For the untrained eye, some of the poses in the pictures can seem a little cuckoo.
To learn more about how to decode the body language of these wonderful critters, we contacted PAWS, or the Progressive Animal Welfare Society, a non-profit organization based in Lynnwood, Washington, dedicated to promoting animal welfare through various rescue, rehabilitation, and advocacy programs. Established in 1967, PAWS focuses on helping not only domestic animals but also injured, orphaned, and sick wildlife.
Their representative told Bored Panda, "Cats will choose to actively come and spend time near you or even climb onto your lap," when they want to show affection.
"They may purr, knead, and head bump you. They will meow at you and might try to play with you. Some cats may even lick you!"
But when you hit it off, oh boy. According to a 2025 YouGov survey, Americans with cats usually describe themselves as the animal's companion (43%) and friend (41%), followed by owner (38%), then parent (37%).
Interestingly, compared to dog owners, cat owners are far less likely to say their cat is their best friend.
Also, 17% say their cats know them best, while 33% say their friends and family do, and 35% say both do equally.
However, dog and cat owners agree about the benefits. Both groups believe that their pets help fill a range of needs and desires, with large majorities of people with dogs and cats strongly or somewhat agreeing that their pets provide them with unconditional love (95% and 86%), are part of their families (95% and 92%), provide physical affection (95% and 90%), entertain them (94% and 93%), provide emotional support (93% and 86%), and improve their mental health (89% and 86%).
Among American cat owners, the largest share (55%) sees temperament as an important factor in the choice of a cat, followed by their cat’s age (42%) and their compatibility with other animals (42%).
Compared to dog owners, cat owners are far less likely to prioritize the animal's size (63% vs. 25%), breed (50% vs. 21%), energy level (43% vs. 26%), or intelligence (43% vs. 27%).
Most Americans with dogs (67%) and cats (73%) say they allow their pets to sleep in bed with them, and more than half have given their pet a gift (65% and 58%).
But while majorities of dog owners say they've prepared special treats or meals for their pet, included them in holiday photos, and taken them to a dog park, and nearly half have celebrated their dog's birthday or adoption day, cat owners are more subtle and far fewer say they have done this.
Or maybe their pets just need more space. "A cat wanting to be left alone may hide, hiss, or growl when you approach," a representative of PAWS explained to us.
"You may see a lot of tail flicking, and the ears may fold back against the head. If they really want to be left alone, they may even give you a swat with their paws to make sure you stay back!"
