- Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.
It’s usually easy to tell if your dog loves you, but figuring out if your cat loves you can be a little harder. While they don’t show love the same way, we know cats love us, says Joey Lusvardi, a certified cat behavior consultant and founder of Class Act Cats.
Some signs your cat loves you include hanging out with you or bringing you toys. Other signs might be harder to notice.
We made a list of 14 ways your cat might show love, and we also talked to experts about how to make your bond even stronger.
They Sleep On You
Cats feel most vulnerable when they sleep. If your cat curls up on you or next to you, it means they trust you and enjoy being with you.
They Slow Blink
“A slow blink from a cat is like a cat’s kiss. It’s a sign of trust and affection,” says Cristy Brusoe, a certified cat behaviorist and owner of Cat Training by Cristy.
Try slow blinking back at your cat to show you care, too!
They Purr
When cats are happy and relaxed, they often purr. Some cats purr softly, while others have loud, motor-like purrs. But sometimes, cats purr to calm themselves when they’re stressed, like during a vet visit.
Look at their body language to tell the difference.
They Show Their Belly
If your cat rolls over and shows their belly, they feel safe and comfortable with you. Their bellies are extremely vulnerable and are only exposed to those they trust.
However, this doesn’t always mean they want a belly rub—some cats like it, but others don’t.
They Put Their Butt in Your Face
A cat showing you their butt might seem strange, but to them, it’s a sign of trust. They likely view you as a safe space.
If they arch their back, they may be asking for pets!
They Groom You
Cats groom each other to strengthen their bonds, and if your cat licks you, it’s their way of marking you “safe” saying you’re part of their family.
But if your cat starts overgrooming, it could be a sign of anxiety.
They Headbutt You
When your cat headbutts or nuzzles you, they’re leaving their scent on you to mark you as safe and familiar.
“It may seem like head butting isn’t a particularly affectionate behavior, but to cats, it’s actually a very positive sign,” Lusvardi says.
They Rub Their Cheeks On You
Similar to headbutting, when your cat rubs their cheeks on you, they’re showing affection and asking for attention.
Your kitty may rub around your legs or on your hands or arms to ask for attention this way, too.
They Make Biscuits
“When a cat kneads with [their] paws, it’s a sign of comfort and a throwback to kittenhood,” Brusoe explains. It’s similar to them kneading on their mother’s stomach for milk.
When adult cats do it, it’s another way for them to mark their territory. Just be mindful of their sharp claws!
They Give You Love Bites
If your cat gives you small nips or bites while you’re petting them or during playtime, they’re likely ‘love bites.’
These gentle bites usually happen when they’re excited but overstimulated.
They Bring You Gifts
If your cat brings you toys or even a dead mouse (yikes!), they’re sharing love by giving you a gift. In the wild, cats bring prey to their family; this is your cat’s way of doing the same.
Or, if they don’t want to share, they may simply see you as a safe space to bring their ‘gift’ to play with or just to show you.
They Follow You Everywhere
Does your cat follow you from room to room? Or are they walking across your keyboard while you work?
Lusvardi says this is a sign they’re attached to you and want to be near you, even if you’re just going to the bathroom!
They Wrap Their Tail Around You
Cats use their tails to communicate with you and other kitties.
If your cat wraps their tail around you, it’s a sign of affection, like a hug.
They Respond to Your Voice
Evidence shows cats can recognize your voice. If your cat comes running when you call them after being gone for the day, it’s a good sign they’ve missed you and are happy to see you.
How to Make Your Cat Love You Even More
Building a strong relationship with your cat takes time and understanding. Here are some tips to help:
- Be gentle: Most cats (and people!) don’t like being handled roughly. Approach your cat calmly, respect their space, and only pick them up if they’re okay.
- Stick to a routine: “Cats thrive on routine,” Brusoe says. Feeding them at the same times and playing with them regularly can help build trust.
- Reward wanted behaviors: Give your cat treats and praise when they do something good. Lusvardi says to avoid squirt bottles, physical punishments, or yelling.
- Spend time together: Sit near your cat or make a cozy spot for them to rest. Just being around them can strengthen your bond.
- Play with them regularly: Use toys like wands or strings to play with your cat. This keeps them active and helps you grow closer with them.
- Try clicker training: You can teach your cat tricks! “A favorite way to build your bond with your cat is to do clicker training with them,” Lusvardi says.
- Brush them: Lusvardi says if your cat likes being brushed, doing this regularly can help strengthen your bond and show them your love.
- Create safe spaces: Give your cat a quiet, cozy spot to relax, like a cat tree or a bed near a window. This helps them feel safe and calm.
Each cat is different, so they’ll show love in their own way. You might need to try different things until you find what makes your cat happiest!
Cat Love FAQs
Do all cats show love in the same way?
No, not all cats show love the same way. Just like people, each cat has its own personality and its own way of showing affection. Some cats love lots of attention, while others are more shy and show love in quieter ways.
Which cat breeds show love the most?
Some breeds are known for being more loving than others. Brusoe says that Siamese, Maine Coons, and Ragdolls are often friendly cats who like being around their families.
What if my cat doesn’t show signs of love?
There could be many reasons why your cat doesn’t seem to show love. The first thing to do is take your cat to the vet to make sure they aren’t sick or stressed.
Your cat might also be showing love in ways you don’t notice. For example, he says some cats don’t like being petted, but they’ll still sit near you or on your lap. This shows they want to be with you, even if they don’t want pets.
If you’re having trouble, talking to your vet or a cat behavior expert can help.
Can cats “love” multiple people?
Yes, cats can love more than one person. Brusoe says cats can form strong bonds with multiple people and may show different kinds of affection to each person based on their relationship.
