People often think that cats are difficult to understand and are aloof. But these 10 signs will let you know that your cat is actually trying to tell you that they love you!
1. Kneading Kneading is when your cat uses their paws to push in and out against a soft surface, such as your lap. According to PetMD, “If your cat is curled up and kneading your lap while you’re petting them, they are returning the affection and telling you that they love you right back. Unfortunately, this can be quite painful, since the happier they are, the harder they’ll dig in with their sharp nails.” They recommend that you ease the painful part of this kneading by “placing a thick, soft barrier between the cat and your lap.”
2. Bringing You a Present You may be familiar with your cat bringing you presents, such as toys or small, dead animals. This is your cat’s way of showing love. Certified Animal Behavior Consultant Amy Shojai writes, “Cats love with gifting. Mighty hunter cats that catch everything from toys to bugs, mice or birds, often share the bounty with those they love.” While it might seem odd, Shojai says, “They wouldn’t bring these special gifts if they didn’t love you.”
3. Head-Butting Head-butting may seem like an odd behavior, but it actually shows that your cat truly cares about you. According to Mother Nature Network, “Cats have secret glands concentrated on certain parts of their bodies, including their cheeks and heads. When your kitty rubs their head or face against you, they’re marking you with their scent and claiming you as part of their family group. This scent is a source of both comfort and familiarity for your kitty.”
4. Staring Into Your Eyes Staring at you and slowly blinking is a way in which your cat shows you great affection. Dr. Karen Becker writes, “This might be the display of cat love that is easiest for humans to understand. If your kitty first stares at you then blinks, then opens their eyes wide they’re telling you they love and trust you.” She says this is an extreme sign of affection. “It’s the equivalent of being kissed.”
5. Showing You Their Belly The flashing of the stomach is one way that your cat is saying “I love you.” According to IHeartCats.com, “Like most animals, cats do not show their stomachs to just anyone. If your cat rolls over on its back to give you a flash of that fuzzy belly, this is an indication that they feel comfortable around you. Not only this, but they feel loved and protected by you, rendering themselves defenseless while on their backs.”
6. Curving the Tip of Their Tail The tail can actually be an incredible barometer into how your cat feels about you. Catsterwrites, “Kitties express happiness and warm feelings by fluffing out the base of their tails while subtly quivering them. Simultaneously, they hold their tails upright with a slight curve at the top.”
7. Nipping You Gently nipping at your finger is another way your cat is saying that they love you. According to Dr. Karen Becker, “This show of love from your kitty can prove to be a bit painful... [but] your cat really doesn’t understand her love bite isn’t always pleasant for you.” These love bites can also be seen as your cat interacts with other cats. “Kitties nip each other affectionately, and their skin is tougher than ours.”
8. Rubbing Against Your Legs When your cat just can’t seem to get enough of your legs, that is likely a sign of true love. Dr. Karen Becker writes, “Rubbing against another creature is how cats show affection. If your kitty rubs up against your leg... they’re putting their scent on you as a way of claiming you as their own.” This is quite similar to the head-butting behavior. “It’s important to your relationship and bond with your cat to allow them to rub against you.”
9. Purring You’ve heard your cat purr before, but you may not have realized that this was a love purr. According to certified expert Amy Shojai, “Cats love with purrs. Their purrs can mean a variety of things, from delight to expressions of concern. And kitty purrs range from soft and subtle to tractor loud. When your cat purrs in your presence, you can be sure they’re expressing their love for you.”
10. Following You Around If your cat can’t seem to get enough of your company, you know you have a loving connection. According to the Mother Nature Network, “If your cat follows you from room to room, jumps onto tables and counters to be near you, and always seems to be right where you step, they clearly enjoy your company.” A good test is if your cat continues to follow you, especially if it’s not near feeding time.
Disclaimer: We have compiled our information from various different sources and we claim no rights to any of the information obtained herein.
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