Cats can be mysterious creatures, often leaving us wondering what’s going on in their furry little heads. Unlike dogs, who openly display their affection, cats have a more subtle way of showing they care. Suppose you’re curious whether your cat truly loves you. Cats often make direct eye contact with those they trust and love, using a gaze with lowered eyelids and slow, steady blinks. This behaviour is akin to a feline kiss. To reciprocate their affection, you can try slowly blinking back at them.
This blog will explore the key signs your cat loves you and provide tips on deepening your connection.
Signs Your Cat Loves You
Follows You Around
- When your cat follows you from room to room, it’s a sign that it enjoys being around you. This behaviour shows that it feels secure in your presence and wants to stay close to you, much like a companion.
Sleeps Near or With You
Cats sleep where they feel safe. If your cat sleeps on your bed, curls up on your lap, or chooses a spot next to you, it shows trust and affection. They see you as part of their “safe space.”
Slow Blinking
When your cat looks at you and slowly blinks, it means saying, “I love you.” Cats use slow blinks to show relaxation and trust. If you slowly blink back, it can help reinforce your bond.
Kneading
Kneading is when a cat pushes its paws in and out against a soft surface. This behaviour comes from kittenhood, when cats knead their mother while nursing. As adults, kissing is a way of showing that they feel comfortable and happy with you.
Tail Twitching or Wrapping
When a cat gently twitches the tip of its tail near you or wraps its tail around your arm or leg, it shows affection. The tail is a key part of its body language, and a calm, gentle tail means it is relaxed and content.
Headbutting and Rubbing
Your cat’s headbutting or rubbing its face against you is its way of marking you with its scent. This behaviour is a sign of trust and a way of claiming you as part of its social group.
Showing Their Belly
A cat exposing its belly is vulnerable, showing that it trusts you. While not all cats enjoy belly rubs, showing you their tummy shows they feel safe around you.
Love Bites
Cats may give you gentle bites or nips during play or petting. These “love bites” aren’t aggressive; they are a playful way to show affection. However, always pay attention to your cat’s mood, as they can become overstimulated.
Bringing You Gifts
If your cat brings you “presents” like toys or, in the case of outdoor cats, a mouse or bird, it shares its resources with you. It shows that it cares about and sees you as part of its family.
Using Your Lap as a Bed
When your cat settles down in your lap, it’s a sign they trust and love you. Cats are picky about where they rest, and choosing your lap shows you are their favourite person to snuggle with.
Gentle Paws
A soft paw tap or gentle touch from your cat is often a way of seeking attention or showing affection. They want to interact with you and tell you they appreciate your company.
Offering You Toys
If your cat brings you their favourite toy, it’s a big compliment. They share something they love with you, showing trust and affection.
Rubbing Against Your Legs
If your cat rubs against your legs when you get home, it’s their way of greeting you and saying, “I missed you!” This is a common way cats show excitement and affection.
Dr. Nicholas H. Dodman
The Cat Who Cried for Help: Attitudes, Emotions, and the Psychology of Cats. Dodman’s book delves into feline behaviour’s emotional and psychological aspects, providing deeper insights into how cats express their feelings and needs.
For example
- Max noticed his cat Bella’s affection through her behaviour. She followed him around the house, slept close to him at night, and blinked slowly at him, a sign of trust. Bella also brought home small “gifts” like toys and bugs, showing she wanted to share her world with him.
- Her headbutts were a way of marking him with her scent and expressing love. These subtle signs helped Max understand and appreciate Bella’s unique ways of showing affection.
Behavioural Signs of Love
Apart from physical gestures, your cat’s behaviour also reveals how much they care. Here are some behavioural signs to watch for:
Meowing, Purring & Trilling
Cats usually save their vocalizations for humans. If your cat meows or purrs around you, it tries to communicate with you. Purring is often a sign of contentment, while meowing and trilling are ways in which it interacts with you directly.
Greeting You at the Door
Does your cat come to greet you when you arrive home? This is a clear sign that they’ve missed you and are excited about your return, much like how dogs greet their owners.
Head Bonks
Similar to headbutting, head bonks are another form of affection. When your cat bonks their head against you, they show trust and mark you as their own.
Engaging in “Chat”
Some cats enjoy having vocal “conversations” with their owners. If your cat talks back when you speak to them or engages in a back-and-forth meow exchange, they show they enjoy your attention.
Quality Time
Even if your cat isn’t always in your lap, their choice to spend time near you shows affection. Cats show love by sitting in the same room or quietly beside you.
How to Make Your Cat Love You
Now that you know how your cat shows love, here are some ways to strengthen your bond and encourage even more affection:
Create a Loving Environment
Cats need a space where they feel safe and comfortable. Ensure they have cosy spots to rest, access to toys, and places to retreat when they need alone time. A happy, secure cat will naturally be more affectionate.
Engage in Fun Activities
Play is a great way to bond with your cat. Playing together builds trust, Whether with interactive toys, laser pointers, or just a simple ball. It helps your cat feel connected to you.
Respect Their Boundaries
Cats need their independence. Respecting your cat’s need for space and allowing them to come to you will lead to a deeper bond. Forcing attention can stress your cat, so let them initiate contact.
Build Routine
Cats thrive on routine. Feeding them simultaneously every day, playing at regular intervals, and maintaining consistent interactions can help build trust and create a strong bond with your cat.
Conclusion
Your cat may not express love like a dog, but their affection is clear once you know what to look for. Whether through gentle purrs, slow blinks, or curling up in your lap, your cat has special ways of showing they care.
By creating a secure environment, respecting their independence, and engaging in activities they enjoy, you can nurture your cat’s affection and deepen the bond between you. In return, you’ll have a loyal, loving companion for years.
