Photo byCanva

Cats are notorious for waking their parents up early, sometimes even before the alarm clock goes off. While it’s easy to assume they’re just hungry, there’s more behind this behavior. Waking you up in the morning is a sign that your cat feels comfortable with you and wants to start the day together.

Cats are creatures of routine, and if they make you part of their morning rituals, it’s their way of bonding and spending time with you during one of their most active periods.

The Morning Rub: A Loving Greeting

When your cat greets you in the morning by rubbing their head or body against you, it’s not just about getting attention. This behavior, called bunting, is your cat marking you with their scent.

Cats have scent glands in their cheeks and foreheads, and rubbing against you is their way of saying, “You’re part of my world.” It’s a loving gesture that shows they cherish your presence as they start their day.

Following You Around: A Silent Show of Loyalty

If your cat follows you around in the morning as you go about your routine—whether you're making coffee, brushing your teeth, or getting dressed—it’s a clear sign of their affection.

Cats don’t follow just anyone around. When they do this, they’re expressing a form of companionship and loyalty, wanting to stay close to you even if they don’t need anything at that moment. It’s their way of quietly saying, “I enjoy being with you.”

The Early Morning Chirps: Vocal Affection

Photo byCanva

Morning chirps and trills are often a form of greeting, and when your cat vocalizes like this as soon as you wake up, it’s their way of showing excitement to see you. While we often associate purring with contentment, those little morning chirps are your cat’s version of a cheerful “good morning.” They’re happy to see you and eager to share their day with you. This vocal affection shows they are emotionally connected to you and look forward to your attention.

Kneading: Starting the Day with Comfort

If your cat kneads you in the morning, it’s more than just a leftover habit from kittenhood—it’s a sign of comfort and affection. Cats knead when they feel safe and content, and if they choose to knead on you as part of their morning routine, it’s a clear indication that they associate you with those feelings. They’re showing they feel secure in your presence, which is one of the highest compliments a cat can offer.

Something Unique: The "Guarding" Behavior

A unique and often unnoticed behavior is when your cat sits or stands near you as you go about your morning tasks. Whether perched on the bathroom counter as you brush your teeth or lying near your feet in the kitchen, this “guarding” behavior is a sign of protection. While cats may not guard in the same way dogs do, their instinct to stay close shows that they want to ensure your safety and well-being. It’s their quiet, yet affectionate way of showing they care.

Love in the Routine

Your cat’s morning routine may seem like a series of typical behaviors, but each action carries a deeper meaning. From gentle head rubs to following you around, your cat is expressing affection and trust in ways that may not always be obvious. The next time you wake up to those familiar morning routines, know that your feline friend is not just seeking breakfast but sharing a daily moment of love and connection with you.

• Casey, R. A., & Bradshaw, J. W. S. (2001). The Domestic Cat: The Biology of its Behaviour (2nd ed.). Cambridge University Press.
• McMillan, F. D. (2017). Unlocking the Cat’s Mind: The Science Behind Your Feline’s Thoughts and Behaviors. Createspace Independent Publishing.
• Johnson-Bennett, P. (2001). Twisted Whiskers: Solving Your Cat's Behavior Problems. Penguin Group.