Does My Cat Love Me? 10 Signs That Prove It

Written by Natalie Decker
Orange cat being pet

Cats show us their love in many different ways.

Cats often show their affection more subtly than dogs do. Yet, those savvy in the feline ways can still clearly identify the signs of a cat’s fondness. Let’s explore the ways cats express their love – answering the question on every cat owner’s mind: Does my cat love me?

Does My Cat Love Me? Chasing a Feeling

The response to “Does my cat love me?” is somewhat similar to determining whether your cat is happy. If your cherished household feline feels comfortable in your presence, this is virtually synonymous with affection for you.

Even in your absence, your cat can be content, trusting that you’ll return. This trust is somewhat a sign of love, much like it is with dogs.

If the cat chooses a place to sleep near you, then it likes you.

Is your lovely household feline blinking at you with both eyes? That’s the equivalent to kissing with their eyes, and translates to “I love you.” This gesture should be seen as one of the grandest expressions of a cat’s love.

If you wish to return a smile in cat language, simply blink back at them with both eyes. Your cat will understand.

It brings you gifts

Of course, it doesn’t leave that Brand new handbag you’ve been wanting at your doorstep. But it’ll offer something that comes straight from the heart and demonstrates care.

A Dead Mouse as a Sign of Affection

Cats that bring their prey home do so to provide their humans with sustenance. This behaviour echoes that of a cat mother who cares for her kittens and encourages them to hunt. Therefore, it is an act of love.

Even though the sight of a deceased bird or caught mouse might not thrill you like the latest pair of designer shoes, you should still appreciate the gift. See it as an answer to your question: “Does my cat love me?

The kitty is communicative

Always consider the context and develop a keen sense for the wellbeing of your cat. It is also worth considering that some breeds, like the Siamese or Oriental Shorthair, are particularly communicative.

Look Out For Their Health

In this case, you should reinforce the chattiness with positive responses. Bear in mind that vocalizing can also indicate behavioural problems, pain, stress, and illnesses such as deafness, senility, or thyroid issues.

If in doubt, consult your trusted vet to determine whether your kitty’s communicativeness has a positive or negative reason.

Loving Purrs are the Answer

For a healthy cat, meowing is a way to initiate contact. It is an attempt to communicate. Other sounds like gentle purring or soft mewing can be taken as positive signals. The kitty is relaxed and answers your question, “Does my cat love me?” with a resounding “Yes.”

It sleeps near you

If your cohabiting kitty doesn’t settle down for its nap in its cat bed, but instead chooses your desk, or if it tries to convince you with a meow to stop working and join it on the sofa or in bed, rest assured: the kitty loves you. Its desire to be close to you is its way of showing affection.

You Belong to Me!

When your cat rubs its head against you or presses its nose along your shoulder, chest, or hip, it’s trying to mark you with its scent so that your individual smells blend. This act is also a bit territorial. Your cat is signalling to others with your “new scent” that it already has an owner who is affectionately by their side. Essentially, your cat is declaring to you and the outside world: “Mine, not yours!”

It licks you with its tongue

When your feline engages in coat care with you, it is clearly indicating that it sees you as part of its feline family. Likewise, it’s expressing that it’s fond of you. Just as cats show affection to one another by grooming one another’s fur by licking.

Affectionate Grooming

Mother animals strengthen their bond with their kittens by grooming them. If your domestic feline exhibits this behaviour towards you, rejoice and feel honoured.

Its tail is held high

A raised tail speaks volumes of “I love you,” with an exclamation mark. A tail in this position signifies affection and trust.

Cats often use this form of loving body language to greet their “can opener.” An additional twitch at the tip indicates excitement, attention, or curiosity.

It kneads on your body

This kneading behaviour takes back to when your cat was a kitten and stimulated milk flow from the mother cat.

If your cat is of a more mature age, then kneading signifies utter contentment, delight, and a form of adoration towards you. This makes the kneading one of the greatest signs of love your cat can offer you.

It weaves around your legs

If your kitty can’t get enough of your legs, it either means you have particularly nice ones– or more likely, that your cat loves you and wants you to know it (or both). Circling your legs, in the language of cats, means “I am yours, and you are mine.”

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Natalie Decker
Profilbild Natalie Decker (mit Pferd)

"A life without a pug is possible, but pointless," Loriot once said. I would unreservedly agree and add: "A life without horse, cat and rabbit as well!" My heart beats for all animals big and small and I have the great fortune to be able to write about my passion as a freelance author. With my articles I would like to raise awareness for animal welfare and give useful tips to animal lovers.


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