Can pets read human emotions?

I feel that without a doubt that pets can read human emotions. I have always noticed how my cat tends to sit or brush it's tail against me more when I a, mot feeling my best. There is a saying "the pet will sit on the spot that hurts the most". Therefore I think that pets have that special ability to feel human emotion. They are very caring animals with big hearts and it is shown each time to how they act aroung their owners. I love my cat very much and she is definitely a part of me and my family because she is always there for me when I am going through difficult times.