34% of dog owners and 28% of cat owners bought a Valentine’s gift for their pets last year?

With Valentine’s Day around the corner, we’re reminded that love comes in all forms—including from our pets. But how can you tell if your cat or dog actually loves you back?

Petplan has uncovered the top (and sometimes surprising) signs of affection from our furry friends. Whether it’s your dog staring into your soul or your cat presenting you with their behind (yes, really!), here’s what their behaviour actually means.

For dog owners (according to expert Dr Brian Faulkner):

• Licking and wagging tails - While tail wagging doesn’t always mean happiness, a loose, swishing tail paired with affectionate licks is a sure sign of love.
• Relaxed eye contact - If your dog looks at you with soft, relaxed eyes, they trust you completely.
• Sharing toys - If your pup brings you their favourite toy, it’s their way of showing they enjoy your company.
• Sleeping beside you - Dogs are pack animals, so snuggling up next to you means they see you as family.

For cat lovers:

• ‘Gifts’ (yes, even dead mice) - If your cat leaves you a ‘present,’ they see you as family who needs to be taught how to hunt.
• Tail talk - A high, twitching tail means your cat is happy to see you.
• Head-butts - Cats mark their territory using the scent glands on their cheeks and head. So by head-butting or rubbing their chin against you, your cat is affectionately marking you out as theirs.
• Presenting their behind: As cats identify each other by scent, if your cat presents their tail to your face it shows you’re one of their most trusted people.

For more information visit https://www.petplan.co.uk/pet-information/dog/advice/signs-your-dog-loves-you/ and https://www.petplan.co.uk/pet-information/cat/advice/10-signs-your-cat-loves-you/