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If you’ve ever questioned whether your cat really loves you or if they’re just sticking around for the food, you’re not alone. Cats are often seen as aloof or indifferent, but the truth is they show affection in ways that most people simply miss. Let’s dive into the hidden, and sometimes controversial, signs that your cat loves you more than you think.

Following You from Room to Room

We often think of dogs as loyal followers, but cats do this too, and it’s not just about being nosy. When your cat follows you, it’s a sign they want to be near you. In the wild, cats follow each other as a form of social bonding. If your cat is your little shadow, you’re definitely part of their inner circle.

Bringing You “Presents”

Yes, it’s disturbing when your cat drops a dead mouse at your feet, but this is a high form of flattery in the feline world. By gifting you their catch, they’re showing they care for you as part of their "family." They’re sharing their success with the one they love most.

The Cat “Kiss” Blink

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You might think nothing of it when your cat stares at you and then blinks slowly, but this is their way of saying, “I trust you.” In the cat world, closing their eyes in your presence shows vulnerability, and it’s a huge gesture of love. The next time your cat gives you a slow blink, blink back and strengthen that bond.

Kneading You Like Dough

This classic behavior, where your cat presses their paws into your lap, is an undeniable sign of affection. It’s an instinctive action they learned as kittens while nursing from their mothers. When they knead you, it means they feel comforted and safe—just like they did back then.

The Nose Boop

Does your cat touch noses with you? While this may seem like just another quirky behavior, it’s actually a sign of deep affection. Cats greet one another by touching noses, and when your cat does this with you, they’re treating you as part of their family.

The Protective Sleep Position

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Cats are territorial and don’t sleep just anywhere. If your cat chooses to sleep near you, it’s not only because they enjoy your warmth, but they also see you as part of their safe space. In the wild, cats sleep in groups for protection. If your cat feels safe enough to sleep near you, that’s love.

The Litter Box Patrol

This one might surprise you, but some experts argue that if your cat uses their litter box while you’re around, it’s a sign of trust. The litter box is a vulnerable space, and choosing to "go" while you're nearby shows that your cat feels secure in your presence.

Headbutting for Scent Sharing

When your cat bumps their head against you, they’re not just being cute—they’re marking you with their scent. This is their way of saying, “You belong to me.” Headbutting is a form of scent-sharing that shows they consider you an important part of their world.

Random Biting (The Gentle Kind)

While biting is typically associated with aggression, a gentle bite from your cat can actually be a sign of affection. Known as "love bites," these gentle nibbles are your cat’s way of showing you they care in a playful, bonding manner.

Grooming You

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When a cat licks your hand or face, they’re not just grooming you—they’re treating you like one of their own. In the wild, cats groom their family members as a way of strengthening social bonds. If your cat grooms you, you’ve officially been accepted into their close-knit group.

Love, The Cat Way

Your cat’s love may be subtle, but it’s there in the little things—like following you from room to room or delivering a not-so-welcome “gift.” If you’re seeing these signs, congratulations—you’ve won your cat’s heart. The next time someone tells you cats aren’t affectionate, you’ll have the inside scoop on just how wrong they are.

Johnson-Bennett, P. (2011). Think Like a Cat: How to Raise a Well-Adjusted Cat--Not a Sour Puss. Penguin.

Bradshaw, J. (2013). Cat Sense: How the New Feline Science Can Make You a Better Friend to Your Pet. Basic Books.

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