We could list a million reasons cats enrich our lives, but one of the most touching is how they seem to sense when we quickly need extra love. Cats happily jump in to give us extra cuddles when we’re not feeling well or down and feeling sad. It’s magic how they can turn our mood right around, and the more kitties, the merrier.

On January 23, 2025, Instagram user Justin and Jack (@justin_and_jack) shared a clip of Justin’s return home after a medical event that had him in the hospital for a few days and the beautiful ways his seven cats made sure he felt loved. Take a look!

Justin has been through so much, but it’s so great he can continue his recovery at home. He’s got a great group of adorable cats to help nurse him back to health.

Oh, how these sweet cats missed their dad. It is touching to see how they’re all tail-up and running toward him to show him love. It’s a beautiful thing to be loved by so many cats, and we’re sure having them around will help in his recovery.

In the comments, people were charmed by the cats and how much they love their dad. One wrote, “Glad you are doing better and are back home! Thank you for sharing something so vulnerable. I know they were happy to see you. Take care of yourself and be patient through your recovery.” Another added, “Their happy tails. I’m so glad you’re home, and I can tell they are, too! Sending healing purrs your way.”

Other comments included, “They look happy to see you. All the best, hoping for a speedy recovery,” “So glad you’re OK and happy to see you and your sweet kitties together,” “Must have been so scary. I’m so glad you are back home and getting stronger each day,” and “From one cat man to another I’m glad you came out alive, and so are your cats.”

How cats show affection

It’s clear that these seven cats are so happy to have their parents home, and they’re wasting no time showing him love. They have buckets of affection to give, but they sometimes can’t. Cats aren’t always as apparent in how they show their affection.

According to the Humane Society of Greater Dayton, cats show you how much they love you in a few different ways. The most obvious one for us is their purr.

“A cat’s purr can mean a variety of things, from happiness to genuine concern. Cats use purrs as another form of communication with humans,” the experts say. “Many experts believe that a cat’s purr is a form of submission, letting both people and other animals know they offer no sort of threat. Either way, we like to think of purring like a little smile from our pets letting us know they are here.”

Another way a cat shows affection is when they “make biscuits” or knead. “Cat kneading is an action when the cats lightly press the tips of their paws into you in a very methodical and calm motion, similar to a person kneading bread dough,” the Humane Society of Greater Dayton notes.

“This action goes all the way back to when your cat was a kitten, and they did this to release milk from their mother. Adult cats show this action when they are feeling their most comfortable and relaxed, which can typically be when they are being petted.”

Seeing these cats love on their dad is sweet, and we wish him a speedy recovery.

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