It really is strange, when you think about it, that some of our best friends are almost nothing like us. We don't speak the same language, look the same, eat the same food, or enjoy many of the same activities. Somehow, though, the bond between our pets and their loyal humans is stronger than the bond between many humans and each other. Why is this? They're certainly cute, no one is denying that. I have another theory: because we can't understand each other, we are forced to pursue a benevolent relationship because we have nothing to fight about. While we think we understand our favorite furry friends, we likely misconstrue a significant part of their behavior. Here are some common potential misconceptions.
1. The yawn.
We think: “Oh, she’s tired.”
Really: She’s seeing how far she can stretch her jaws to enclose her next victim.
2. The stare.
We think: “Wow, he must love looking at his best friend!”
Really: He’s looking for signs of weakness.
3. The lick.
We think: “Aw, kisses!”
Really: One of two things. Either he really likes whatever soap or lotion you use, or he thinks you need a bath.
4. The rub.
We think: “She loves me so much!”
Really: She’s paranoid that you might try to leave her, so she must ensure that her scent is on you at all times to prevent new friends.
5. The purr.
We think: “He’s so happy!”
Really: No human can stop paying attention to a purring cat. He’s daring you to stop paying attention to him.
6. The obnoxious bark.
We think: “He's trying to talk to me!”
Really: He is, but I don’t think you really want to know what he's saying to you.
7. The growl.
We think: “Uh, oh. She’s mad.”
Really: She is, but she loves you enough to let you know first, rather than killing you immediately.
8. The snuggle.
We think: “She wants to be near me! This is so nice!”
Really: She’s protecting her food source.
9. The knead.
We think: “He thinks I’m his mom!”
Really: He’s hungry. As usual.
10. The lying on the back.
We think: “She wants a tummy rub!”
Really: She might. Or she might be baiting you so you can beg for forgiveness for making her mad after she bites you.
11. The walk across the computer keyboard.
We think: “He wants attention!”
Really: Yes, but also he wants to ensure that you don’t get too far in life and become so busy you forget to feed him.
12. The never leaving you alone.
We think: “He loves me and I’m his best friend in the whole world!”
Really: He does, and you are.
