[downwithpeace]

I adore cats, all animals really, my grandads (Both now dead) had dogs for the typical country side needs but both ended up with a cat following them around.

It's amazing on both sides, human and animal, the potential for showing love.

[grey_so_what]

Originally Posted by downwithpeace

I adore cats, all animals really, my grandads (Both now dead) had dogs for the typical country side needs but both ended up with a cat following them around.

It's amazing on both sides, human and animal, the potential for showing love.

I can identify with your comment...we have the ultimate "stalker" cat.....insisted on following her owner and he just couldn't not love her despite his prostrations of not liking cats....I think sometimes it's perceived for a man not to love a cat but honestly......they do really!

ps....I love your last comment!

[downwithpeace]

Originally Posted by grey_so_what

I think sometimes it's perceived for a man not to love a cat but honestly......they do really!

I think it's only those who've never had a cat that don't, any man that's had a cat knows the shared love of seeing those ears level out while scratching the head.

[iguana]

When people stroke a dog or cat our brains release oxytocin. That's the bonding hormone that we release during sex, during and immediately after childbirth and during breastfeeding, or when being breastfed as infants. It's known as the bonding hormone and is a major part in helping us love our partners and children. So when we stroke our pet we feel a very similar love to that of a mother feeding her infant. I don't know about cats but studies have shown in the last few years that dogs also release this hormone when being stroked so they are feeling a very similar bond to us that we feel to them.

[Whispered]

Originally Posted by bubblefett

As of tomorrow, the 26th of May, it will have been 1 year since he found me. My little guardian angel of a dog. Never ever underestimate the love a dog can give, it's more powerful and pure than any other love in this world

This brought a tear to my eye. Well done you, and well done to your lifesaving dog

[downwithpeace]

Originally Posted by iguana

When people stroke a dog or cat our brains release oxytocin. That's the bonding hormone that we release during sex, during and immediately after childbirth and during breastfeeding, or when being breastfed as infants. It's known as the bonding hormone and is a major part in helping us love our partners and children. So when we stroke our pet we feel a very similar love to that of a mother feeding her infant. I don't know about cats but studies have shown in the last few years that dogs also release this hormone when being stroked so they are feeling a very similar bond to us that we feel to them.

I've seen bits on the news about nursing homes having a cat for the residents to interact with, such positive interaction between the two wasn't lost on the staff.

[planetX]

It's a strange thing with humans and pets - I've got a mother cat who was the best mother ever, she and the 2 kittens I kept adored each other and were never apart. Now the kittens are nearly a year old and lately the bonds between them seem to be breaking down a bit, and all of them are turning more and more to me for affection and attention. There's something about the relationship with a human that is more attractive to them than each other. Though the mother cat adores the dog, and would rather be around him than any of the other cats. Weird interspecies politics.

All the pets have brought so much into my life, and ask for so little in return.... especially the cats, dog is going thru a difficult adolescence but he's my best buddy.

[angeline]

I live on my own and have a rescue cat. She is the most affectionate animal I have ever had the pleasure of owning. She makes my house a home and I can truly say I would be lost without her company. Some people who don't know cats think they are selfish but that is so untrue. The bond between your cat and you and is so unique and special.

[Gunslinger92]

This is a nice thread

My dog Buffy is so affectionate too, she runs out to greet the car coming down the driveway, she invites herself into the kitchen What touched me the most though is that she knows when you're upset. A few times I've been down and had a wee cry on the step and she just comes over and sits with you.

[ABajaninCork]

Originally Posted by grey_so_what

I never understood a cat until I had one.....They pick you.....end of story....

Mad stuff but so endearing when you are picked.. you feel like you are the "chosen" one.... if that makes sense?...

I always tell people I was owned by my cats. They treated me as the hired help!!

[emuhead]

Our family dog was put down a couple of weeks ago and I am shocked at how much it is like losing a person and how upset I've been He was always very calming and affectionate.

[MsQuinn]

Originally Posted by Gunslinger92

This is a nice thread

My dog Buffy is so affectionate too, she runs out to greet the car coming down the driveway, she invites herself into the kitchen What touched me the most though is that she knows when you're upset. A few times I've been down and had a wee cry on the step and she just comes over and sits with you.

I know I've posted already but this post just reminded me of my cat I had when I was a teenager. He was always waiting for me at the gate of my house when I came home from school.

The routine was to lift him up and bring him into the house for about 10 mins - that's all my mother would allow him in for before dinner time. He would be put out again until dinner was over and I was allowed to bring him back into the house (kitchen only as my ma hated cats).

I never followed the soaps etc. in the late 80's as I spent all my time in the kitchen playing with the cat. Usually lying on the floor with the cat on top of me - I know........ but I have great memories of that cat.

[Jimbob 83]

My 13 year old black lab died 4-5 weeks ago and he is still the last thing i think about every night before i go to sleep.

[Dodd]

I had a bad day today and my dog made me really LoL at least 5 times.
I was training her to beg last night.....it didn't go well but today I came in from
trying to unblock the drains(yes loads of sh1t) and she sat there in the beg pose looking for a treat.

My dog is young but pulls up a front paw on the side facing me to kind of ask WTF when she is not sure what is going on.

[x Purple Pawprints x]

Aww this thread has me all weepy!

It is amazing though, the affection an animal can give. I've had 3 or 4 dogs growing up and I can say that the younger one we have now (we have 2) is the most affectionate dog I've ever seen. He just wants to be with you. Even if you walk outside for a couple of minutes he'll follow you up and just stand there wiggling his little tail. He's a 5 year old German Shorthaired Pointer and unfortunately his tail was docked before we got him. Sometimes he wanders inside, jumps up on the couch beside whoever is there and puts his head on their lap. He's happy enough just to sit there.

One time we had an English Pointer who was fiercely protective of me. I do remember one day I was out in the back garden and 2 strays appeared at the back gate and started barking so the dog used his nose to push me to the back door away from the 2 strays at the gate.