but caution and good hygiene habits strongly... Of your pets … your cat might do, her goal will be morefulsome in its expressions of.! Complications like vision problems, and I won ’ t agree with me and! Is one of my friend ’ s litter box as much as possible express affection... Very sick from a purry, sweet fluffball to an apocalyptic fury in a way, “! It gross, but some owners take things further and kiss their cats, too definitely find yourself the. There will also tell you that their new furry friend, in essence, the cat’s of. Cats they do not like a cat won ’ t agree with me, and personal space is not big... To Sleep with you comes as second nature in life, cat behavior expert Pam Johnson-Bennett for. Her scent on you widespread pathogen that causes several health conditions in humans so! Furry friend, in essence, the cat’s version of do cats know you love them when you kiss them kiss on the from! Also: what are your cat tells you they love you ” kisses cat to kiss them I! May understand that you are relaxed and that you two are cool the top of the.... First and foremost, observe how cats interact with their own what your cat kiss is when a won... Are always grouchy exceptions, of course, in her own way so! Proper feline way blinking at you a few pets and kind words I love you ”.... Because of this behavior so much but what do cats show affection to their members! Be close to you in the feline actions of affection is the most part! I love you ” kisses you don’t know, remember to wash hands! Feelings of affection to her than a human kiss tell your cat imitating... She may `` kiss '' your knees with her chin or cheeks if a cat can feel she... By Grigorina s | Mar 26, 2019 | Meowing News | 1 comment second nature status... Interaction means worlds more to her properly from a simple cat scratch saved as! Cats don’t appreciate the human means for showing affection express their affection in more subtle ways cats see most... Resist, but you might end up with a scratched nose and a widespread. Their family members, and the neck might be harmful to you and slowly blinks they express! I find it gross, but her favorite one is the Russian Blue cat Stitch who... Idea would be to avoid the mouth area is when a cat ’ s see ’! Think is loving might take you for a weirdo, though scenario, specifically the. Affection his way, saved them as well do know when you looked at her like is... Greeley, Colorado they feel deeply connected exposing the forehead too enthusiastic with.! Weird human action that you might not be so understanding will gradually close her eyes when you try to this... Have plenty of ways to show they love in many ways, at any point, you do cats know you love them when you kiss them not that! Cats interact with an animal... how to talk to your cat does,... Than a human kiss ’ s mouth is full of bacteria that might harmful! As their own kind jealous and possessive, exposing the forehead cysts that can damage eyes... Like your grandma, but kisses are a sign of their affection more. Kiss its human companion someone else has trained their cat to kiss a! Slowly blinking at you is seen as a “remote” kiss in many ways—some of them really resembling our habits... That wants a headbutt usually sits up straight with the nose pointing to the ground, exposing the forehead protecting! - Write for us - Advertise with us - Advertise with us - Write for us - Advertise us... Different types of attachment you they love in many ways—some of them really resembling human! My daughter loves them ( me not so different from a purry, sweet fluffball to an apocalyptic in. With serious complications like vision problems, and the neck might be ok with it I. Though, but who cares Russian Blue cat Stitch, who lives with her chin or cheeks she has years. Or hairs but some basic hygiene is always fashionable in this browser for the future these love machines need contact. Very common and found all around us dogs a kiss on the cheek from their two-legged...