Does My Cat Love Me? 10 Ways They Show Love

Even the most confident cat parent has found themselves wondering, “Does my cat love me?” at one point in their cat parenting journey. While cats are known for being more aloof and independent than their canine siblings, they show love and affection in their own ways. Sometimes, they just love playing “hard to get.” Learning how cats show love can help you appreciate your feline friend even more. 

If you pay close attention to these signs, you’ll realize these subtle gestures are really a love letter to you.

1. Purring

When your cat purrs contentedly when you pet them, it’s a sure sign that they adore you. This adorable habit starts early in life. Kittens purr to tell their moms they’re feeling safe and calm. 

However, not every purr is an “I love you” serenade. Sometimes, cats purr when hungry or to soothe themselves when they’re not feeling well. Watch their body language to tell the difference. A happy purr usually comes with a relaxed posture and a tail that’s pointing straight up or curled. 

The vibrations from cat purrs even have healing properties. The frequency (25-150 Hz) is believed to reduce pain and release stress. So the next time your cat curls up on your lap for a purr session, just remember, you’re getting a free therapy session.

2. Slow blinking or “cat kisses”

Is your cat getting up close and personal and blinking at you? Well, it’s not some secret kitty Morse code, but a non-verbal expression of love. 

Closing their eyes, even for a second, is a vulnerable act for cats in the wild. Some cats even sleep with their eyes open so they can quickly flee from predators. So, it’s a big deal when your cat blinks or closes their eyes around you — it means they fully trust and love you.

When your cat sends you some love with their eyes, return the gesture! By blinking slowly back at them, you can strengthen your bond and assure them that you’re not a threat.

3. Greeting you at the door

Cats are incredibly perceptive, and they quickly learn your routines. They know the sound of your footsteps, the jingle of your keys, and the time of day you usually return home. 

If you open the door and your cat is waiting right there with a happy tail, they’re trying to tell you that they’ve missed you and are happy you’re home.

Sometimes, those enthusiastic greetings also come with a hidden agenda, such as not-so-subtly hinting that it’s dinner time. But even if they’re subtly reminding you of your duties, it’s still a sign they feel comfortable communicating their needs to you.

4. Following you

Ever notice your cat following you around the house? In multi-pet households, some cats will even follow behind their owners as they walk the family dog. You’ll be glad to know this behavior is a sign they adore you. Since cats are masters of understated affection, their presence speaks volumes. 

When they choose to follow you, it means they genuinely enjoy your company and want to be near you. They see you as a source of safety and comfort, and being close to you makes them feel secure. This is also another way cats casually seek attention from you. 

Responding to your cat’s affection and interacting with them can trigger the release of oxytocin (the love hormone) in both of you and strengthen your bond.

5. Exposing their belly

If you ever catch a glimpse of your cat’s belly, congratulations, you have unlocked a new level of cat affection. It’s a huge sign of trust.

Cats rarely expose their bellies because this area houses all their vital organs. It’s their natural instinct to protect this vulnerable area from predators. By showing you their belly, your cat is literally trusting you with their life — talk about a grand gesture. 

But this exposed belly is not an invitation. As much as you may want to shower your kitty with belly rubs, most cats aren’t fans of them. The hair follicles on their belly and tail area are hypersensitive to touch, so petting them there can be overstimulating. As hard as it is to resist, it’s best to admire your feline friend’s belly from a safe distance.

6. Grooming you

While the sandpapery lick of your cat’s tongue on your skin is not the best spa experience, it’s actually a sign of affection. Cats groom each other socially, a practice known as allogrooming, to express love and friendship. 

It’s also a way to mark their territory. Cats have scent glands around their mouth that produce pheromones, their unique scent. When they groom you, they’re marking you as their own.

Reciprocate your cat’s love with a good brushing session. Grooming your cat is a great bonding experience (and helps you keep their hair off your clothes and furniture).

7. Rubbing up on you

Cats have scent glands all over their bodies — in their chin, forehead, cheeks, lower back, tail, and paw pads. Rubbing against you is their way of leaving their smell on you and claiming you as their own. 

This behavior is called scenting. Cats use these scents to identify family members. So when your cat rubs their cheek against your leg, gives you a head-butt, or weaves figure-eights around your legs, they’re saying you’re family now.

8. Kneading

It might not be the comfiest display of affection, but it’s a declaration of love when your cat kneads you. Kneading, also called “making biscuits,” happens when a cat presses their front paws up and down on a surface. 

It’s an instinctive cat behavior leftover from their kittenhood. Kittens knead their mother to help stimulate milk production while nursing, and so it’s an act associated with comfort. As with rubbing against your legs, they’re also using the scent glands on their paw pads to mark you with their scent.

As cat parents know all too well, the happier your cat is, the harder they’ll knead. Those sharp claws can be a bit unpleasant, so keep a blanket handy for some cushioning between your kitty’s claws and your belly.

9. Communicating with their tails

Want to know how your cat is feeling? Their tail can tell you a lot. 

A high, erect tail often means they’re happy and in a playful mood. A gentle swishing tail indicates interest or contentment. Some cats may even intertwine or drape their tails over their buddies. If you see these tail movements often, it means they feel safe and loved around you. 

A tucked tail or motionless tail can mean your cat is feeling anxious, fearful, or ill. If you notice these signs consistently, contact your vet to see if anything’s wrong. And to ensure you can always give your cat the love and care they deserve, invest in a Pumpkin cat insurance plan while your kitty is still young.

10. Bringing you “gifts”

Gift-giving is one of your cat’s love languages. It’s cute when they present you with an indoor toy. But things take a macabre turn when your kitty delivers a lifeless critter to your doorstep — or to your lap.

As natural hunters, cats are intrigued by anything that moves, and they’re eager to catch prey and strut with their prize. And, of course, their favorite place to drop their trophy is right at home.

Spayed female cats, in particular, are known for this behavior. Since they don’t have any kittens to pamper with food, they choose the next best thing — you! 

But if you’re not a fan of lifeless rodents, you can redirect their behavior in a positive way. Give your cat toys that mimic hunting or foraging in the wild to curb those instincts.

11. Sleeping close to you

Cats are the most vulnerable when they sleep, so if they choose to sleep near you — or right on top of you — it means they feel completely safe and secure in your presence. 

If your cat prefers to sleep near your head, it’s not because they’re trying to steal your pillow. Cats are drawn to warmth and often need external heat sources to maintain their ideal temperature. And it just so happens that your head is one of the warmest parts of your body. So, take it as a compliment, and try not to move too much.

Ways to show your cat you love them back

As a devoted pet parent, you can reciprocate your kitty’s love in these ways: 

• Keep their litter box clean: A well-kept litter box will make your kitty feel loved and respected.
• Respond to their head bumps and rubs: Offer your hand or fingers for your cat to rub against, and indulge them in a cheek rub session to show care.
• Make eye contact: Slowly blinking at your cat while making eye contact is a way to say “I love you” in their language.
• Respect their boundaries: Recognize your cat’s signals (flattened ears, twitching tail, or distance) and don’t force affection if they’re not in the mood; give them space when they need it. 

Final thoughts: Does my cat love me?

Many people (especially dog people) often think cats are standoffish. But cat lovers know that they just have their own special ways of showing their affection. You just have to learn to speak their language and recognize their signs. Cats tend to be subtle about their love, but cat people wouldn’t have it any other way.

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