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Cats are mysterious creatures, often leaving us guessing about their true feelings. But what if some of the ways your cat expresses love go unnoticed, or we’ve been reading them all wrong? Let’s dive into a few brand-new, never-before-thought-of ways that your cat might be saying, “I love you,” without you even realizing it.

The "Invisible Escort" Routine

Ever notice how your cat seems to appear when you're headed to certain places in the house, like the bathroom or kitchen? While most people think their cat is just being curious or wants food, consider this: your cat could be offering you what I call the "invisible escort."

Cats are natural protectors of their territory, and they might feel that part of their duty is to keep an eye on you as you navigate their domain. By shadowing you from room to room, they’re not just following; they’re acting like your silent bodyguard. You might not see it, but they’re making sure their favorite human is safe.

Pawing the Ground Next to You: Not Just a Territory Mark

We all know cats love to scratch and paw, often on furniture or a scratch post. But if your cat is pawing the ground next to you while you're sitting, there could be more going on. While it's easy to assume this is just instinctive marking behavior, a deeper bond might be at play.

Cats knead and paw areas they feel safe in, and by doing this right next to you, they’re adding you to their ‘comfort zone.’ It’s like they’re preparing the space for relaxation and making sure it’s comfortable for both of you — showing affection by association.

The "Blink-and-Walk-Away" Gesture

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Slow blinking is a well-known sign of feline love, but what about when your cat gives you a blink and immediately turns away? Instead of interpreting this as indifference, think of it as an act of trust.

Your cat is blinking at you to say, “I’m comfortable with you,” and then walking away because they know you’re there if they need you. It’s the feline equivalent of knowing someone has your back, so they feel confident enough to explore elsewhere. Independence doesn’t mean a lack of love — it means they trust you’re a safe anchor.

The Bedtime “Guardian” Watch

Most cat parents have had their feline companion jump into bed at night. But if your cat sits at the foot of the bed, looking away from you, they might be on night watch duty. Instead of facing you, they’re looking outward, scanning for any potential dangers.

It's like a night shift security guard, silently watching over you as you sleep. Far from being indifferent, your cat is playing the role of a protector, ensuring the home (and you) stay safe through the night.

When Cats Love You Their Own Way

These subtle, often overlooked gestures reveal that your cat's affection runs deeper than simple snuggles or food demands. Whether it's through an invisible escort, ground-pawing beside you, or keeping nighttime watch, your cat may be showing you love in ways that most people never consider. Next time your cat performs one of these behaviors, take a closer look—you might just be witnessing a unique form of feline affection.

McNamee, T. (2018). The Inner Life of Cats: The Science and Secrets of Our Mysterious Feline Companions. Little, Brown and Company.

Johnson-Bennett, P. (2021). Cat vs. Cat: Keeping Peace When You Have More Than One Cat. Penguin Books.