11 February 2020
Even if cats cannot talk, they express their emotions in different ways. Whether it be by meowing, rubbing themselves on your leg or giving you a little head bump, they are communicating how they feel with you. Cats also use certain behaviors to demonstrate their affection towards you.
Just like there are specific behaviors dogs use to communicate their love, cats have their own unique ways to say, ‘I Love You’. We can now demystify the mysterious creature that is the cat.
Here is a list of 10 behaviors your cat uses to show their love for you.
In dogs, deep stares may be interpreted as a sign of dominance or aggressivity when combined with specific body postures. However, when a cat stands near you and stares you straight in the eyes, it is showing you that it trusts you. Likewise, when cats stare at you and blink slowly, this is a sign of affection.
Although they are domesticated, cats are still natural carnivores with hunting instincts. Some cat owners will shudder in horror when their cat brings them a dead mouse or other type of rodent; however, these offerings are meant only for the people that they love! That said, dogs are not always as keen on sharing their feast, so beware!
Cats don’t show their bellies to just anyone, as this places them in a vulnerable position. Therefore, if a cat places itself in this position, it is showing you it trusts you and that it wants some belly rubs. However, this behavior in dogs is perceived by some experts as a form of submission towards their owner. Contrary to popular belief, dogs are not seeking belly rubs from you when they do this.
When a cat approaches you with their tail in the air with just the tip slightly curved, it is a sign of affection. Kittens use this method to show their mothers respect and, once they are adult cats, they continue to do this with the people they love.
When you are petting a cat and they are kneading you with their front paws, this means they are returning the affection you are showing them. This behavior is reminiscent of when they used to drink milk from their mother. Cats do this when they are relaxed, happy and feel loved. Experts call this behavior “milk treading”.
Cats use head bunting to say “Hi” to you. When doing this, they are also mixing their scent with yours. This way, cats can ensure that everyone in their environment has the same scent, which makes them feel safe. It is also a way for them to tell you they want affection.
Nipping is another way that cats show affection to their humans. Cats use these “love bites” to show affection to one another as well. Be tolerant; your cat doesn’t realize that these little bites can sometimes be painful to you.
Cats are known to spend endless hours grooming themselves. If your cat takes the time to lick you, it’s because they care for you and consider you as an important member of their family.
This is probably the most widely known form of expression that cats use to show their affection. In other rarer circumstances, purring may be a sign of discomfort.
If it’s not mealtime but your cat is still following you around everywhere, this is a sign that they enjoy your company. They may follow you from room to room, jump on the sofa or the counter to be close to you without ever getting bored. Just like a little lap dog!
Cats use different methods to communicate their affection towards us. Don’t forget to love them back! That’s all they want from you ❤️
Sources:
https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/blog/all-dogs-go-heaven/201809/how-do-cats-show-affection-humans
https://www.huffpost.com/entry/the-10-incredible-ways-yo_b_8708904
https://www.petmd.com/cat/behavior/evr_ct_why_do_cats_knead#