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10 Signs That Prove Your Cat Actually Likes You

10 Signs That Prove Your Cat Actually Likes You

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Cats can be mysterious creatures, but they have their ways of showing affection and trust. It might be a bit different from what you’re used to with dogs or other pets, but once you know what to look for, you’ll see the love your cat has for you. Get ready to dive into the world of feline affection and discover the subtle (and sometimes not-so-subtle) signs that your cat is fond of you.

1. The cat purrs when you are near.

Purring is a natural response cats have when they’re happy, relaxed, and secure. It’s their way of communicating that they’re enjoying your company. When you’re close to your feline friend and it starts purring, this is usually a strong indication that it feels comfortable and content in your presence.

The exact mechanics behind a cat’s purr are still somewhat of a mystery, but it is believed to be a result of rapid contractions of the muscles within their larynx, combined with the movement of air in their respiratory system. Purring is not only reserved for expressing happiness, but it can also serve as a self-soothing mechanism for cats in times of stress or discomfort.

As you spend more time with your cat, you’ll become more familiar with its unique purring patterns. You might notice that the purring becomes louder or more intense when you pet your cat in a specific spot or when it’s especially content.

2. It rubs its head or body against you.

This behavior, known as “bunting,” is a means for cats to show their affection and establish a connection with you. When a cat rubs against you, it’s essentially saying, “I like you, and I want to be close to you.”

But there’s more to this behavior than just showing affection. Cats have scent glands on various parts of their bodies, including their cheeks, forehead, and around their mouths. By rubbing against you, your feline friend is also marking you with its scent. This scent marking serves several purposes. It helps the cat feel more secure in its environment, and it communicates to other cats that you’re part of its “family” or social group. In a way, your cat is saying, “This human is mine.”

You might also notice that cats exhibit this behavior with other objects in their environment, such as furniture or toys. This is another way for them to establish their presence and create a familiar, comforting environment.

To encourage this bonding behavior, you can offer your hand or your leg for your cat to rub against, or you can gently stroke your cat’s cheeks and forehead. Pay attention to your cat’s body language to ensure that it’s comfortable with the interaction. Some cats may be more reserved and require time to warm up to this type of contact.

Cat sitting on bed while owner sleeping.

3. The cat kneads you with its paws.

Kneading, also known as “making biscuits” or “milk treading,” is a behavior that originates from a cat’s early days as a kitten. When kittens knead their mother’s belly while nursing, it stimulates milk production. As cats grow older, this instinctive behavior continues and can be a clear sign that your cat feels happy, safe, and trusts you.

When a cat kneads you with its paws, it alternates pushing and pulling with its front paws, sometimes even extending and retracting its claws. This rhythmic action can be quite comforting for the cat and is often associated with feelings of contentment and security.

Kneading can also serve as a means of marking territory, as cats have scent glands in the pads of their paws.

If your cat’s kneading becomes uncomfortable due to its claws, you can gently redirect the behavior by placing a soft blanket or towel between you and your cat. This will provide a barrier and allow your cat to continue kneading without causing discomfort.

This unique form of feline communication is a clear indication that your cat feels comfortable with you and trusts you deeply.

When a cat looks at you and slowly closes its eyes before reopening them, it’s displaying vulnerability. By doing this, your cat is saying, “I trust you enough to let my guard down around you.” In the wild, closing their eyes would make them susceptible to potential threats, so this action speaks volumes about how safe and secure they feel in your presence.

Slow blinking is also a way for cats to show affection. They’re essentially sending you a visual “kiss” or a message of love. To strengthen the bond with your cat, you can reciprocate these “kitty kisses” by looking into your cat’s eyes and slowly blinking back. This mutual exchange of slow blinks helps reinforce the trust and affection between you and your feline friend.

5. The cat follows you around the house.

If your cat seems to shadow your every move and follows you from room to room, it’s a clear indication that it likes you and wants to be close to you. Cats are often perceived as independent creatures, but they can form strong attachments to their humans and enjoy spending time in their company.

When a cat follows you around, it’s showing its curiosity and interest in your activities. Your feline friend may want to participate in whatever you’re doing or simply be near you to soak up your presence. This behavior is a testament to the bond you share and signifies that your cat sees you as a source of comfort, safety, and companionship.

To foster this connection, make sure to acknowledge your cat’s presence when it follows you. You can offer a gentle pet, a kind word, or even engage in playtime to reward their interest in you. By doing this, you’re reinforcing the positive association your cat has with you and nurturing your bond.

6. It shows its belly.

The belly is one of the most vulnerable parts of a cat’s body, so this behavior indicates that your feline friend feels secure enough to let its guard down around you.

In the animal world, exposing the belly can be a submissive gesture, signaling that the cat acknowledges you as a trusted and dominant figure in its life. It can also be an invitation for you to engage in play or to pet your cat, although it’s essential to approach this with caution, as not all cats enjoy belly rubs.

To avoid potential misunderstandings or overstepping your cat’s boundaries, pay close attention to its body language when it exposes its belly. If the cat appears relaxed, with its paws tucked in and its tail lying still, it might be open to a gentle belly rub. However, if your cat’s body appears tense or its tail is twitching, it’s best to give it some space and respect its boundaries.

7. The cat brings you “gifts”.

One of the more surprising ways a cat may show its affection is by bringing you “gifts,” which can range from toys to hunted prey, such as mice or birds. While receiving a dead animal may not be particularly appealing, it’s important to recognize the intention behind the gesture: your cat is trying to express its appreciation and affection for you.

In the wild, cats are natural-born hunters. When they bring home their prey, it’s a sign of their success and prowess. By sharing their catch with you, your cat is demonstrating that it sees you as a valued member of its “family” or social group. This behavior can also be traced back to a cat’s maternal instincts, as mother cats often bring home hunted prey to teach their kittens how to hunt and eat.

If your cat brings you a toy or other non-living “gift,” it’s still a sign of affection and an invitation to bond through play. Engaging in playtime with your cat not only strengthens your connection but also provides mental and physical stimulation for your feline friend.

When your cat presents you with a “gift,” it’s essential to respond with praise and appreciation, even if the item isn’t something you particularly want. Scolding your cat or reacting negatively could damage the trust and bond you’ve established. Instead, offer gentle praise and dispose of the unwanted “gift” discreetly.

8. It gently bites or nibbles you.

Cats use their mouths to explore their environment and interact with the world around them. When they gently bite or nibble on you, it’s their way of engaging with you and expressing their fondness.

These playful bites, also known as “love bites,” are usually accompanied by other positive behaviors, such as purring, kneading, or rubbing against you. It’s essential to distinguish between gentle, affectionate nibbles and more aggressive bites, which can signal fear, pain, or irritation.

To encourage positive play and interaction, it’s crucial to set boundaries with your cat. If the biting or nibbling becomes too rough or uncomfortable, you can gently redirect your cat’s attention to a toy or calmly disengage from the interaction. It’s important to avoid punishing or scolding your cat, as this can damage the trust between you and may lead to further aggression or fearfulness.

By engaging in regular playtime with your cat, you can help satisfy its need for stimulation and interaction, making it less likely to engage in unwanted biting behaviors. Providing your cat with a variety of toys and activities can also help keep it entertained and mentally stimulated.

9. The cat sits on your lap or near you.

When a cat chooses to sit on your lap or near you, it’s a heartwarming sign that it enjoys your company and feels at ease in your presence. Cats are known to be particular about where they choose to rest, so this behavior is a clear indication of their trust and affection towards you.

In addition to enjoying your company, cats are also drawn to warmth. They have a higher body temperature than humans and are always on the lookout for cozy spots to curl up. Your lap or your immediate vicinity offers warmth and comfort, making it an ideal place for your feline friend to snuggle up.

To encourage your cat to sit on your lap or near you, create a welcoming environment by providing a soft blanket or cushion for them to relax on. Speak softly and gently to your cat, offering reassuring pets and strokes to help them feel comfortable and secure.

10. It vocalizes with meows, chirps, or trills.

Meows are the most common vocalization and can have different meanings depending on the tone, pitch, and frequency. Your cat may meow to greet you, ask for food, or simply to initiate a conversation with you. By responding to your cat’s meows and engaging in “conversation,” you’re reinforcing the bond between you and helping your feline friend feel understood.

Chirps and trills are often used by mother cats to communicate with their kittens, guiding them and encouraging them to follow. When your cat uses these sounds with you, it’s a sign of affection and trust, as they see you as a valued member of their family.