Cats are often stereotyped as independent, reserved, and enigmatic creatures. But there are many signs cats show affection, and we break them down in this article. Unlike dogs that bark and shower you with flurries of kisses, cats express love in understated manners but once you identify the signals cats show love, you will appreciate their care.
If you’ve been asking yourself whether your cat adores you, this guide explains how to read the signs. Here are ten unmistakable signs that cats show affection.
Purring – It is a Form of Saying I Love You
Nothing beats, “I love you” than the gentle, rhythmic sound of purring. In some cases, it suggests contentment, but it is also a means of love. When a cat curls beside you and starts purring, take it as a compliment when they say, “I Feel Safe and happy with you.”
Fun Fact: Cats also purr to self-soothe, so if your cat is sick, they may purr to comfort themselves.
Slow Blinks – The Cat’s Kiss
Have you ever caught your cat staring at you with gentle eyes only to watch them slow blink? This is commonly known as a cat kiss. When a cat performs a slow blink, it is a sign of trust and love. You can try to further strengthen your bond by reciprocating with a slow blink of your own.
Tip: The next time your feline friend stares at you with their big cute eyes, don’t look away as blinking back will let them know you love them just as much!
Following You Around – Your Tiny Shadow
If your cat follows you from room to room, it’s not simply curiosity – it’s affection as well. If a cat enjoys your company then they will be keen to stick around when you are working, cooking, or even just lounging around. While they may not always be expecting to curl up on your lap, they do want to simply be in your presence.
Did You Know: Some cats are so doting that they follow you into the shower making it very clear that their love knows no limits!
Head Butts & Face Rubs – A Scented Love Note
When a cat gently rubs their head against you, they are actually rubbing the scent glands on their cheeks and forehead, which means they are marking you as “theirs.” This act is not only about being possessive, it is also a display of great love.
Why It’s Special: The only people who receive headbutts from a cat are those which the cat trusts. If your furry feline does so, then they are communicating “You are my family.”
Bringing You “Gifts” – Love in Unexpected Packages
Offering a mounted head of a rodent seems like odd gift, but a cat most certainly regards it as a token of love. To put it more simply, cats love to hunt. When they capture their so-called “prey”, they might be attempting to instruct you on how to hunt, or serve a meal for you and both are demonstrative of absolute love.
Explore More: Why Do Cats Love Boxes? The Psychology Behind the Behavior
Translation: Putting aside a toy or, heaven forbid, something they caught from outside actually signifies providing sustenance.
Sleeping on or Near You – Trust at Its Finest
A cat is most vulnerable when sleeping. If they take a nap on your lap, next to you or even your feet, then it means they trust you to such an extent that they do so in your presence.
Did You Know?
Cats also use this time to claim with their scent and thus strengthen the bond towards you.
Kneading – A Comforting Connection
Have you ever had the pleasure of receiving a ‘knead’ from your cat? It turns out that cats perform this ‘Kneading’ action when they are feeling particularly happy or calm. It is a behavior originating in kittenhood, during which these little furballs did this to stimulate their mother’s milk. When adult cats knead you, it means they associate you with comfort and security.
Heads Up: As with all good things, spreading compliments using paws may get claws as well—thankfully, this is pain with good intent!
Trilling – A Special Greeting
Cats when delighted generate higher heeled chirpy sound called trilling. This is something you will mostly see when they are with someone they love. In contrast to meowing, which has a plethora of definitions, trilling is universally understood as a mark of tenderness. Cat trilling at you is a sure shot sign about the sentiments, “Hey there, I’m happy to see you!”
Pro Tip: Trilling back works well too—some cats adore it when you pretend to be them.
Gentle Love Bites – Affection in a Playful Form
Manners and playfulness combine to provide love for some cats when they nibble gently: That’s gently affectionate cat bites for you! Unlike aggressive biting intended as a warning, these small, desperate but friendly bites seek to express tenderness.
How To Tell The Difference: Gentle biting accompanied by licking or purring is a love bite. If the bite is sudden and hard, it may mean your cat is overstimulated and needs space.
Tail Wrapped Around You – A Feline Hug
When a cat wraps its tail around a pet or a person’s arm and leg, it is used as a love statement. Beside being an emotional weather gauge, a tail wrapped around an arm also helps in showing affection. This type of Behavior is How Cats show that someone has become their favorite and also elevated into the circle of trust.
Important Note: Trust and affection are the feelings conveyed when you see the tail relaxed and wrapped around you.
Does A Cat Love You? Yes!
Cats purr, slow blink, or head butt as a way of showing affection and love.
To improve the bond with your cat, make sure you start observing their way of communicating and make sure you respond accordingly. The more you know how to speak to them, the better the relationship you will have – because cats may not be as expressive as dogs, but will always find a way to convey unique ways to show they care.
Notice the tiny gestures of cats that show the love they have in store for you. The moment you decipher their communication, you will understand just how much love is being showered upon you. For additional guidance on bonding and interactive games, check out our post on Interactive games and activities to keep your cat entertained
