How do I know if my cat loves me? There will be signs! While cat communication isn't quite as easy to figure out as human communication, just because they can't use words like we can, it doesn't mean your feline friend isn't constantly letting you know how much you mean to them.
Sure, they may not be able to say thank you when you buy them a new toy or tell you that you're their favorite person in the whole world, but pay attention to your cat's body language and you'll soon see the signs your cat loves you.
To help you learn all the signs your cat loves you, we turned to expert vet Dr Rebecca MacMillan. From meowing and head butting to kneading you and following you from room to room, here are all the ways your feline friend shows they care...
How do I know if my cat loves me?
1. Slow blinking
Why do cats blink? Just like us humans, our feline friends blink to keep their eyes in good condition, but there's another reason too – they often use it as a way to communicate with their favorite humans.
"Slow blinking is a very subtle sign, but one that carries a big meaning," says Dr MacMillan. "Holding your gaze and giving you a slow blink is a big sign that your cat trusts and loves you."
2. Head butting
There's something so sweet about feeling your cat head butting your leg – it's sort of their way of saying 'hey, just letting you know I'm down here ready to receive some attention.'
"Head butting is a clear indication of love and affection, and most owners can’t resist fussing with their cat back when they pull this move!" says Dr MacMillan.
Not only is head-butting a way for many cats to let their humans know how they feel about them, but they also do it to distribute their scent and let the world know you belong to them.
3. Kneading you
If you've ever wondered why cats knead, you're not alone. While watching your kitty furiously knead a blanket can be an incredibly cute sight, it's quite another to have them dig their claws into your thinly clothed legs!
Although your feline friend clambering up on your lap for a good cuddle session is one of those things you likely can't get enough of, we understand you'd probably rather they did it without causing you quite so much discomfort.
However, you might feel somewhat better about those accidental scratch marks when you hear what Dr MacMillan has to say about kneading:
"Making biscuits [as it's often called] or kneading is a sign of true contentment in a cat," she explains. "It is the same action that kittens use when feeding from their mother, so if your cat kneads you, it means love."
4. Grooming you
When it comes to one of the sweetest ways cats show affection, grooming you has got to be near the top of the list. Cats can lick you for a number of reasons, and expressing their love for you is one of those.
"Grooming you is a way for some cats to show their affection," Dr MacMillan confirms. "This is an intimate action, and it’s a sign that your cat cares for you."
If your cat is licking you, it could well be an affiliative behavior. Allogrooming, a process where mothers groom their kittens and cats groom each other, is popular in the feline world, and your cat may do this to you as a way to nurture your relationship and cement your bond.
5. Purring
Why do cats purr? It's a question most of us pet parents will have asked at one time or another, and while Dr MacMillan says that purring isn't always a positive thing, it's often a sign of affection.
"Purring is a sign of happiness in cats… most of the time," she says. "Some cats will purr when nervous or uncomfortable. But if your cat is purring while showing some of the other signs on this list, then you can be sure they are feeling content."
6. Showing their belly
Cat body language can seem complex at first, but once you master the basics, you'll find it easier to figure out what it is your cat is trying to tell you. And if they're rolling over on their back? Well, that's a pretty good sign they love you!
"If a cat shows you their belly, then they must really love and trust you," Dr MacMillan explains. "This is a vulnerable position and not one that they would do unless they felt secure."
7. Greeting you at the door
Have you ever noticed that your cat responds to different people in different ways? For example, if a stranger comes to your home, your feline friend may hide away or continue going about their business. However, if it's someone they love, they may come running the minute they hear their favorite human arriving home.
Cats are very independent creatures, so when they make the effort to seek you out and say hello, that's very high praise indeed. "If your cat greets you at the door, then it’s likely they missed you when you were out!," says Dr MacMillan. "This is positive confirmation that your cat loves you."
8. Following you from room to room
Do you have a Velcro cat in your life? A kitty companion you refer to as your constant shadow? If so, you're not alone! While some independent cat breeds are happy to do their own thing, other cats prefer to stick close to their favorite humans.
"If your cat follows you around and wants to be in your company, then they are clearly well-bonded to you," says Dr MacMillan." Many cats form deep connections with those they love and like to spend as much time as possible with those they're closest to.
Curious about which cats are most prone to affectionate clinginess? You'll see this most often in breeds such as the sphynx, Siamese, Burmese, Maine Coon and ragdoll.
9. Sleeping near you
Ever found yourself asking the question, 'Why does my cat sleep between my legs?' Or perhaps they don't get that close, but they like to curl up beside you instead. Well, according to Dr MacMillan, it's often a sign of love.
"Some cats sleep near people for warmth and comfort. But others want their special human nearby for security– they feel protected when they are with you," she explains.
Cats can really struggle to switch off when they're sleeping because they're always on high alert for threats. But when they sleep near you, they're letting you take on the role of protector, enabling them to get the shut-eye they need.
10. Talking to you
When it comes to things your cat is trying to tell you, a meow is often their way of saying just how much you mean to them.
"A chatty cat is a happy cat!" says Dr MacMillan. "If your cat is trying to communicate with you with special meows and trills, then it shows they want your attention and value your relationship."
Of course, if it's dinner time, their meow might be less about letting you know how special you are and more about trying to get you to understand that they will simply die if they're not fed immediately. But most of the time, translating their meow into an 'I love you' is a good bet.
Read next: 10 signs your cat is stressed
Rebecca is a veterinary surgeon who graduated in 2009 from the Royal Veterinary College in London. She has a wealth of experience in first opinion small animal practice, having done a mixture of day-to-day routine work, on-call emergency duties and managerial roles over the years. Rebecca enjoys medicine in particular and she is proud to have recently achieved a BSAVA postgraduate certificate in small animal medicine (with commendation).
She writes on various feline and canine topics, including behavior, nutrition, and health. Outside of work and writing she enjoys walking her own dog, spending time with her young family and baking!
