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Cats are often misunderstood as aloof or indifferent, but if you take a closer look, you'll find that these mysterious creatures are full of love. They have their own unique ways of showing affection, many of which can be subtle and easy to overlook. Understanding these behaviors can help you appreciate the depth of your cat's affection, even when it’s not immediately obvious.

Tail Language

A cat’s tail is one of the most expressive parts of its body. When your cat approaches you with their tail held high, especially with a slight curve at the tip, it’s a clear sign of love and affection. This posture indicates that your cat feels confident and happy in your presence. Sometimes, you might even notice their tail vibrating when they see you—this is a sign of pure excitement.

The Slow Blink

The slow blink is often called a “cat kiss” and is one of the most endearing ways cats show their love. When your cat gazes at you and slowly closes and opens their eyes, they’re signaling trust and affection. In the wild, closing their eyes around another being is a vulnerable act, so when your cat slow blinks at you, it’s their way of saying, “I feel safe with you.”

Head Bunting

Head bunting, or rubbing their head against you, is a cat’s way of marking you with their scent. Cats have scent glands located on their head, and by rubbing against you, they’re claiming you as part of their territory. This behavior is a strong indicator that your cat feels secure and affectionate towards you.

Following You Around

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If your cat follows you from room to room, it’s not just out of curiosity. This behavior shows that they enjoy your company and want to be near you. Cats are independent by nature, so when they choose to spend time with you, it’s a sign of their attachment and affection.

Kneading

Kneading is when a cat pushes their paws into a soft surface, often purring as they do so. This behavior originates from kittenhood when kittens knead their mother’s belly to stimulate milk flow. In adult cats, kneading is a sign of comfort, contentment, and love. When your cat kneads on you, they’re expressing deep affection and a sense of security.

Purring

Purring is one of the most well-known ways cats show contentment and love. While cats can purr for various reasons, such as when they’re in pain or anxious, a cat that purrs while curled up in your lap is likely expressing comfort and happiness. It’s their way of saying, “I love being close to you.”

Bringing You Gifts

Though it might not seem like a sign of love when your cat brings you a dead mouse or a toy, this is actually one of the highest forms of feline affection. In the wild, cats bring prey to their young to teach them how to hunt. When your cat brings you “gifts,” they’re showing that they care for you and want to share their “success” with you.

Sleeping on or Near You

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Cats are naturally cautious animals, so when they choose to sleep on or near you, it’s a strong sign of trust and love. Sleeping is a vulnerable activity, and by choosing to do so close to you, your cat is expressing their sense of safety and affection.

Gentle Bites

Gentle biting or "love bites" are another subtle way your cat shows affection. These nibbles are typically not meant to cause harm but are rather a playful and loving gesture. They often occur during petting or playtime as a way for your cat to communicate their affection.

Love in Every Gesture

Cats may not express their love in the same overt ways that dogs do, but their affection is no less genuine. From the gentle slow blink to the comforting knead, your cat is constantly communicating their love and trust, even if it’s in ways that might go unnoticed at first. By understanding these behaviors, you can deepen your bond with your cat and appreciate the many ways they show their unconditional love.

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

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

Turner, D. C., & Bateson, P. (2014). The Domestic Cat: The Biology of Its Behaviour (3rd ed.). Cambridge University Press.