THE 9 ‘KEY’ SIGNS YOUR CAT LOVES YOU, ACCORDING TO A TRAINER

There’s a common misconception that cats are aloof and take pride in their independence, leaving owners wondering how their felines truly feel about them. However, if you pay close attention, cats offer subtle cues that provide insight into their emotions.

Unlike dogs, who shower their owners with slobbery kisses and affection, cats show their love in more understated ways. Cats have their own unique language, using specific behaviors and body language to express their feelings.

Chantal Howard, a certified cat trainer with Feline Focus Training in Ottawa, Canada, shared with Newsweek the nine “key” signs cats use to show affection. While not every cat will exhibit all of these signs, Howard notes that these are some of the most common. If you’re lucky enough to receive any of these signals, consider it a sign of your cat’s affection.

Headbutting

When a cat rubs its head back and forth against your legs or arms while you pet them, it might seem like a harmless gesture, but it’s actually a way for them to mark their territory.

“Cats have scent glands on their heads, so when they headbutt you, they’re leaving their scent behind,” says Howard.

By doing this, cats are essentially claiming you as part of their social group. It’s a compliment, as they typically reserve this behavior for their inner circle. So, if your cat is headbutting you, you’ve earned a special place in their world.

Kneading

Also called “making biscuits,” kneading happens when a cat rhythmically presses its paws in a back-and-forth motion, often on soft surfaces like blankets, pillows, or even on your arms or legs. This comforting behavior originates from kittenhood, when cats kneaded their mother’s belly to stimulate milk flow. When they do it to you, it’s a sign of affection and trust.

Howard said this behavior starts when they are kittens. Cats use their paws on their mother’s stomach to signal they want milk, which helps stimulate milk production.

Purring

“If you’re petting a cat and they’re enjoying it, like behind their cheeks or ears, you might notice them start to purr,” says Howard.

Purring is a sign that a cat feels calm and secure, and it helps strengthen the bond between felines and their humans.

But purring isn’t just beneficial for cats—it can also have positive effects on people. The frequency of a cat’s purr, typically between 25 to 150 hertz, has therapeutic benefits for both the body and mind. According to an article from Inspira Health Network, purring can reduce inflammation, improve circulation, promote healing of damaged tissues, and even stimulate the regeneration of bone cells. It might also help regulate the autonomic nervous system, providing a soothing, almost therapeutic effect.

Chirping

Instead of the typical meow, you might hear your cat make a distinct, high-pitched chirp. This behavior often begins when cats are young as a way to communicate with their mother. According to Howard, if your cat chirps at you, it could mean they want you to follow them, are saying hello, or simply want your attention.

Nipping

Howard explains that a cat’s “love bites” or nipping are not meant to hurt. Instead, these gentle pinches are a sign of affection and a way for cats to show their bond with you.

Nipping is also related to grooming behaviors. For example, two cats may groom each other, and as the affection builds, it can lead to a light nip. However, it’s important to note that this isn’t a painful bite—just a small gesture of love.

Licking

Much like nipping, licking is another way cats express affection. When your cat licks you, it’s a sign that they want to groom you, says Howard. They see you as part of their social group, much like they would another cat, and are showing their love by keeping you clean.

Bringing Gifts

Occasionally, cats will bring you gifts—whether it’s a toy or even prey like birds or small animals. According to Howard, this is their way of showing they want to share with you, seeing you as part of their family. This behavior likely stems from when their mothers taught them to bring food back after a hunt.

It might also just be their way of initiating play. Some cats will present a toy, drop it in front of you, and bat it with their paws, eagerly waiting for you to toss it so they can chase after it.

Exposing Belly

The belly is a vulnerable area for cats, but when a cat trusts you, they may expose it to you.

“All of their vital organs—like the stomach, kidneys, and heart—are exposed when they’re on their back,” Howard explains. “For a cat to show you their belly, it’s a sign that they trust you not to harm them.” This gesture is a clear display of confidence and affection from your feline friend.

Tail Position

One of the final signals of a cat’s affection is the way they hold their tail, though Howard notes that interpreting it can be tricky, as a cat’s tail can convey different messages depending on its position.

A tail held upright and curled indicates confidence and security in their environment. A slightly curled, forward-facing tail typically means the cat is feeling relaxed.

“If a cat approaches you with their tail up and curled, it’s a strong sign they really like you and see you as a positive social presence,” says Howard.