Humans show affection to others in many different ways. Some people are partial to hugs and kisses while others prefer words of encouragement. Animals might not be as up front about these indicators of love and kindness, but they have other ways of showing their friends and family that they care.
Let’s take a look at how different animals show affection. Some of these actions are so cute they don’t even seem real!
Otters
Otters spend a lot of their time in pairs and they even hold hands with each other so they don’t float away. They don’t let go, even when sleeping! These little critters are even seen kissing and cleaning each other on a regular basis.
Elephants
Despite being massive, elephants are one of the most gentle and emotional animals out there. They show affection by wrapping their trunks around each other. So, you might even see some of them holding trunks. They use their trunk like a human hand, so they will often use it to stroke the head or ears of another elephant.
Albatross
Like many birds, albatrosses have an obscure way of confessing their love to each other. They show affection by performing an extravagant dance for each other. They first bob their heads and move in a circle around each other. Then, they knock their beaks together, almost like they’re kissing. This often goes on for a while before the pair decides that they want to have children together.
Chipmunks
When chipmunks are in love, they rub noses similarly to how humans shake hands. They do this to recognize each other’s scents. Sometimes, they will cozy up to one another, sniffing ears and tails to make sure that they become familiar with their loved ones.
Seahorses
Seahorses already have interesting relationships since the male is the one who gives birth to the babies. But when a couple first meets, they do a “love dance” to attract each other. One seahorse starts the dance by glowing different colors, and then they dance together by linking tails.
Orangutans
Believe it or not, orangutans will sometimes kiss each other when they’re in love. It’s not exactly a moving, passionate kiss like it is for humans, but it appears similar. Orangutans and similar primates will touch lips when they like each other. It’s not always for romantic relationships, but it’s a way of showing other animals that they care.
Rabbits
It’s no secret that bunnies reproduce rapidly, but not many people know how these rabbits start their romantic bonds. Eastern cottontail rabbits are one of the many rabbit species that show love for each other by fighting first. Rabbits will chase each other, and when one gets annoyed with the other, they might kick them! This goes on over and over again until the bunnies decide to fall in love. Once they’ve had enough of the fighting, they’ll both leap high in the air to let each other know that they’re a couple now.
Cats
Cats often get the reputation of being independent and stuck up, but they often show love to their humans in more ways than we realize. Cats will rub against you, purr, groom you, or show their belly to you. On occasion, they might even present you with a dead mouse. So, just because your feline ignores you and pushes your belongings onto the floor at times doesn’t mean they don’t care.
Dogs
Dogs are likely the easiest animals to read. They show their affection to humans and other dogs in many ways. They lick, wag their tails, nudge, bring toys, make eye contact, run around, lean on you, or roll over. When a dog loves someone, they’re great at showing it!
Animals show affection just like we do. Our pets show us they care by licking us, cuddling with us, and bringing us their favorite toys. But as it turns out, animals also love to show affection to each other too. So, pay close attention to animal behaviors because you might just see something heartwarming!