Count the Ways: How Your Cat Says "I Love You"

Sometimes it feels like cats are constantly underfoot or always interrupting tasks. Kitties frequently decide to follow people from room to room, and they enjoy putting themselves right in the middle of whatever their owners are doing. Your cat may decide to lay down on your keyboard or sit right in front of a computer or television screen. These behaviors aren't meant to be annoying. It's the cat's way of getting your attention or simply enjoying your company.

Although it may sound odd, cats show affection by staring and blinking slowly. Slow blinks are very clear indications of love. Cats don't like closing their eyes around other animals or around most people. If your cat closes his eyes or blinks slowly while staring at you, the kitty is actually demonstrating love and trust. You can look at your cat and blink slowly to show love as well.

Your cat may bump, or bunt, his head against yours as a sign of affection. Cats have scent glands on their heads. Scent is very important to cats because they use pheromones to communicate with each other. A cat pushing his head against yours or rubbing his head against your hand leaves pheromones on your skin. These pheromones label you as a safe and trusted entity. They could also send a slight warning to other cats that you've already been claimed.

Kitties groom each other frequently. It's a social activity that communicates trust and affection. Your cat may groom you as a sign of affection as well. This generally takes the form of licking your hands, arms, hair, or other accessible areas. Soft bites and nibbles aren't aggressive behavior. Cats use their teeth and tongues to groom their fur, and some kitties don't quite understand that people don't have fur coats.

Wild cats living as a family sleep very close to each other. Domestic cats frequently do the same thing in multi-cat households, and kittens almost always sleep in piles beside their mother. If your cats sleep curled up beside you, it means you're a trusted member of their family. Some cats even sleep under the covers or try to sleep on top of their favorite people.

A cat's meow can mean a lot of things. Your kitty may want something, or he could be expressing happiness or excitement. Every cat is different, but you can usually figure out what various meows mean by watching your cat's behavior. High-pitched meows or chirps often mean the cat wants attention. He may want you to pick him up or play with him. Purring or soft trilling noises usually indicate happiness and contentment, although cats purr for other reasons too.

Cats knead or push in and out with their front paws when they feel comfortable and safe. Some people refer to kneading as 'making biscuits.' Baby kittens knead to encourage milk flow from their mother. Adult cats knead when they feel happy and content. It's a good sign if your cat kneads while sitting on your lap or sitting beside you.

It's actually a pretty big deal when cats show their bellies. Animals won't expose their bellies unless they feel safe. A cat that rolls over during playtime or lets you rub her belly is showing how much she trusts you. Along the same lines, a sick cat approaching you for help is the highest compliment. Most cats, and many other animals, hide signs of sickness or injury to protect themselves. If your cat comes to you when she doesn't feel well, it means she trusts you completely and sees you as a source of comfort.

Cats bring presents home to their families to show love and affection. This can be very puzzling from a human perspective. However, wild cats bring prey back to their family groups to share food. Mother cats also do this to feed kittens and teach hunting skills. From the cat's perspective, the dead mouse on the doorstep is food she's sharing with you.

A cat's background may influence the way they express love. Some people claim that feral cats can learn to be housecats, but they'll never truly trust or love people. On the other hand, many rescuers claim that formerly feral cats can be very loving and attached to their human families. Every cat is an individual with a unique personality. Don't be discouraged if a newly adopted rescue kitty isn't affectionate right away. Give the cat time to recognize a safe, loving home and show trust and affection in their own way.