Montreal researcher aims to answer age-old question: does your cat really love you?

Cats have a reputation for being selfish and, while they do prioritize their needs, research suggests there's a whole lot more to felines and their feelings.

Cats have long had a reputation for being selfish and, while they do prioritize their needs, research suggests there’s a whole lot more to felines and their feelings.

Feline behaviour consultant Daniel Filion hears the same questions time and again: do cats really love us?

“Of course, cats love us but not like we love them. There’s a limit to their love,” Filion said.

He has spent 18 years helping people understand their cats and one thing never changes: cats put themselves first.

“Cats will always do things providing for them first and if it pleases you — that’s good,” he said.

But he says they still show affection, just in their own way.

“The way to see if your cat likes you or loves you is simple: look as it is coming to you.”

Watch the video above for the full report by CTV News Montreal’s Laurence Brisson Dubreuil.