Many pets have been known to be affectionate, so are turtles the same? Pet owners would often like to receive a little bit of love back from their pets. While you might be affectionate towards your pet turtle, will it do the same to you?
Turtles are affectionate creatures. Although they might not be able to show their affection towards you verbally, they have their way to express their affection.
As reptiles, turtles have a rather different way to show their affection when compared to mammals. It might be difficult for you to figure out if your pet turtle feels the same way about you. Don’t worry! It’s not as hard as it sounds.
Let me share with you how you can spot your turtles’ affection towards you.
How Do Turtles Show Affection?
When you think of turtles, the first thought of it might be of their slow-pace movement. Of course, turtles might not be as slow as sloths, but… they’re still pretty slow compared to cats and dogs.
With that being said, unlike our usual pet cats and dogs, pet turtles wouldn’t be coming after you for cuddles and snuggles. Forget about the purrs and the tail-waggings too.
Instead, these slow-moving creatures tend to show their affections via their body language. Here are some signs that indicate that your pet turtle is showing its affection towards you.
Watching You Silently
Have you ever noticed that your turtle is watching you silently? Pretty… spooky, I’d say. You might have thought that it was merely a coincidence.
With that being said, your turtle had probably just dozed off in your direction…right? Well, that’s not the case here! Turtles are known to be quite an observer.
In fact, they enjoy watching the people they love. The next time you catch your turtle gazing at you, don’t be spooked out. It’s probably just interested in what you’re doing.
Walking Towards You
Just imagine if you see your favorite person down the street, you’d definitely be walking towards that person right? Likewise, if your pet turtle happens to be walking towards you, it’s definitely trying to show you some sort of affection.
So, don’t be disappointed because you’re missing out on all the warm welcomes pet cats and dogs can provide you with. Isn’t it more heart-warming to see your pet turtle walking towards you instead?
Following You Around
As mentioned above, turtles would walk towards you to show their affections. Want to know something more heart-warming?
Turtles tend to follow you around when they’re being affectionate to you too! Additionally, they might even bump into you intentionally in hopes of some pats.
With that being said, if you ever get bumped against by your pet turtle, remember to give it some pats!
Pacing Its Enclosure
Just like every other species, no one would behave in the exact same way as the other. This is also the case when it comes to turtles.
As mentioned above, some turtles may be walking towards you or following you around, while others may not be as expressive. If you see your pet turtle pacing its enclosure, it’s simply trying to attract your attention.
This also means that your pet turtle is trying to be affectionate towards you. You wouldn’t want to attract some random person…right? So does your turtle!
Touching Your Hand With Their Nose
While turtles don’t come snuggling and cuddling with you, they do show their affection towards you via body contact. The most common body contact a turtle would have with you would be to nudge you with their noses.
So, don’t freak out when your pet turtle nudges your hand with their noses the next time. It’s simply trying to show its affection. In fact, nose-nudging is known to be a common social behavior among animals.
Now that we know that turtles do show affection by nose-nudging us, they aren’t that different compared to dogs and cats after all!
Leaning Into Your Touch
As much as we, humans, value the desire to have body contacts, turtles do too! If your turtle is leaning into your touch, this is simply just another way of it to express its fondness with you.
It’s a plus if your turtle has its eyes closed while leaning into your touch. That’s a definite sign that your pet turtle is expressing its affection towards you.
Stretching Their Neck
Turtles tend to have their necks retracted into their shell when they sense danger. This is an incredibly common act to keep themselves safe from harm.
Nevertheless, have you ever seen your turtle’s stretched out neck and wondered if there’s a reason behind it? Before you think about it, no, your turtle isn’t just having a random yoga session.
Instead, it’s again trying to show you its affection towards you. Sometimes, your pet turtle might also have its neck stretched out to express its desire to be rubbed or scratched. Remember to give them what they want and don’t leave them disappointed!
Staying Close With You
Don’t be sad if your turtle isn’t showing any of the signs above. Some turtles may not be as expressive as others. Here’s another sign that you can look out for to see if your pet turtle is being affectionate.
Have you ever realized that your pet turtle has always been staying close with you when they’re roaming around? By doing so, they’re simply enjoying your presence.
I know this may not be as interesting as the other signs that you could look out for. Nevertheless, it is also a sign that they’re showing you their affection. Who wouldn’t want to spend more time with their favorite person anyway?
Would Turtles Feel Our Affection Towards Them?
Turtles may not feel things the same way as we do. Nevertheless, they do feel our affection towards them. Just like any other pets, turtles would also crave for our love and attention. So, don’t be stingy. Start showering your pet turtle with all of the love and attention that it deserves!
How Can You Show Your Turtle Affection?
Now that you know how to spot your pet turtle when it’s being affectionate, what can you do in return to show your affection towards it? Here are some things that you could do for your pet turtle.
Rubs and Scratches
Turtles enjoy being rubbed and scratched. All you have to do is to give their shell some little rubs. Don’t forget to give their head some scratches too! You shouldn’t be too afraid of doing it wrongly.
Here’s a tip for you that may come in handy. Look out if your turtle is extending its neck a little more while you’re scratching. If it’s a yes, good job! You’re doing it the right way.
Regular Talks
I know that you might think that I’m joking, but I’m not. It’s completely normal for you to talk to your pet turtle. With that being said, you’re actually indicating an appreciation for its presence.
Although they might not be able to understand what you’re saying or to speak up, I’m sure that it’ll definitely make a difference to your pet turtle’s day.
So, talk to them regularly just like how you would talk to your friends and family members. Your pet turtle might eventually develop a stronger affection towards you too!
Conclusion
Turtles are affectionate creatures, though they may not be as expressive as other household pets. While cats and dogs show their affection quite visibly through their actions, you might have to be a little more observant when it comes to your pet turtle.
Who knows… they might have already been watching you silently or pacing around its enclosure in hopes to attract your attention. So, keep an eye out for the behaviors of your pet turtle!
Here’s a big congratulations for you if your pet turtle has already been showing you these signs. If not, don’t worry too much!
I’m sure that your pet turtle will begin to be affectionate towards you as long as you continue to shower it with love and patience. Don’t forget… everything takes time!
