Cats show their love very differently than humans or other animals do. They express themselves through vocalizations, physical interactions, body language, and eye gestures. Here are 12 ways your cat is showing its love.
12. Bunting
There’s a name for that behavior cats do when they rub their head or cheeks on someone or an object. This is called Bunting and it’s a sign of cat love. Cats do this to leave their scent on things they want to mark as their territory. Cats often use bunting on their favorite humans or even other pets.
11. Hunting and Gifting Prey
While pet cats are domesticated, they have not lost their wild instincts for hunting prey. When a cat brings you a gift of a dead bird or rodent, it’s a sign of love. Cats will share their bounty with those they love. Therefore, rather than scold your cat, praise it for sharing its catch with the person they love – you!
10. Meowing
Typically, only kittens meow to their mothers and it’s a habit they grow out of when they become adults. Cats rarely meow at other cats. Therefore, when your cat meows at you, it’s harking back to a vocalization it reserved for only its mother. This is an interaction that only comes from a place of love.
9. Playing
Kittens love to play, and they get their most enjoyment by playing with a playmate who is a trusted and loved companion. Adult cats love to play, too, and one way they show their love for you with play is to move just out of reach to force you to come to them to start playing.
8. Signs of “Love Eyes”
Pay close attention to your cat’s eyes, because they sometimes express their trust and affection through eye gestures. Sometimes cats place their faces near a person and then open their eyes extra wide. This is a sign of trust and love. Or a cat may send you a slow eyeblink from across the room, which is considered a “cat kiss.”
7. Tail Posture
Everyone has likely encountered the “elevator butt” pose where a cat raises its hind end and tail. Cats love to have this part of their body scratched. That upright tail is a signal of the cat’s respect and affection. When a cat approaches with its tail straight up and the end slightly curled over, this is a sign of love.
6. Licking
Cats spend an enormous amount of time self-grooming. Friendly cats will groom each other. When it comes to people a cat loves, they will lick the person’s skin, and hair, or even nibble at their clothing. This is a sign of great affection. The cat adds its scent to you to mark you as part of their family.
5. Kneading
As kittens, cats will knead their pause against their mother cat’s breasts to induce milk to be released. Continuing this behavior as adults, cats do this when they’re feeling their most content, relaxed, and loved. That’s why cats will often knead their owner’s lap when they are being petted. Consider kneading a sign of love.
4. Scratching
Ever wonder why your cat scratches some of your favorite spots? That’s because some of the areas that are most important to a cat are those they associate with their owner. It’s another big sign of cat love. Scratching is how cats leave visual and scented marks that designate ownership.
3. Rolling
If you see your cat rolling on the ground it doesn’t mean it’s throwing a tantrum. This is how cats express they’re excited to see you. If a cat comes up to you and throws itself on the ground and rolls around, this is a loving greeting that means it wants your attention. Especially if it shows you its belly.
2. Purring
Purring is one of the most common and obvious ways a cat displays its contentment. When you hear that little motor sound inside your cat, it means it’s relaxed and enjoying something. When your cat is purring around you, it’s definitely a sign of love. Even more so if it’s in your lap.
1. Sleeping on or Near You
On average, cats sleep up to 16 hours per day. Typically, cats like to find safe spots, as sleeping is when they are at their most vulnerable. So there is no greater sign of love and trust than when a cat chooses to sleep on your lap, chest, or somewhere near you.
