There is a misconception that cats are aloof and unaffectionate, but that isn’t the case! Cats, unlike dogs, are not as explicit at demonstrating affection and are a lot more subtle at showing their owners love.
We can learn to pay close attention to our kitty’s behavior and realize that not every oddball thing they do means that they’re looking for treats.
The Slow Blink (A.K.A. The Cat Kiss)
A kitty’s eyes are proportionately huge, so when your cat is staring at you it can be quite alarming and downright intimidating. A cat’s eyes are not only important for survival, but also for showing utmost vulnerability.
So if that stare turns into a slow blink, know that your fur baby is communicating to you affection. And, you can slowly blink back showing your kitty that they are “loved and safe around you.”
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Is It A Full Moon Again? (They Back It Up In Your Face)
You may not appreciate it when your cat sticks their rear end in your face, but this is just another way of showing that they are comfortable around you. Your kitty will do the most messed up “downward dog” (of course they would, I mean they’re cats for goodness sake).
So if you find yourself regularly being mooned by your cat, it’s because you are their “favorite human.”
It’s All In The Tail (Their Tail Has A Curve When You’re Near)
You can tell a lot about your kitty from their tail and what shape it has when they’re near you. If you see your cat approaching you with their tail straight up and a slight curve at the end, it’s telling you how fond of you they are and sees you as a loving feline friend.
I Want To Hold You (They Wrap Their Tail Around You)
When you find your kitty wrapping you up with its tail, just appreciate the moment. This means that your kitty is truly comfortable, and literally gives you a big hug as a sign of “true friendship, love, and trust.”
Love Bites Actually (They Nibble On You)
Ouch! Your kitty just took a little nibble on your arm or hand, but was he being a “bad kitty?” Nope! What you got was a “love bite.”
When a cat really and truly cares for someone, they might show you through a gentle nibble. They normally will do this with your hand when you’re petting them, as an indication they don’t want you to stop and take your hand away.
Although this is one less common way of showing fondness for you, nevertheless it’s just another way of being affectionate toward you.
Follow The Yellow Brick Road (They Pee On Things When You Leave)
Um, is this really my cat showing me some love? Well, yes…sort of. Your cat considers you a member of their family, and being part of the family, kitty just wants to make sure that you can find your way back home.
Cats will “mark the boundaries of their territory” by peeing there. The scent of their urine, or someone in their family is a sign of home. It’s their way of making sure you will always find your way back.
They Need You (They Knead You)
I need you to stay put so I can lay all over you. But first, I need to knead you. Isn’t that what always happens when your kitty makes their way onto you?
As a kitten, cats would knead the mother cat’s breast to induce milk to be released. Adult cats continue the same behavior when they’re feeling relaxed, content, and loved. Think of it as an expression of adoration.
Sweets For My Sweet (They Bring You Dead Animals)
This is kittys way of bringing you a gift. Think of it as a box of chocolates, but in squishy mouse form (…yuck!). The fact of the matter is that kitty, although cute and cuddly, is still a carnivore and hunter.
Cats will catch anything from toys to mice which they will often share with those they love. So when your cat brings you that special little something, be sure to praise them. They wouldn’t shower you with gifts if they didn’t love you.
Mom, Are You Alright? (They’re Always Nearby When You’re Sick)
Ever notice your cat being extra close with you, especially when you’re under the weather? Cats like to be near the people they care about. They are very good at sensing when you’re unwell or feeling blue and will stay close to bring comfort to those they love.
Heads Up! (The Head Bunt)
A head bunt from your kitty is pretty much the ultimate sign of affection. When your cat is bumping or rubbing their head against you they’re saying “I love you” and are showing you affection with their closeness to you.
Their head bunt can vary from slight to being so forceful that you’ll have to check for black and blues (not true, no seriously it’s true). Not only does kitty love you but they also trust you, since putting their head down means taking their eyes off of you.
Just Sayin (They Purr Or Meow Near You)
It’s not always easy to tell what your cat is trying to say when they purr or meow while in your vicinity since they can be either excited or upset. Consider when your cat approaches you and lets out that all too familiar and distinct meow then curls up with you on a chair or in bed just purring away, chances are she’s happy and content.
Just like humans, cats don’t talk to people they don’t like. So remember, even when your kitty is pestering you, they’re interacting because they love you.
Cleanliness Is Next To Kitty-Ness (They Lick You)
Being around cats you learn in no time that they are all about not only grooming themselves but others. It’s a behavior that’s been observed in many animals including primates.
The very act establishes a bond. When your cat licks your skin or hair, it’s an indication of great affection towards their favorite people. Not to mention that this also spreads a familiar scent that helps mark their favorite person as an important part of the family group.
Conclusion
Some people think that cats can’t or don’t show any affection. However, our list shows that there are many ways in how felines make sure you know that they love you.
After all, living together for thousands of years has taught us both something. Having learned to endear ourselves to one another has played a vital role in our relationship.
It’s not only about feeding them and cleaning their litter box. It’s about forging that bond through mutual feelings between humans and cats.