How to know if your cat loves you?

It's a common misconception that cats are cold and have no affection towards people, in contrast to how loyal and loving dogs are. Even the most devoted cat owners occasionally question whether their cat truly loves them. However, stereotypes frequently have more to do with myth and misunderstanding than actual reality. The behaviour of your cat will reveal whether or not it feels a strong bond with you because cats react to humans in the same way they do to their feline friends.

Due to their evolutionary ancestry, domestic cats are more independent by nature than dogs. Like canines, our cats' wild ancestors did not live in social groups. However, as they became domesticated, cats developed the ability to socially interact with both people and other cats.

Cats don't necessarily rely on humans as much as dogs do to feel safe, but many of them show affection for their guardians and seem to enjoy human interaction a lot. How attached they become to people depends on how they interact with people when they are kittens.

According to research, cats can show their owners their love in a variety of ways.

10 signs that cats love you

Slow blinking

One of the most typical ways cats express their love for you is by slowly blinking. This is a sign of trust! Take it positively if a cat slowly blinks at you. It indicates that your cat loves and trusts you sufficiently for them to close their eyes and let down their guard, even for a brief moment.

You can show your love and affection in return by slowly blinking. Not just cats can use it. According to the research, cats are more likely to approach a stranger who blinks slowly at them as opposed to one who keeps a neutral expression. So try giving those long, deliberate blinks to get the cat in the park to notice you, regardless of the odd looks you get from the other people there. The research shows that slow-blinking at cats, even if you are not familiar with the cat, is a successful way to elicit a response from them.

Purring

Cats start purring as soon as they are a few days old. Whether the cat is content, joyful, or in pain, it will continue to purr as it ages. Because the study indicates that purring contains low-frequency vibrations that serve as a wellness mechanism for cats, it is possible that cats use their purring to heal themselves. However, the majority of cats purr when they're joyful. If your cat is not showing signs of illness or pain and is engaged in a calming activity, like cuddling up next to you on the couch, they may purr to let you know they're happy to have you around.

Nevertheless, not all vocalisations denote love. A serious underlying health problem or severe pain may be indicated by your cat's frequent meowing. Meowing and purring may also be your cat's way of requesting attention, depending on how well they are physically.

Showing their belly

Oftentimes, people consider this to be the height of a cat's trust behaviour. Cats only show their bellies when they are lying on their backs and most at ease. But if you read this, refrain from rubbing your cat's belly! By exposing one of their body's most exposed areas, they are merely communicating that they feel secure and at ease enough to do so. If you try to rub your cat's belly, be careful because they might bite or scratch you in retaliation.

Some cats enjoy belly rubs so much that they even ask for them. What signs do you look for to see if your cat enjoys having their stomach stroked? Watch for nonverbal cues from them. Your cat probably enjoys having their stomach touched if they react favourably to gentle touch and accept it. If you try to touch your cat's stomach, you might get a quick glare, a scratch, or a nip in return.

Greeting you

Since cats are highly independent creatures, they rarely go out of their way to greet strangers. However, when they do, it is because they respect and regard them as a part of their world. Cats have scent glands around their ears and on their head, and they frequently rub their heads against valuable inanimate objects and people.

The way your cat greets you is one of the clearest indications that your beloved pet likes you. Cats greet people in their social group by displaying cues that suggest friendship and a desire to get close. These signals are also given to humans by cats.

The feline equivalent of a wave, a tail held in the upright flagpole position conveys a friendly intention and denotes familiarity, trust, and affection. Some cats will also wave their tails in the form of an upright question mark to signal their desire to play or to greet someone they like.

Following you everywhere

You might be surprised to discover that your cat follows you around wherever you go as a result. Are they attempting to catch your eye, or are they merely demonstrating their love for you by doing this?

After you return home from work or a trip, if your cat is following you closely, it may have been feeling uneasy while you were away. Some cats are closer to their owners than others, and some can even display feelings of separation anxiety, much like dogs do.

Some cat breeds, like the Ragdoll, Sphynx, or Maine Coon, can be like dogs in terms of temperament. They are frequently gregarious and enjoy nothing more than being around people. You might be accustomed to having them follow you if you have one of these breeds or a moggie that is just generally very affectionate.

Just be sure to provide them with plenty of playtime (if they enjoy it) and cuddles, as these are wonderful opportunities to interact with your pet and deepen your relationship with them. Additionally, even though we've listed some of the cat breeds that are known for being affectionate, keep in mind that every cat has a unique personality, so any kind of cat could grow attached to its owner!

Presents

Due to their innate hunting tendencies, cats naturally bring "presents" to their owners. Cats are solitary hunters in the wild, and they frequently return with prey to their cave or territory to share with other members of their group, such as kittens or the people who look after them.

Cats are essentially acting out of instinct when they bring their owner a "present" like a toy or a dead animal. Just as they would share food with other cats in their group, it can be interpreted as an act of love or an effort to support their human family.

It's crucial to remember that cats do not follow the same social conventions as people and that bringing presents is a natural expression of their instincts and their affinity with their owners, even though this conduct may appear unusual or even unwanted to some humans.

Sleeping near you

Cats are social animals, even though they have a reputation for being independent. They frequently like being near their owners, even while they are resting. Cats and their owners develop close relationships, which they can further strengthen by sleeping next to you. It's an indication that they relate to you and have faith in you.

Being near their owners makes them feel safe as well. They feel secure in your presence, which can help in their ability to relax and feel comfortable while they sleep. Due to their keen sense of smell, cats are drawn to the smell of you. They can find comfort in being near your fragrance while they sleep next to you.

Overall, your cat's choice to sleep next to you demonstrates affection, trust, and a desire for friendship.

Kneading

Kneading, sometimes known as "making biscuits" or "milk treading," is a common habit observed in cats. This habit involves repeatedly pushing their paws against a soft surface, such as a blanket, pillow, or even your lap. Cats normally use their front paws to knead, although some may use all four.

When your cat kneads, it can be a sign of devotion and love for you. Kneading is frequently related to emotions of satisfaction and relaxation in cats. When your cat kneads when sitting on your lap or cuddling with you, it's most likely because they feel at ease and safe in your presence. This behaviour is frequently accompanied by purring, another sign of happiness and contentment in cats.

So, if your cat kneads when close to you, it's a good sign that they like you and love your company. It's one of the many ways cats show affection and bond with their human caregivers.

Head bumping

Another popular activity used by cats to express affection for their humans is head bumping or "head bunting". When a cat's head bumps you, it is effectively branding you with the scent glands on its face. This activity allows cats to leave their scent on you, which might be taken as a symbol of ownership and devotion.

Cats use head bumping to communicate and build social bonds. In the wild, cats frequently engage in head bunting with members of their social group to strengthen their relationships and create familiarity.

When your cat's head rubs against yours, it's a clear sign that they're at ease and loving with you. It's a sign of trust and friendship, and it means, "You're a part of my family."

Tail Language

Cats' tail language reflects their feelings for their owner, including love and affection. Cats use their tails to communicate, and their position and movement can transmit a variety of emotions and intents. Here are some tail postures and what they could mean about your cat's love for you.

Upright and slightly curled at the tip - this is a common indicator of a cheerful and satisfied cat. When your cat welcomes you with an upright tail, it may indicate fondness and excitement to meet you.

Wrapped around you or flicking gently - if your cat wraps its tail around your leg or gently flicks it near you, it may indicate affection and a desire for interaction. They may be expressing a sense of calm and security in your company.

Puffed up - your cat is typically displaying signs of fear, menace, or anxiety when its tail is puffed up. In this situation, they can come to you for comfort and confidence.

Twitching or thrashing - fast twitching or thrashing of the tail may be a sign of agitation, irritation, or overstimulation in your cat. Giving them some space and refraining from interacting with them until they settle down is a smart approach.

Although a cat's tail language might reveal information about how they feel about their owner, it's important to take into account other body language clues and the cat's general behaviour to get the whole picture. Since each cat is different, so too are their displays of love and affection.