12 Signs That Your Cat Loves You
So how do cats show affection? Your cat’s body language, behavior and vocalizations can tell you a lot about how trusting and affectionate she is, and acknowledging and understanding these behaviors can help you build a strong, loving bond with your cat.
Here are some common signs that show your cat loves you:
1. Slow blinking
It’s said that the eyes are the windows to the soul, and cats show affection by making eye contact with their owners – cats will often gaze intently into the eyes of those they trust and love.
Cats often make eye contact by lowering their eyelids and blinking slowly, which is thought of as the feline equivalent of a kiss, so why not try blinking slowly to show your cat affection too?
2. Headbutt
Cats will head-bump or rub their cheeks against you to show affection – this is a social behavior formed as kittens through head-butting with other kittens and their mothers.
Head-butting is often an attempt by cats to scent-mark you as a mate, helps cats bond with each other, and is a sign of affection for their owners.
3. Appearance
Cats groom each other as an affectionate gesture, and will extend this behavior to humans once they have established a trusting relationship. Cats will often lick humans and allow themselves to be brushed. Licking is similar to the way cats groom fellow cats, and allows them to mark each other and bond.
But watch out for rapid tail wagging and growling or hissing, as grooming, especially brushing, can be overly irritating if done too vigorously or for too long.
4. Knead
Cats typically knead with their front paws – a behavior that begins as kittens and is associated with nursing. Kneading is thought to release endorphins, reducing stress, helping to relax and creating a sense of comfort.
A relaxed cat kneading is a sign of contentment and will often be accompanied by gentle stroking or petting. Cats may also knead to soften their sleeping area, which is thought to be a natural behavior.
5. Showing your belly
This is considered the ultimate sign of trust for cats, who will only lie on their backs and show their bellies when they are at their most relaxed state.
However, this is not an invitation to pet or rub your cat’s belly. Your cat is simply communicating that it feels comfortable and safe exposing the most vulnerable parts of its body. Be careful if you try to stroke its belly, as it may fight back by biting or scratching.
6. Meowing
Cats often make short, quiet meows when spoken to slowly and gently – if the meows become longer, drawn out, or turn into a hissing sound, it may be a sign that your cat has had enough interaction.
7. Purring
Cats often purr to show contentment when they are resting near their owner or when they are being petted. They may also purr when they are stressed, but this is often combined with another body language such as tucking their ears back, lowering their head, wagging their tail quickly or hiding.
8. Greet your guests at the entrance
Cats are trying to show you that they’ve missed you when they greet you at the front door, often by walking between your legs and wrapping their tail around your legs afterwards, and may also meow and wag their tail rapidly (“rattletail” behavior).
This is your cat’s way of welcoming you into the home, and it could also be a way of letting you know of more important things, like that food is ready, that they need fresh water, or that their litter box needs cleaning, so be sure to check these things.
9. Follow you
Cats often follow their loved ones It gives you a sense of trust and security in the home. Your dog will follow you around the house, always be within sight of you, like when you greet them at the front door, and may even weave around your feet.
10. Tail Language
Cats often use their tails to express affection for their owners, and a contented cat will often hold their tail vertically at the top of the C-shape or hook shape.
Your cat may wag its tail back and forth slowly to get you to touch it when it’s sleeping next to you. Sometimes, your cat may rattle its tail while walking if it’s very happy to see you. However, keep an eye out if your cat wags or rattles its tail in front of a vertical surface as this could be a sign of urine marking.
11. Bring a gift
Cats are hunters by nature, and after catching a mouse or insect, they may bring the remains back to their owner as a gift. This may seem disgusting, but it is a sign of affection and pride – your cat wants to reciprocate your affection.
Cats may also use toys to do the same if hunting live prey is not an option.
12. Sleeping close to you
A cat that chooses to sleep on or near you is showing affection and trust in you. Even if your cat chooses to sleep just out of reach to be petted, this means that he feels safe and trusts you to protect him, or that he believes he will protect you if he is in danger.
References
Humphrey T, Proops L, Forman J, Spooner R, McComb K. The role of cat eye squint in cat-human communication. Scientific Reports2020.
