The key to capturing your beloved pet’s heart revealed

For many of us, our furry friends are not just companions but cherished family members and understanding the intricacies of the bond we share with our pets has always been a topic of fascination.

Pets, with their soulful eyes and wagging tails, have an uncanny ability to touch our hearts in ways that words often fail to capture.

They become an integral part of our lives, offering unwavering companionship, loyalty, and, most importantly, love.

But what exactly tugs at the heartstrings of our beloved pets? This question has served as the catalyst for an in-depth survey that has endeavoured to reveal the secrets behind the extraordinary bond we share with our furry companions and the best ways in which we can express love to our four legged friends.

Commissioned by Nulo pet food, a recent survey conducted by OnePoll has unveiled some fascinating insights into the world of pet-human relationships. The survey, encompassing 2,000 cat and dog owners, has exposed the myriad ways we communicate our love to our furry companions.

Food remains a formidable channel for affection, with 53 per cent of pet parents prioritising high-quality meals for their animals. Ensuring their pets’ health and nutrition is the topmost concern for 47 per cent of respondents, while 32 per cent seek to introduce variety into their pets’ diets.

The survey also delved into how we communicate love to our furry friends. It turns out, amidst the acts of affection like petting (83 per cent), hugs (62 per cent), and kisses (55 per cent), respondents are indeed speaking the language of love to their pets.

Quality time emerged as another vital channel for expressing affection (27 per cent). This included heartwarming gestures like allowing their four-legged companions to sleep in their beds (62 per cent) and bringing them along whenever possible (40 per cent).

The level of dedication pet parents invest in showing love is remarkable. An astounding 95 per cent of pet owners believe that their pets inherently understand the depth of their love. In a testament to the strong bond, almost two-thirds (62 per cent) of respondents feel they share a common love language with their pets.

In return, pet parents experience affection in many forms – their pets follow them around throughout the day (65 per cent), snuggle beside them in bed (58 percent), bestow kisses (48 per cent), and engage in playtime, whether with them or their toys (47 per cent).

The survey also revealed that for nearly half (47 per cent) of pet owners, their pets are viewed as best friends, with 42 per cent reciprocating this sentiment. Others hold their pets in such high regard that they regard them as akin to their own children (38 per cent), while 37 per cent of respondents believe their pets see them as parents.

This bond runs so deep that seven out of ten (69 per cent) respondents are willing to make a significant sacrifice, even altering their own diets, to ensure their pets receive the best possible food in a testament to the unwavering love and connection shared between pets and their adoring owners.

“With 69 per cent of respondents willing to put their pet’s dietary needs before their own, the data clearly shows just how important a role pets play in their people’s lives,” said Heather Acuff, Ph.D., Nulo’s Director of Research & Development.

“Not only are pet parents speaking their pet’s love language, they’re going above and beyond to provide optimum care and nutrition to ensure the healthiest and happiest lives for their pets.

“Feeding your pet a high-quality diet is one of the biggest ways you can show them your love and appreciation.

“Pets don’t have the ability to voice their food and nutrition preferences, so it’s up to us as pet parents to do the homework and to ensure that the food we are providing is considerate of their dietary needs, is high quality and offers great taste and variety. There is no doubt that food is one of the most important investments we make in the quality of life for our pets.”

Expressing love and affection towards your pets is undoubtedly vital, but the significance of selecting the perfect breed to lavish your affection upon cannot be overstated.