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Cats are often misunderstood creatures when it comes to showing affection. While dogs may jump with excitement or wag their tails in obvious displays of love, cats express their feelings in more understated ways.

However, just because their affection is subtle doesn’t mean it’s any less genuine. In fact, your cat likely loves you more than you realize. By paying attention to their body language and behavior, you can better understand the quiet yet powerful ways your cat shows love.

Slow Blinks: “Cat Kisses” You Might Miss

One of the most telling signs of affection from a cat is the slow blink. Often called “cat kisses,” this gesture is a sign of trust and comfort. When your cat makes eye contact with you and slowly closes its eyes, they are telling you that they feel safe. In the feline world, closing one’s eyes in front of another is a vulnerable act, so when your cat gives you a slow blink, they are showing that they trust you completely.

To strengthen the bond, try returning the gesture by slowly blinking back at your cat. This can reinforce your connection and communicate love in a language your cat understands.

Head Butts and Nuzzling: Marking You as Their Own

When your cat rubs their head against you or nuzzles your hand, they are doing more than just seeking attention. This behavior is called “bunting” and is a way cats mark their territory. By rubbing their scent on you, your cat is essentially saying, “You belong to me.” While this may seem like an act of possessiveness, it’s actually a sign of affection. Cats only share their scent with those they care about and feel bonded to.

So, the next time your cat bumps their head against you, take it as a loving gesture—one that indicates they see you as part of their family.

Purring: The Sound of Contentment

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Purring is one of the most obvious ways cats express affection. While cats can purr when they’re anxious or unwell, they often do so when they are relaxed and content. If your cat curls up in your lap and starts to purr, they’re telling you they feel happy and secure in your presence. This soft, rhythmic sound is their way of saying, “I’m comfortable and at peace with you.”

Following You Around: Silent Companionship

Cats are independent creatures, but if your feline friend tends to follow you from room to room, they’re showing their love in a subtle way. This behavior indicates that they enjoy being in your presence, even if they’re not directly interacting with you. Whether they sit nearby while you’re working or sleep at the foot of your bed, their companionship is a clear sign of affection.

Kneading: A Throwback to Kittenhood

When your cat kneads you with their paws, pushing them in and out against your lap or chest, it’s a behavior rooted in kittenhood. Kittens knead their mothers to stimulate milk flow, and adult cats carry this behavior into their relationships with humans. If your cat kneads you, it’s a sign they feel safe and comforted in your presence—much like they did with their mother as a kitten.

Love in Every Gesture

While cats may not express love in overt ways, their subtle signs of affection are just as meaningful. From slow blinks and head butts to purring and kneading, these quiet gestures show that your cat loves you more than you might realize. By learning to recognize and appreciate these behaviors, you’ll deepen your bond with your feline friend and gain a greater understanding of their unique way of showing affection.

• Bradshaw, J. (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.
• Pryor, K. (2002). Don't shoot the dog: The new art of teaching and training. Bantam Books.