Are pets capable of the kind of love that humans feel?

Pet owners will insist that they can, and they say there are plenty of signs of it: Tails wagging, purring, sloppy and scratchy kisses.

But do those truly represent feelings of love, the way we humans feel that emotion?

Or are our animals simply exhibiting a bond based on instinct, dependence and social hierarchy?

It’s a question without easy answers.

“It can be difficult to know whether two people who profess to be experiencing ‘love’ are experiencing the exact same emotion, much less whether other species are experiencing something similar,” says E’Lise Christensen, an animal behavior veterinarian for NYC Veterinary Specialists in Manhattan.

At the same time, it’s apparent that dogs and cats develop social attachments to people.

“This is especially obvious in animals with separation anxiety syndrome,” Christensen says. That syndrome results when a dog or cat develops a hyperattachment to its caretaker and becomes destructive when the caretaker leaves.

But that’s an extreme example.

There are many pets that do not have separation anxiety, that simply prefer being near their owners - or even on their owners - when there are plenty of other places for them to relax, she says.

But does that prove that they love us?

Perhaps.

Are pets, like people, drawn to certain personality types?

Can a strong-willed, alpha-type dog get along with a submissive owner? Or would it prefer an owner who likes to take charge?

How about timid dogs? Do they prefer laid-back owners?

And what about cats?

People often say cats are aloof - too independent to bond with their owners. But, clearly, there are cats that enjoy human companionship. They’re just not as demonstrative as their canine counterparts.

Want to know whether your cat loves you?

If it brings something half-dead and drops it at your feet - that’s a sign.

A less gruesome way some cats show their affection is by following you around the house or by casually entering a room a few minutes after you arrive, as if by mere coincident.

Jumping on your lap, greeting you at the door or rubbing you with its head are other signals of feline affection.

So, how do you know your dog loves you?

Sorry, but a dog licking your face probably isn’t a true sign of love, Jon Rappaport, founder of PetPlace.com, says in a recent online story.

When a dog licks our face, we tend to respond to them with attention, praise and hugs or kisses - which tends to encourage their licking, he notes.

But when they lick our face, aren’t they seeking our affection?

It’s a point to ponder.

Whether they feel true love may remain one of life’s mysteries, but we do know that animal magnetism works both ways.

Studies show the mere presence or touch by a preferred person can reduce a pet’s heart rate. And the same goes for us when we touch or spend time with our pets.

“In my experience, most cats and dogs bond with their families; however, like in humans, each relationship will have its own unique characteristics,” Christensen says. “This is why our companion animals are irreplaceable”.

CRITTER CALENDAR
Spring Pet Adoption Expo

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and No More Homeless Pets in Hillsborough County are hosting a spring pet adoption expo from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 19 at the Florida State Fairgrounds’ Special Events Center, 4800 U.S. 301 N., Tampa.

More than 20 animal rescue groups will be offering hundreds of dogs, cats, puppies and kittens for adoption. Vendors will be selling pet merchandise, and there will be door prizes, demonstrations and information available on a variety of pet-related topics.

Admission and parking are free at the Orient Road entrance. Rescue groups will be accepting donations.

For information, call (813) 920-8359 or go to http://www.tampapets.org.

Weimaraner Meet-Up

Meet with Weimaraner enthusiasts and their dogs at 10 a.m. May 19 at Fort DeSoto’s Paw Playground and beach, 3500 Pinellas Bayway S., Tierra Verde. For information, go to http://www.meetup.com.

Pet Palooza

Camden Apartment Communities and the Humane Society of Tampa Bay roll out the welcome mat for pets at the third annual Pet Palooza from 1 to 4 p.m. today, Sunday and May 20 at various Camden properties in Tampa. The furry fun includes adoptable pets on-site, hurricane preparedness tips for pet owners, information on pet microchipping, spay-neuter and training tips, and activities for pets and people.

Additionally, Camden will donate $50 to the society for every new pet lease signed and will waive the initial pet deposit in honor of national pet month.

Events are today at Camden Citrus Park, 8102 Sheldon Road; Sunday at Camden Preserve, 6501 S. West Shore Blvd.; and May 20 at Camden Woods, 250 Belle Chase Circle, Tampa. For information, call 1-866-362-3757 or go to http://www.camdenliving.com.