How Do Cats Show Affection? 7+ Ways Your Cat Says “I Love You”

by John Griffith Feb 1, 2023 @ 09:54

We have a hard time understanding cats, but that doesn’t stop us from loving them to bits. However, it’s important to try to understand your cat’s behavior, so you can get along better with them and give them a great life. We all want our cats to love us, but we are often left puzzled about how they really feel about us. But cats do show affection, just in ways that often go unrecognized by their owners. Since cats express their love in ways that are quite different from people and other pets, it makes sense that we typically miss them. But today that will change. If you are wondering “how do cats show affection?” and if they truly love you, you are in the right place. Here are some ways your cat shows you that she loves you.

We have a hard time understanding cats, but that doesn’t stop us from loving them

Cats do show affection, just in ways that often go unrecognized by their owners

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How Do Cats Show Affection?
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How Do Cats Show Affection?

Although some of their actions may seem odd, they are still meaningful. There is a common misconception that cats are not affectionate. This may be concluded due to the facts that dogs have a more obvious way of demonstrating love. A cat showing affection is more subtle. From a headbutt to meowing. Check out all the ways your cat has being saying “I love you” without you even realizing.

Although some of their actions may seem odd, they are still meaningful

There is a common misconception that cats are not affectionate

#Head Butting

This is one of the most endearing behaviors of cats. If your cat headbutts you or rubs their body against your body, it’s a way of them telling that they love you and care for you. It’s super cute! It is also a way for your cat to leave pheromones on you to let everyone else know that you are her owner and that you already have a cat. A bit possessive, but endearing nonetheless.

This is one of the most endearing behaviors of cats

#Kneading

You may have noticed your cat doing massage like motions with their paws on you. This is called kneading. Kneading hearkens back to kitten hood. While there might be multiple reason while your cat is kneading you, the most common is to show you that they are feeling relaxed, content, happy and loved. Especially if the needing happens to be on you and not a random blanket. So, kneading a way to express adoration for cats.

You may have noticed your cat doing massage like motions with their paws on you

#Following You

While it may seem odd to you that your cat is following you around the house, even in the bathroom, this is a clear sign your cat loves you. Following you around means that your cat just wants to spend more time with you, that they enjoy your company, and feel comfortable around you. Your cat just want you to know that she is a great companion that you can do anything with.

Following you around means that your cat just wants to spend more time with you

#Purring

There are very little sounds in the world that are as calming and enjoyable as a cat’s purr. This is one of the loudest and most obvious ways for a cat to show you that they love you. While they may also purr when they are feeling uncomfortable, these occasions are quite rare. More often than not your cat is purring because they just feel happy around you, she is enjoying the pets, your company and feels safe.

More often than not your cat is purring because they just feel happy around you

This is one of the most obvious ways for a cat to show you that they love you

#Rolling Around

While human children tend to roll around on the floor as a tantrum, your cat does it for the exact opposite reason. Cats showing their belly to you and rolling around means that they are excited to see, and you trust you enough to be vulnerable around you. If your cat comes to you and throws themselves on the ground and rolls around this is a loving greeting that means they want your attention and love.

This is a loving greeting that means they want your attention

#The Slow Blink

Prolonged eye contact and a slow blink may seem intimidating to you, but it’s a sure sign your cat loves you. Eye contact is a huge factor in how cats show affection. This is because your furry friends only make eye contact with people they actually like. They also like to give “eye kisses”. This is when a cat will stare with half closed eyelids and start to blink slowly at you repeatedly. This is a gesture that you can reciprocate, by doing the same in return. It’s basically like saying “I love you”, “I love you too”.

Eye contact is a huge factor in how cats show affection

Slow blinking means “I love you”

#Bringing Gifts

This behavior isn’t loved by owners, but it’s still a common way for your cat to show affection. Cats love to leave a present for their owners to find. And since your furry friend is a natural hunter, when they bring some freshly caught prey, it’s their way of offering you a delicious meal. It’s also a way to show you that they care for you and want to make sure you are fed. While it may be quite unpleasant to find a dead mouse at your feet, try to remember your cat is just trying to show you that it cares deeply for you. Plus, sometimes they also bring toys.

Cats love to leave a present for their owners to find

#Grooming

Grooming is a very important part of a cat’s daily routine. Cats also groom each other as a display of affection. This behavior also extends to humans when the cat has built enough trust. Cats will lick you and allow you to brush them when they know they can trust you. Grooming helps build a special bond between cat and human. It is a way of mingling scents and bringing you into their inner circle. So, if your cat likes to groom you then it’s a clear sign they love you.

Grooming is a very important part of a cat’s daily routine

So, how do cats show affection? Now you know some of the most common ways your cats shows you they love you. We hope you found this article useful. Now you can understand your cat’s behavior much better and know what they are trying to express to you.

Now you know some of the most common ways your cats shows you they love you

Sources:

PetMD ©
Best Life ©
Pet Keen ©
Catster ©

John Griffith

John Griffith is a young, passionate journalist. Writing has been John’s hobby ever since he was a boy. He has worked in some of the UK’s most successful news portals over the course of his professional career but found his forever home at Archzine.