Your pet says ‘I love you’ in many forms

It can be annoying to have your furry friend always under your feet but following you around – even when you’re just getting a drink or using the bathroom – is a sign of devotion and affection, Dr Weitzman says. “Wherever you are, your dog wants to be, and they wouldn’t want to spend all their time with you if they didn’t love you!” he says. Find out the four sure signs your dog trusts you.

Sure, dogs are great at coming when you call their name, and cats are too (when they want to be). But did you know that rabbits can also learn to respond to your calls? “Rabbits learn their people’s habits and voices and will come running when their favourite people are around,” Char says.

Cats have about 16 different meows to communicate different things, Dr Weitzman says. However, adult cats only vocalise to humans – kittens meow to their mother, but they grow out of it, he explains. “This means that when your cat meows, it is solely to communicate with you and it is a big sign that they really do love you, even if they don’t always show it!” he says. Find out the health benefits of keeping pets here.

Physical affection is hugely important to most dogs and so they will show you affection by wanting to share space with you, Dr Miller explains. “Whether they sit in your lap, lay their head next to you, or just lean against you, that snuggle is saying you are their person and they love you.” Snuggles are the easy part – find out the 53 mistakes every dog owner makes here… are you guilty?

Purring on its own isn’t necessarily a sign of love, as cats sometimes purr when they are upset or hurt, but if your kitty is all snuggled up with you and doing those low, long purrrrrs, it’s a good sign that they’re comfortable with you and feeling affectionate, Dr Miller says. Discover the eight reasons you should never let your cat sleep on your bed.

Sometimes the simplest signs of love are the truest! Take tail wagging, for instance. This classic doggy behaviour shows happiness, excitement, and joy but when it’s directed at you, it’s a clear sign they are happy and excited about you, Dr Weitzman says. Is there a more clear sign of love than someone who is that excited to see you every single time you walk in a room? FInd out the 9 etiquette rules every dog owner should know.

No, you’re not being cat-called by your furry friend! Guinea pigs have a signature whistle they make, often to welcome you home or to show happiness, says Johanna Reel, a registered veterinary technician with NHV Natural Pet Products. “Though they are small, guinea pigs can show their people a lot of love,” she says. “When guinea pigs are happy, they chirp, squeal and whistle. Though their way of showing their love was a bit different than my cats or dogs, it always put a smile on my face. I miss their little welcome whistles now that they’re gone.” Here are six things pet shops won’t tell you.

You might not be proud of your tummy fur but your cat sure is and displaying their tummies is a big way that cats show they are comfortable and happy with you, Dr Weitzman says. However, it’s not necessarily an invitation to rub her belly, as any cat owner who got tricked by the tummy-claw trap can tell you, he adds.

Horses are very sensitive to humans and can be very skittish unless trained not to be. They are often picky about how they trust, so it’s a safe bet that if your horse nickers, approaches you, and seeks out physical contact with you, it loves you, says Jennifer Coates, DVM, member of the Pet Life Today advisory board.

Dogs are experts at reading human body language and can tell when you’re upset, says Oscar Chavez, DVM and chief medical director of Just Food For Dogs. Their instinct is to try and comfort you, usually by trying to cuddle. Some dogs may also try to lick your crying face or bring you their favourite comfort object, like a toy or blanket. Whatever they choose, it’s their love language, he says.