How do cats express affection? Here are 14 ways cats show their love

Unlike dogs, cats prefer to express their affection for their favorite humans in more subtle ways. For inexperienced individuals, it might feel as if the cat is merely tolerating your presence.

For experienced cat owners, they know not to take the cat's indifference literally. We have long learned how cats express their love, whether it's through an obvious love bite or by placing a dead mouse at the doorstep.

For new cat owners, we have compiled this list to let you know that your cat is not acting strange or rude, but is actually expressing its affection.

1.Always by your side

Cats appreciate their space, but they never miss an opportunity to snuggle with you, especially when they know you're not feeling well. Somehow, they know when you're feeling bad or had a rough day, and then they settle down on your lap for a comforting vocal vibration.

After all, what's better than cuddling with a warm, furry friend after a long and chaotic week?

2.Exposing the belly

Everyone knows that dogs like to have their bellies scratched by family members or the postman who brings them their favorite treats. On the other hand, cats usually feel anxious when people try to scratch their bellies, especially when they don't know the person.

If your cat rolls over to show their belly or lets you scratch their belly, it's one of the highest forms of trust. After all, your cat is a predator. Exposing their tender underbelly means they trust you not to harm them, and they love you enough to be vulnerable.

3.Blinking

Cats have the remarkable ability to stare and not blink for a long time. Their attention can be both flattering and somewhat concerning because it's hard to know what your cat is thinking when they stare at you.

However, all cat owners agree that a cat staring at you and slowly blinking is their way of saying "I love you."

4. Headbutting

Another obvious way for cats to show affection is through scent marking objects, people, and other animals. They have scent glands on their cheeks, paws, and the bottom of their tails. Headbutting you is another way for cats to show affection.

It's also their way of claiming ownership. By marking you with their scent, they are announcing to everyone that you are theirs.

5. Giving gifts

Not all cat affection makes sense to us humans. Their so-called "gifts" often end up being fresh corpses of mice, rats, or birds they've caught. It's also their way of repaying you for always feeding them.

While your cat may be proud of their hunting abilities and eager to share their skills with you, you might prefer to receive something more pleasant!

6. Greeting

Many people think that cats don't care if you come home from work. However, many cat friends greet their owners at the door when they come home, even if it's just for a dog walk.

You might even find that your cat greets you when they come back from exploring outside.

7. Kneading

Kittens learn to knead their mother to get milk, and this habit follows them into adulthood as a way of expressing contentment. Adult cats will knead their beloved owners, alternating between their left front paw and right front paw, and making a purring sound.

8. Licking

Whether you're a cat lover or not, you probably know that cats often groom themselves. Grooming fellow cat roommates and you is their way of bonding with family members. Even if you don't have fur, your cat will sit on your lap and give you their version of a SPA treatment.

Compared to love bites, which can be uncomfortable if your cat is too eager - those teeth are sharp! - licking is less painful.

9. Love bites

Biting is usually seen as a bad thing, but for a friendly cat, gently biting your finger is a form of affection. Cats have limited ways of holding things due to the lack of symmetrical thumbs. Their mouth is one of their main ways, and biting your finger is just their way of saying "don't let go."

10.Napping

Cats are very picky about who they nap with. If they haven't taken a liking to your new kitten yet, you're unlikely to see them cuddling together. Sleeping makes them vulnerable, and they only settle down for a nap when they feel the safest.

Your kitten curling up on your lap or snuggling up to you at night is their way of expressing how much they want to be with you.

11. Urinating on things

Your cat's tendency to urinate in your shoes when you're out is also a sign of affection. Like the idea of them giving gifts, this is less welcome than pleasant.

12. Purring or meowing

Dogs tend to bark, while cats are more silent, unless they are conversing with their human companions. They meow when they're hungry, but they also greet you at the door with a chirpy hello when you come home from work.

Purring is also a sign of contentment. They will curl up on your lap, purring through the night, or soothe your cold with their calming voice vibrations.

13. Tail language

Compared to their voices, cats rely more on body language to convey messages. Most importantly, their tail tells us a lot about how they feel. If your cat is anxious, they will flick their tail, while a sleepy cat may lazily swing it from side to side.

Next time your cat runs towards you, meowing a greeting, pay attention to their tail. Chances are, you will find the tail pointing straight up with a curved tip. This display means your cat is happy to see you.

14.Talking with the tail

Many things our cats do may seem rude. Turning around to give you a view of their rear is one of them. However, just like exposing their belly, cats only turn around to those they trust. If you have ever observed your cat meeting a strange cat outside, you will notice that they always face each other.

While it's easy to believe that your cat is completely ignoring your presence by turning around, it's a declaration of trust. They make themselves vulnerable just to prove how happy and comfortable they are with you.

Conclusion: Cat Affection

Cats may not be as obvious as dogs when expressing affection to their favorite humans, but that doesn't mean they don't care. They just have more subtle ways of announcing their love to the world.

Next time your cat greets you at the door or leaves a newly caught mouse on your bedroom floor, you'll know.