How Cats Shows Love to Their Humans

Who says cats aren’t affectionate? They show their love in so many ways-you just have to know what to look for

Cats have a bit of a reputation for being stand-offish or aloof. But, for those of us who have known the love of a cat, we know that isn’t the case. They are actually quite loving and show their affection in many different ways.

While cats can be more independent, that doesn’t mean that they don’t bond with their humans or other pet siblings. Cats can possess a subtle love language. But, if you know what to look for, you will find yourself noticing many signs of their love and affection for their family.

What are these feline love signals? Let’s talk about it…

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Purring

Probably the most obvious sign of affection from your cat is purring in your presence. Purring is a cat’s way of showing happiness and contentment.

Some cats will purr when they’re nervous as a way of self-soothing. But you can tell the difference if they are choosing to be with you and then purring instead of in a position that they cannot escape and are nervous.

Our cat Hunter, will purr to self-soothe at times(including during vet visits). But he’s also a very happy cat who purrs when he’s most at peace.

I adopted him through a friend and co-worker who knew someone trying to find a home for a litter of kittens.

She brought him to my workplace so I could take him home and he sat in the lap of my boss while I ran to the local pet store to buy some last-minute supplies.

He curled up and purred the whole time. At first, I believe, he was self-soothing. But it became quickly apparent that he was one of those cats who loved a warm lap and a cuddle.

He still does.

Slow Blinking

Have you ever talked to your cat and she slowly blinks as she gazes at you? You have just been given a “kitty kiss”.

Our cat, Timmins used to do this. You could say his name sweetly and he would slowly blink his eyes at you. I always thought it was cute but it was a long time before I knew that it was a sign of affection.

Slow blinking is a cat’s signal of trust. It mimics a relaxed, non-threatening signal in cat-speak. Your cat is showing you that she trusts you. You can return the signal by slowly narrowing your eyes while looking at your cat, closing them for a few seconds, and then opening them again.

You can even include a little yawn to show to them you’re completely relaxed. You may find that your cat mimics you in return.

Think of it as a lovely little communication with your feline friend.

Bunting is a way for your cat to claim you as its own-the ultimate sign of affection

Head-Bumping

This sign of affection is also known as “bunting”.

When a cat bumps its face against you or rubs it against you, it’s marking you as family by depositing its scent in the form of pheromones.

Your cat is showing affection, trust, and a desire to bond with you. He has decided that you are a safe and comfortable enough to share his world.

Cats will do this to other cats, to you and your family members, and even your canine companions, but only when it feels comfortable and safe to do so.

What a lovely show of affection!

Kneading

Otherwise known as “making biscuits”, cats who knead in your arms, lap, or beside you are showing deep affection and contentment.

Kneading is a rhythmic pushing motion with their paws, usually into soft surfaces such as pillows, blankets, or sometimes, your leg. It’s a throwback to kittenhood when nursing. But, as adult cats, it’s a sign of contentment, relaxation, comfort, and affection.

Just be sure to keep kitty’s claws trimmed as kneading can sometimes go right through your lap blanket and into your leg! There’s nothing like trying to stifle a scream as your super-chill kitty sinks it’s murder mittens into your skin while purring like a kitten.

Trilling

Cat trilling is a soft, rolling, purr-like sound that cats use as an affectionate or excited greeting, a sign of affection or invitation to play.

This is a gentle way for your cat to get your attention and let you know how excited they are to see you or how much they want to play with you.

A cat’s trilling is another reminder that your furry little friend loves you and loves to be around you.

Showing his vulnerable side

When a cat shows its belly, its not looking for belly rubs. He’s showing you that he feels safe and relaxed in your presence.

Showing Their Belly

One of your cat’s most vulnerable areas is their underside. If your cat is rolling on it’s back, exposing it’s belly, you can be sure that your cat trusts you completely.

When a cat rolls on his back, he’s showing you that he is relaxed, comfortable, and feels safe with you.

A piece of advice…this is NOT an invitation to pet their belly. They trust you. Now, don’t ruin it(lol).

Bringing You Gifts

Cats will sometimes bring you a little gift. If you’re lucky, it’s just a toy. But some like to bring you mice or birds that they’ve caught. Don’t be alarmed. Just accept their gift with appreciation (and dispose of it as soon as you’ve thanked them).

They will bring for a variety of reasons.

They may be just showing off their kill to you. They are mighty hunters and deserve to be praised.

They may also be trying to bond with you or share with you.

It’s a sign of affection and respect.

It shows that they consider you a part of their family.

Following or Waiting for You

Cats that love their people will often follow them around or be waiting at the door for you when you get home.

Cats are very curious creatures. They love to know what you’re up to and keep a watch on their favourite people. They will often protest when you close them out of a room with you inside. They want to be with you. Yes, your days of going to the bathroom alone are probably behind you now.

They are creatures of habit that will learn your routines for coming and going. They will often be found waiting at the door for your return at the end of the day. They will anticipate your return.

This is yet another way that your cat will show affection for you and it’s so endearing!

A cat curling up to sleep on her human is showing affection and trust. You are her safe space.

Sleeping On or With You

If a cat comes to sleep on you or even curled up beside you, they are showing how much they love you.

They are at their most vulnerable when sleeping.

So, if they choose to sleep near you, they consider you a safe and comfortable source of warmth and security.

They consider you to be their family and sleep with you, just as they did with their mother and littermates.

Grooming You

When a cat decides to groom you, you know that you are truly family to them.

Cats practice allogrooming, which is social grooming. They clean the other creatures in their social group to promote bonding, build trust, and show affection.

Some cats will even take on the task of grooming your dog if they have bonded and like to cuddle with their canine family members.

Love Bites

Cats will sometimes include love bites in their grooming sessions. These are gentle nibbles or nips that are a sign of affection and bonding. There is no aggression in these bites. They’re simply a form of connection.

When I was a teenager, we had a big, beautiful tabby cat named Samson that we adopted from the humane society. He was big boy but a sweet and affectionate cat.

When he wanted to show his love and appreciation, he would ever-so-gently bite your nose.

Such a cute little sign of affection that I remember fondly to this day.

Some cats will use these love bites to let you know that they’re getting overstimulated by your petting or playing. If that’s the case, you need to recognize the signs and stop.

Cats will show their affection to their humans and their fur siblings alike

Arching Against You

Cats will show their love and appreciation for you by arching their backs up and leaning into you when you pet them.

There’s a big difference between this and the fear-based “fur standing up and arching themselves to look bigger” pose.

This is about affection. This is your cat rubbing their scent on you to claim you as their own.

They are seeking more attention and more pets from you.

It’s yet another sign of affection, trust, and contentment from your feline.

Conclusion

While cats may be more subtle about showing their affection than their canine counterparts, they definitely give us plenty of signs to show us how much they appreciate and love us.

We just have to know how to interpret these signals they send us to realize how much love and affection they have for their humans and their fellow fur siblings.

So, take the time to watch your furry little feline baby. They will show you so much love and your bond with them will grow even stronger.

Purrs and Wags Item of the Week

This week’s Item of the Week comes highly recommended from Rachel, my mom’s sweet little tortie cat.

Rachel has refined tastes and she absolutely loves her Delectables Squeeze Up Lickable Treats.

It’s convenient to feed and can be used as a treat or a food topper. You can even freeze it to make the treat last longer.

Grain free, no added fillers, preservatives, by-products, or artificial colours. Containing clean protein and just 7.5 calories per tube, these treats are a healthy snack for your special little feline ball of fur.

Take it from Rachel…she knows what she likes and this treat is it!