Why do my cats and dogs smile sometimes?

Question

how can i make them smile more? why do they do it? and how come sometimes when cats purr they're not really happy'?? it doesnt make sense sometimes my cats pur, and then when i go to touch him he moves away..strange? maybe he is getting sick of me =[

Answer 1

Lot of questions.

Dogs and to  a lesser extent cats, "smile," because we humans reward them for the behavior.  Dogs learn to smile the most readily, because humans reward them with a food treat, or extra attention when they "smile."  The dog quickly learns to associate the "smile" with the reward.  Cats learn to associate the "smile" with the reward also, but quiet often cats do not give a fig about food rewards, or extra human attention.  So cats are harder to get to "smile."

Cats purr for a number of reasons.  Purring is a soothing behavior/sound to a cat, so they do it for their own gratification.  I've come accross cats that were run over several times in my life.  They were purring up a storm, even though they were in horrible pain, with their back ends crushed.  

Think of a cats purring, like a girl who twirls a lock of her hair.  She may twirl the hair when she's happy, or flirting, or when she's relaxing in a bubble bath, or reading a good book.  She will also twirl her hair when she's upset, in pain, or agitated.  Partly it's simply a habbit, but that habbit is soothing and calming at some level.  So hair twirling can work for any emotional level, from happiness, sadness, anger, ect.

Same with a cat's purr.  It works for the cat at any emotional level the cat is having.  From pet me, snuggle me, happy purr, to in pain self-calming purr, to contented but leave me alone purr.

Don't worry, your cat is not sick of you.  Cat's are just a lot more oppinionated than dogs.  Cats do not always want to be touched.  Makes sence though.  Dogs are pack animals, where being part of the pack (and that means touching) makes a dog feel happy, and secure with their lot in life.  Cats, for the most part, live solitary lives.  They are willing to accept some attention and interaction, but only when THEY want it.  Cats are perfectly happy and content, even if not being touched and petted all the time.

~Garnet

Permaculture homesteading/farming over 20 years

Dog & cat owner since 1972

Active wildlife study over 40 years