Although they have a reputation for being mysterious creatures (and may frequently leave you wondering ‘Does my cat even love me?’), felines are more affectionate than you might think. To help you understand your pet, here’s nine signs your cat loves you.
Rather than expecting your cat to act like a dog or human, it's important to recognise and appreciate their subtle ways of communicating and sharing their affection. Your cat is likely already showing you plenty of signs it loves you, you just might not be spotting them! Here’s nine signs to look out for:
1. Purring means your cat is happy around you
One of the most obvious signs your cat is happy is that it purrs in your presence. As you might’ve already guessed, purring is a good sign your cat likes having you around. In fact cats typically save their purrs for humans they adore. If you pay close attention, cats don’t purr for other cats, except for their own kittens. So you’re held in high esteem if your cat is purring your praises!
2. Your cat speaks to you
Ever noticed that cats don’t meow to each other – they only meow to humans? This is because meowing is a behaviour they’ve developed purely for interacting with humans. Cats also prefer to meow at people they know and trust, rather than humans they don’t.
So the next time your cat meows at you, instead of getting annoyed, feel loved – and make sure to take the time to respond. Cats are responsive to noise and form closer relationships with people who interact with them vocally.
3. You share a long gaze and blink slowly
Cat owners are probably familiar with the long stares their feline friends give them. It turns out cats aren’t into staring contests, they’re just trying to give you attention and show their affection. It may seem intimidating but when they stare into your eyes, a long lingering stare finished off with a slow blink is a strong sign your cat loves you.
This is actually referred to as a ‘kitty kiss’ – the cat equivalent of a dog's sloppy smooch. You can even do a slow blink back to them to let them know you feel the same way. Just make sure no one else is watching.
4. Your cat shows you its tummy
There’s nothing cuter than a fluffy cat belly. If you’re lucky enough to catch a glimpse of all that fluff it means you’ve earned that cat’s trust.
Cats usually show their bellies to creatures they trust, so it's a sign your cat is happy to be defenseless around you, and that they feel loved and protected. Keep in mind though, cats can also show their tummies as part of a defensive or submissive act. If someone else’s cat shows you their belly, beware of giving in to temptation and giving it a scratch, as the cat may take a swipe at you!
5. Surprise! Your cat brings you gifts
Although they’re not usually the things we’d put on our Christmas lists, cats like to bring us gifts like mice and small birds (as well as worms and frogs). While it might seem odd to us, if your cat brings you a dead animal or insect, it actually is a sign your cat loves you. Your cat will also present you gifts if they don’t think you’re an adequate hunter and they don’t want you to starve. It’s a bit of a backhanded compliment!
Sometimes they’ll be a little off and bring you a toy or a leaf, but it's the thought that counts. If your cat brings you a special present, no matter how gross, always try to praise them and return the favour. After all, it’s not nice to feel like your loved one didn’t like your gift.
Why not return the favour with gifts of your own? Check out Petbay’s range of cat treats that are full to the brim with deliciousness, without the nasties.
6. Your cat headbutts you
If someone gave you a headbutt on the street, you probably wouldn’t take it as a sign of affection. However, when it comes to cats, headbutting is a sign of love.
This love nudge (also known as ‘bunting’) is not only a pleasant form of affection for your cat but also a stress reliever. By rubbing their body against yours, your feline friends can identify you as one of their own. As cats have scent glands on their head, they are able to mark you with pheromones to claim you as their own. Although it seems possessive, they wouldn’t want to own something they didn’t love.
7. Your cat gives you love nibbles
Speaking of the love nudge, what about love nibbles? Does your cat nibble at you? It’s not as common as some of these other signs your cat loves you, but if your cat nibbles at you, that’s a definite sign your cat is happy with you.
There’s also a difference between a loving nibble and an aggressive bite. A cat will give a gentle, tickling bite to those it loves, which is definitely distinguishable from a real bite (that one actually hurts). If you sometimes feel like a chew toy, it could be a sign that you’re best buds with your cat.
8. They knead you like dough
It may not be a Swedish massage but if your cat kneads into you, it’s actually a big sign your cat loves you. Kittens knead their mothers to increase milk supply, but adult cats use kneading as a way to cozy up to their owner. This behaviour is not only a sign of comfort and relaxation, it also signals affection and bonding.
Cats don’t realise our skin isn’t as thick as theirs either, the happier your car, the harder they’ll press. Cats also show this behaviour when they see you as a leader or authority figure. It’s the cat's way of saying “I trust you”. The scent glands in paws are also activated by kneading so in a similar way to bunting, by kneading you your cat may also be trying to mark you as its own.
9. Your cat licks your hair or ears
We know cats like to groom themselves, but if they like grooming you, that’s even better. Lots of animals groom each other as displays of care and affection, and cats are no different.
Grooming acts such as licking a human’s hair or ears shows a cat trusts that person and considers them a close companion. As a sign of friendship, it's an honour if your cat licks you – you’re considered part of their family. Also their tongues are rough and provide great exfoliation!
While your cat might not wag its tail or give you sloppy kisses like a dog, your feline friend has its own way of showing its affection. Hopefully after reading this you don’t have to ask ‘Does my cat love me?’ and instead know the signs your cat loves you.
(And if you’re wanting to show your cat you love them in return, why not surprise them with some of Petbay’s delicious cat treats – after all, that’s how you become the favourite!)
