You know you’ve asked yourself this at least a dozen times. But it’s okay, because we have, too! You’re not alone if you’ve ever wondered if your cat loves you. And while our cats cannot write us love letters or bring us home a bouquet of roses, they can show their love in other ways. If you’ve ever wondered if cats love their owners, the answer is a resounding yes! Here are the signs to watch for.
Rubbin’ and buntin’ all over you
Cats’ faces have scent glands on both of their cheeks as well as their chin and ears. I’m sure you’ve seen when a cat rubs its body against a hard surface, and it does this because it leaves its scent on what it claims to be.
When your cat rubs their head against you, it is known as bunting. Your cat will bunt as a way to claim something as theirs affectionately. Cats are very particular about scents, and when they groom themselves, they often do so to remove scents (including yours!) off of their coat. But when cats bunt against you, they do this because they want to pick up your scent on them. Surprise them with a little bunt in return!
Wait, you don’t want this dead rat?
Okay, so for this one of the signs that your cat loves you, people will often argue that this is not a sign that they adore you. Scientifically speaking, it’s been speculated that cats will bring their kill to their owners to show off their hunting skills and humblebrag how great they are compared to yours. But as mentioned above, your cat will bring their kill to present you with something. This shows that your cat was not only thinking of you but also that they want to share something with you and want you to see what they are capable of. Maybe you can keep these things in mind when figuring out how to dispose of that dead squirrel on your welcome mat.
Want a “kitty kiss” from me?
Cats will not pucker up their lips and give you a smooch if they love you. Think as if you’re a cat for a moment. Your cat is a predatory animal but small enough to be considered prey to others larger than them in the wild. For your feline friend, they are most vulnerable when they are on their back (more on that below!) or asleep. When your cat slow blinks, closing their eyes softly, they are not only at peace, they are incredibly relaxed and in a heavenly state. So when you see those slow blinks come your way, this is their way of kissing you in cat logic!
Licking you
While cat licking is usually related to grooming (mother cats lick their kittens as a part of the grooming process, and kitties lick themselves for the same reason), cats also lick each other as a sign of affection. If your cat wants to show you love, she will naturally replicate this behavior and give you wet kisses and licks.
Look at my belly, but don’t touch it!
Your cat is most vulnerable when they are on their back because it takes them longer to contort their body and run in this position than any other. So when your cat flashes you their belly–and often–they do this because they trust you and not see you as a threat, but also because they love you! But if you like how your skin looks without cat scratches, do yourself a favor and pass on the opportunity to pet their belly. Not only does your cat not want you to do that, but they will also be quick to show you! We know it’s tempting with all that fluff, but worship from afar instead.
Feel me purr
Did you know that any cat in the wild that does not roar can purr? We know that purrs are used for different reasons, but it’s a well-known fact among cat connoisseurs that cats will purr to express their content. Do you notice that your cat will purr whenever you are near and precisely when you are holding them? This is a telltale sign that your cat loves you! Now, if only we could purr back…
Kneading
This typical behavior in cats relates to contentment. Your cat is as happy as a clam, likely with their eyes closed, purring loudly, and making biscuits on the part of your body (most likely your stomach). Cats will only knead when they are at peace and feel safe, and performing this behavior also relaxes them. Have you ever noticed that your cat almost seems to be in a trance when kneading? While you are not their actual cat mom, you are their human mom or dad, and kneading brings them back to a time when they were nursing as a tiny little kittens.
Sitting/Sleeping on your clothing or favorite chair
Have you returned home from an outing to find your cat lying on your designated chair/spot on the sofa or on top of your worn clothing, such as your favorite sweater? Cats do this in your absence because they love you and miss you, and doing this reminds them of your scent. Awww!
