Five Signs Your Cat Really Loves You.

Cats are attention lovers and licking is one way to get it. They love on each other by cleaning each other's fur; similar to what monkeys do when they clean the lice off of each other. Ever had a cat try to clean your hair or spend hours licking your arm? Welcome to the family! Once cats start grooming a new comer (human or otherwise) it means they have welcomed them into the 'family'. Of course, if the cat takes too long when grooming you, it can get a bit rough because of their rough tongue which is why you will often see cats fight after a long grooming session. Bet you wondered about that one, didn't you.

Of course, cats are fickle, as most cat lovers know, so when the cat starts to lick a person's skin or clothes right away, be wary. They may be tasting you for another reason. Perhaps a late night snack? Just kidding. Actually, cats will lick your skin when you come into a home for several reasons, whether you are family or not. They may want to find out where you have been, what you have touched, or who your were with. They also might smell another species like a dog on you. Of course, smelling will tell them that as well, but many cats like the whole story, thus the licking.

This one is very important and is why most cats want to sleep with you at night. Cats sleep together for warmth and protection. It is a survival tactic and completely instinctive. Families protect one another in this manner. So when Fluffy tries to crawl into bed with you, try to see his/her point of view.

If cat hair and dander in your bed isn't your cup of tea, let your cat cuddle you outside the bedroom. Like on the couch when watching TV or when you are at the computer playing your favorite game. If you are not the cuddling type, you might want to consider getting your cat a companion so they can cuddle together, since this is an important part of their make-up.

I have a lot of cats, so my spot is often taken, but I know that the cats taking it are also trying to tell me something. My scent is on my spot so they are comforted by sleeping there. Just like your clothes have your scent. When I go somewhere and I know I will be gone for a long time, I put down some of my worn-out clothes. When I get back, all of the cats have each claimed a piece and I can forget about getting them back! But, I don't mind because I know they are telling me that I smell good, at least to them.

Animals live by their scent more than their sight, so scent is very important to them. When they cover your scent with theirs, it is like they are claiming it for themselves. You can imagine how many times that might happen when more than one cat lives in the house, right? So if you find your cat stealing your spot all the time, or lying on your suit when you take it out of the closet to wear to work, don't get too angry at them. They just want you to know that they love you. Oh, and be sure to keep plenty of those sticky rollers handy.

Female cats will love on their kittens when they are nursing by licking their foreheads between their ears. To the cat this is the ultimate sign of love. When a cat really loves you, that will be their sign. No, they won't try to knock you off your feet like a quarterback in a football game. But they will get your attention.

They might wait until you are reading a favorite book and then jump up onto the pages giving you a sweeping head butt in the process. All you know is one minute you are reading about a woman in love and the next minute you have a face full of fur. Yup, your cat is in love. Don't forget to return the favor. Cats favorites are generally the top of the head, the cheeks, and under the chin. Some like the belly, but some don't so be careful with that one.

Ever had a cat do that to you? How annoying is that when you are trying to do your housework or get dinner made? Have you tried the treats? Have you tried the toys? Have you tried the window? Have you tried the climbing tree? No luck? Have you tried you? Yes, you!

Your cat is trying to tell you that he/she wants you to sit down and pay attention to them. Yes, inconvenient, I know, but it does show that they love you. Not many cats will follow you for attention. They are usually looking for food or that random moment for a perfect ambush. Of course, if your cat is totally independent, the behavior could mean he wants to play.

I just wanted to tell you that I am by no means an expert in cat behavior. I just have a lot of them and have spent a great deal of time with them. I also know that many cats can be 'outside' the mold; especially if they are outside cats, or if they are wild when you find them. However, most of the cats I have dealt with were warm, loving, and desperate for attention.

Just a quick note: if your cat suddenly changes their behavior or their eating habits, you might want to get them to a vet for a check up. It could be nothing, or it could be a problem. I had a cat that didn't want to eat, It turned out he had a bad tooth and couldn't chew the food. The vet said the tooth could have abscessed and killed him. I was glad I took him in to the vet.