Cats get a bad rap for being aloof. Anyone who has lived with one knows better. Cats show love all the time. They just do it in their own quiet, quirky way.
If you’ve ever wondered whether your cat actually likes you, here are 12 signs that the answer is a big yes.
1. The slow blink
When your cat looks at you and slowly closes and opens their eyes, that’s a sign of trust. Closing their eyes around you means they feel safe. Try slow-blinking back. Many cats will return it.
2. Head bunting
That gentle bonk of the head against your hand, leg or face is called bunting. Cats have scent glands on their cheeks and forehead, so they’re marking you as part of their family.
3. Kneading
Pushing their paws in and out on your lap, often called making biscuits, goes back to kittenhood. It’s a sign your cat feels content and comfortable with you.
4. Purring when you’re close
Purring can mean a lot of things, but a cat that settles in next to you and starts rumbling is usually a happy cat. Pay attention to the rest of their body. Soft eyes and a relaxed posture mean they’re enjoying your company.
5. Showing you their belly
A cat’s belly is their most vulnerable spot, so rolling over in front of you is a big compliment. Just know it’s usually a sign of trust, not an invitation for belly rubs. Many cats will still swat if you go for it.
6. The tail held high
A cat that trots toward you with their tail straight up, sometimes with a little hook at the tip, is happy to see you. It’s the feline version of a friendly wave.
7. Following you from room to room
If your cat trails you to the kitchen, the laundry room and yes, the bathroom, they want to be where you are. Cats are more social than we give them credit for.
8. Sleeping on you or near you
Cats are vulnerable while they sleep, so they pick their nap spots carefully. If they choose your lap, your pillow or the spot right next to you, you’re their safe place.
9. Grooming you
A few licks on your hand or a nibble on your hair might feel odd, but cats groom the members of their group. Your cat is treating you like family.
10. Talking to you
Adult cats rarely meow at each other. Most of that chatter is meant for us. If your cat greets you with a chirp or a trill when you walk in, they’re saying hello.
11. Bringing you “gifts”
A toy mouse dropped at your feet (or something less pleasant from the backyard) is your cat sharing with you. It may not be the present you wanted, but it comes from a good place.
12. Showing you their back
Some cats will sit with their back to you, which can feel like a snub. It’s actually the opposite. Turning their back means they trust you not to sneak up on them.
Every cat is a little different
Some cats are cuddle bugs and some prefer to love you from across the room. Learn your own cat’s signals and give them space when they ask for it. That trust you build is what makes the bond so special.
Featured image: 2020-05-13 02 09 27 A Calico cat and a tabby cat cuddling while sleeping on a couch in the Franklin Farm section of Oak Hill, Fairfax County, Virginia by Famartin, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons (cropped)
