Prove you're your pet's favourite family member

We know your pet is your best friend and that you’re their favourite in the family. But how can you prove it? And - just to play Devil’s Advocate - what if you weren’t their favourite person? Is there a way to snatch top spot from someone else and become a pet’s number-one bestie?

Here, we discuss whether pets have a “favourite” pet parent, how one can become a cat or dog’s favourite person and the differences between how cats and dogs pick their best pal.

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Do pets have a “favourite” person, or is it something else?

In a way, yes - they do. But it probably isn’t as deep as human relationships; a pet’s “favourite” person is likely the one they’ve spent the most time with, especially in the early socialisation stage.

Pets can, and do, bond with multiple people, especially in the same family, but they tend to pick their favourite based on:

• Early socialisation - The person who is with a pet during their early years, especially those who are instrumental in socialisation training, will likely form a strong bond with them.

• Quality time: The person who spends the most time with a pet, especially during feeding, walking, and training, will bond closely with them.

• Personality matches: Much like people, pets become close with those who match their personality. A low-energy Siamese, for example, will probably get on well with the chillest family member.

• Positive experiences: A pet that has a lot of positive memories with someone will favour them.

Can a pet’s favourite person change?

Yes, they can change over time, but it usually requires a big routine change, which isn’t usual between pet parents and pets. Usually, once a pet finds their person, they stick with them.

Theoretically, if their primary caregiver changes or they spend a lot of key enrichment time with someone else, they can become their new go-to.

How to find your pet’s favourite family member

It usually isn’t hard to spot them; just find the person they stick to like a glove or, alternatively, the person they pine after the most when they’re not around.

For example, if your dog constantly looks at the door and looks whimsical until “mum” comes home, then she’s probably their favourite.

If they act completely fine when dad is out of the house, well, we have bad news for them...

Seven signs you’re already your pet’s favourite

Deep bonds

It sounds obvious, but if you feel like you have a deep bond with a pet, and they’re someone you’ve shared lots of close moments with, then it’s likely you’re their favourite. Pet parents know when they’re number-one!

Sharing their favourite toys

A pet bringing you their favourite toys - or in some cases a bird or animal from outside - means they value you and it’s their way of saying: “you’re my favourite!”

The “Velcro” effect

Some cats and dogs are known as “Velcro” pets, as they stick by the side of “their person” closely. So, if your pet is always by your side, then it’s a good sign you’re their favourite.

They’re incredibly excited to see you (maybe a little more than others)

Pets, especially dogs, can get really hyped when we return home from a long day. Some pets get really excited when pretty much anyone comes through the door, but for their favourite person, they may get that little bit happier.

They’re your mirror

The Mirror Effect, most commonly seen in dogs, is where they mimic a pet parent's behaviour, emotions and vibes closely.

Studies have shown that dogs are sensitive to their pet parent’s emotions, mirroring our cortisol levels. In fact, a 2019 study found that long-term stress levels were synchronised between pets and their pet parent. For cats, another 2019 study found that a cat mimics a pet parent’s personality, similar to parent-child relationships.

Now, pets won’t choose to do this with just anyone - it’s only with the person they identify with most: their favourite pet parent.

Trust

Pets will trust those they like the most, so if they’re naturally near you, go to you first and stick by your side when out for a walk, it’s a good sign they like you most.

More often than not, they look to you for reassurance, too, and you’re the one they’ll stay near if they’re a little anxious or startled.

Wagging their tail to the right

In dogs, a tail wagging to the right means “I trust and like you!” in canine body language, so if they do that in your presence more than others, then that’s biological evidence that you’re besties.

How to become your cat or dog’s favourite person

For cats

• Don’t force things

• Embed yourself in their routine

• Respect their space

• Spend lots of enrichment, playing and training time together

• Use positive reinforcement when they show affection

For dogs

• Be their leader

• Feed them

• Quality time beats lots of time

• Play with them lots

• Use positive reinforcement training

The science of liking someone: why cats and dogs differ

While we’ve talked about pets generally here, it’s important to highlight the differences between how cats and dogs choose “their people”.

Dogs primarily use their nose to understand the world. They process chemical signals, like fear, happiness and stress, through scent.

Cats, meanwhile, are a little more implicit and don’t have the same pack mentality as dogs. They tend to thrive with people they see as a safe, predictable haven.

Here’s a quick comparison table:

Remember: don’t try too hard!

But remember: each member of the family has a role to play in a pet’s life; we wouldn’t take being their favourite or not personally.

What matters is giving them a home to thrive in and, trust us, when it comes to pets, they have more than enough love for everyone.

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