Let’s be honest, cats have a bit of a reputation for being aloof, independent, and sometimes downright indifferent to their humans. But any cat owner knows the truth: our feline friends are full of love, they just have their own unique ways of showing it! If you’ve ever wondered how to tell if your cat loves you, this guide will help you understand their secret language of affection.
Here are 7 undeniable signs that your cat truly loves you:
1. The Slow Blink of Love
Ever caught your cat staring at you, only to have them slowly blink at you like they’re in a deep trance? Congratulations! You’ve just received a “cat kiss.”
Slow blinking is a cat’s way of showing trust and affection. It’s the feline equivalent of saying, “I feel safe with you.” Try slow-blinking back at your cat to return the love, chances are, they’ll do it right back!
2. The Headbutt of Approval
If your cat has ever booped their head against you, they’re not just being weird, this is called bunting, and it’s one of the biggest compliments a cat can give.
Cats have scent glands on their heads, and when they headbutt you, they’re marking you with their scent. It’s their way of saying, “You’re mine, and I love you.”
3. The Tail Tells All
A cat’s tail is like a built-in mood ring. If your cat approaches you with their tail held high, especially with a little curve at the tip, that’s a sign of happiness and affection.
Bonus points if their tail vibrates slightly while they’re near you, this means they’re super excited to see you!
4. The Gift You Didn’t Ask For
Ever woken up to find a dead mouse, a bug, or even one of your cat’s favourite toys sitting at your feet? As gross (or adorable) as it may be, this is a sure sign of love.
In the wild, mother cats bring food to their kittens to take care of them. If your cat is gifting you something, they see you as part of their family. Even if you don’t particularly want the “gift,” it’s best to say thanks and appreciate the sentiment!
5. The Knead of Affection
When a cat kneads their paws on your lap, your blanket, or even your stomach, it’s a sign of pure contentment. This behaviour stems from kittenhood when they kneaded their mother to stimulate milk flow.
If your cat is kneading on you, they associate you with comfort and security. Yes, it might be a little painful (especially if their claws are sharp!), but it’s their way of saying, “I love you, human.”
6. The Constant Shadow
Does your cat follow you from room to room, even when you’re doing mundane tasks like making tea or using the bathroom? That’s love, my friend.
Cats don’t waste their time with people they don’t like. If they choose to be near you, even when you’re not feeding them, it means they truly enjoy your company.
7. The Purr of Pure Joy
Purring is the ultimate sign of a happy cat. While cats do sometimes purr when they’re in pain (it’s a self-soothing mechanism), a cat that purrs when they’re curled up on your lap, getting pets, or just chilling beside you is showing their love and contentment.
Some cats even have a special purr reserved just for their favourite humans, so if your cat purrs extra loudly when they’re near you, consider yourself truly loved!
Final Thoughts: How to Tell If Your Cat Loves You
Cats may not be as outwardly affectionate as dogs, but their love is just as deep, if not deeper. They show it in their own quirky, adorable ways, and once you learn their language, you’ll never doubt their love again.
So the next time your cat blinks at you slowly, headbutts your hand, or insists on following you to the toilet, just remember: that’s their way of saying “I love you.”
Does your cat show their love in a unique way? Let us know in the comments below!
