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It’s no secret that cats can be a bit aloof, independent, and at times, indifferent. But that doesn’t mean they don’t care about their owners. In fact, many cats form strong bonds with their human companions and show affection in various ways. So, do cats really love their owners? Here are 15 reasons why the answer is yes!
The 15 Ways We Know That Cats Love Their Owners
1. They Follow You Around
Cats are curious by nature, and if you’ve noticed your feline friend following you from room to room, it’s most likely a sign of affection. Cats want to be around the people they care about, so when yours follows you around the house, it means they’re comfortable with – and fond of – you.
2. They Greet You at the Door
If your cat is always there to greet you when you come home each day, then that’s a surefire sign that they love you! This behavior is similar to how dogs welcome their owners home and cats crave attention just as much as any pup.
3. They Show Their Belly
When cats feel comfortable in their environment, they will often roll over onto their backs and expose their bellies. This is a sign of trust as cats can’t defend themselves when in this position, so if your cat is doing this around you, it means they know they are safe with you and feel secure when you’re around.
4. They Sleep Near You
It doesn’t matter where your feline friend sleeps during the day or night; if they choose to sleep near you, then that’s a definite sign of trust and affection. Cats like being close to those they care about, so having them snoozing nearby is a surefire way to show how much they love their owners.
5. They Purr Around You
Purring is most often a sign of comfort and contentment, so if your cat purrs near you (and only around you), then it’s likely that they are feeling happy in your presence. This behavior can also mean that they’re trying to communicate with you, as cats sometimes use their purrs to express love and gratitude towards the people they care about.
6. They Rub Against You
Cats also show affection by rubbing their faces and bodies against their owners. This is a sign of trust, as cats are essentially marking you with their scent and claiming you as part of their ‘territory’.
7. They Lick You
Cats will often lick their owners to express love and closeness. Just keep in mind that if your cat starts licking too often or too much, it may be a sign of anxiety or stress, so make sure to take note of any changes in behavior.
8. They Bring Gifts
If your cat loves to bring you gifts (like toys, leaves, bugs, etc.), then it’s a sure sign that they care about you and want to show it in their own special way. Cats may also bring you gifts if they feel that you need cheering up or simply to remind you how much they appreciate your presence in their lives.
9. They Respond When You Talk
Does your cat come running whenever you call them? If so, then this is another indicator of the strong bond between owner and pet. Cats will respond when their owners talk to them, as this helps them create a deeper connection with those around them.
10. They Follow Your Lead
Do you have any special routines that involve your cat, like daily walks or brushing sessions? These activities can help cats build trust and affection towards their owners, as they learn to trust that you will always be there for them.
11. They Enjoy Your Touch
Cats usually don’t like being touched by strangers, but if yours loves it when you pet and cuddle them, then this is a sure sign that they care about you deeply. Pay attention to how your cat reacts during petting sessions and take note of any signs of discomfort or displeasure to ensure that both yourself and your pet are having a positive experience.
12. They Show Affection in Their Own Way
Not all cats show their love in the same ways, so it’s important to understand which behaviors mean what for your particular feline friend. Some cats may enjoy playing with toys while others may prefer a quiet nap on the couch; regardless, it’s important to take note of how your cat expresses their affection and appreciate them for who they are.
13. They Slow Blink at You
Slow blinking at someone is known as ‘cat kissing’, and it’s a sign of ultimate trust and relaxation. If your cat does this to you on a regular basis, then it means they feel safe and secure when you’re around.
14. They Come When Called
Does your cat always come running when you call their name? This behavior is an indicator that they know who you are and they recognize your voice, which is another sign of the strong bond between pet and owner.
15. They Meow Whenever You’re Around
Cats meow for various reasons and can be quite vocal about their needs. However, if your cat only meows when you’re around, then it could be because they want your attention or they’re trying to communicate with you in their own way.
More Cat Behaviors That Can Indicate Your Cat is Feeling Affectionate
Cats actually communicate with us through a variety of behaviors, which can all signal different types of emotions.
- Head Bumping: When cats rub their head against you, they are trying to show affection and mark you as part of their family. This is a sign of trust and love that means your cat feels safe with you.
- Laying on Their Back: When cats lay on their backs, it’s a sign that they feel comfortable around you and are happy to receive belly rubs!
- Playing Fetch: Cats love playing games with their owners, so if yours plays fetch with you, then it’s a sure sign that they trust and adore you.
- Calm Tail Wagging: When cats wag their tails in a calm and slow manner, it usually means they are excited and happy in your presence. This is another way cats show that they love spending time with you!
- Tail Flicking: When cats wag their tails, it usually means they are excited and happy in your presence. This is another way cats show that they love spending time with you!
- Chirping: Cats can also use chirping sounds to indicate that they’re feeling content and happy.
By understanding and recognizing these behaviors, you can further deepen the bond between pet and owner. Knowing what signals cats give off when they are feeling affectionate allows us to appreciate the strong connection we have with our furry friends. We should always take the time to express our gratitude for their unwavering love and companionship. After all, a happy pet is a sign of a happy home!
Summary
No matter how cats show their affection, it’s always worth taking the time to recognize and appreciate these special moments. Pay attention to your cat’s behaviors, take note of any changes or signs of stress, and make sure to give them plenty of love and cuddles in return! After all, that’s what cats do best – express their love for us in unique ways.
Featured Image Credit: Africa Studio, Shutterstock
3 Responses
Having just lost my precious cat, Mimi, I was unsure just what she felt towards me. I’ve always had dogs throughout my life, so when Mimi chose me to be her new Mom, I had no clue whatsoever.
Having read this article, it’s put a smile on my face realising that Mimi regularly did all these behaviours towards me. Neighbours always thought it funny that both the dog and cat would follow when I went round.
This article has gladdened my heart, so thank you so much for publishing.
Aww Sue, that’s so lovely to hear. We’re sorry to hear about Mimi but glad that you have so many happy memories with her over the years!
I have 2 🐈⬛ 🐈
My 9 year old Tux boy & my 1 year old Tortico Queen
Both I got involved with when they were 3 months old
My Tux bonded over a weekend
My little Queen took 4 months with only 3 visits a week
She was surviving at 3 months old outdoors
Over those 4 months she slowly became trusting of me
At 3 months into her rescue she had already decided I was her human
Then came the day she decided that I was worthy of her letting me take her off the street & to a safe home
She was extremely lucky
In the 4 months she survived outdoors she didn’t get any of the big 3
I had her totally tested & she was negative on the 3
For those who read about “ Tortitude “ it does exist & once you have one you learn that Torties/Torticos aren’t your regular lap loving 🐈⬛
You pet her ONLY with permission or you get swatted for not obeying her rules
As for affection yes they show it but on their terms
Mine is also a Silent Tortico she communicates through her body language & eyes
Torticos are a mix of Cali o & Tortie
She sleeps down near my knees
I know she’s in the bed because she kneads the cover where she’s going to sleep
One of her affections is rub my knees while I’m sitting in my recliner & there’s room for her to pass between the recliner & my knees
My Tux does meow but he also uses touch
Like in the morning when he thinks you need to feed him
He’ll paw the cover near my shoulder like he’s trying to take the cover off me so I’ll get up & feed them
He sleeps near my upper body & between me & the bed edge
Yeah both my fur kids show affection to me just each in their own way
Don’t take Torties/Torticos as hard to own just let them come to you
They live by their own boundaries so just let them do that & you’ll eventually see they aren’t that hard to enjoy living with