Today (October 27) is National Black Cat Day, organised to celebrate the majesty of monochrome moggies.
It was created by the Cats Protection charity in 2011 in reaction to statistics that revealed homeless black-and-white cats take, on average, seven days longer to find a new forever family compared to cats of other colours.
To mark the occasion Tesco Insurance have teamed up with Vetfone vet Natasha Watson to reveal the way in which cats - black or otherwise - tell their owners they love them.
Natasha explained “While dogs are known to be very expressive, cats tend to show their affection through subtle cues with their body language. However, their quieter communication style does not mean they do not love humans, that’s often a big misconception.
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“Many cat owners, enthusiasts, and experts will attest to this - they are capable of forming incredibly strong connections with humans. Understanding their signals can help strengthen your bond with your pet, while also making you more aware of the hints they give when they're unhappy or unwell.”
So, here are the signs to look for.
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9. Bringing you gifts
Cats are instinctively hunters; even those that live indoors will hunt their toys to satisfy these natural urges. As solitary survivalists, cats typically don’t share their catch with others (except for nursing queens). So, when your cat offers you their prey, it’s a clear sign of affection, as a quarter (24%) of cat owners have found out. They’re not only showing love but also, in a way, implying that they think you might be a bit helpless and need their help. | Canva/Getty Images
10. Sleeping near you
Sleeping is a cat's most vulnerable state. In the wild, they only sleep in places where they feel hidden and safe. So when a cat chooses to sleep near you—or even on you—it's their way of saying, "You make me feel secure." Any cat owner can agree that there's nothing more comforting than having a cat sleep peacefully on your lap. | Canva/Getty Images