Your Cats Really Do Love You Even When They Don’t Show It!

What do our cats really feel when we pet, hug and kiss them?

For years, there’s been a widespread perception that cats are self-centered, unfeeling, and a little self-serving ...or in a word, selfish. 

If you have a pet cat, don’t worry, our feline friends have many different ways to show they love us, in their own special way. 

#1 Purring

Photo via Beverly Hills Veterinary Associates

This is one of the most obvious and common ways your cat expresses its love and affection.

Cats have this little motor inside their throat, which starts to vibrate when they are feeling relaxed or enjoying something. For example, when you are stroking them, especially in areas they love like behind the ear and under its chin. 

However, purring can also mean that your cat is in pain! It is important to recognize the difference, although it should be obvious when your cat is purring due to you stroking her and petting her. 

#2 Grooming you

Photo via treehugger

Did you know that cat grooming is not just reserved for themselves?

Your cat will lick you to show their affection by mingling their scent with yours. This behaviour helps them feel relaxed, shows trust, and also builds a community scent that is important to recognize in their family and its hoomans.

#3 Slowly blinking at you

Photo via PetMD

Have you ever noticed your cat just sitting there, slowly blinking at you?

Well, actually this is a good indicator that your precious furry friend trusts and enjoys your company! Slow blinking is called cat kisses and can also be reciprocated. So, next time your cat slowly blinks at you, do the same back to show that you trust your cat, and give your cat a cat kiss, too!

#4 Showing their belly to you

Photo via PetMD

Cats, throwing themselves on the ground, and rolling around in front of you is simply them showing you that they are happy to see you.

It is also a way of saying to you, “I trust you”, because they feel safe and comfortable around you, and this gesture can be the warmest compliment a cat can give to their humans.

#5 Cheek rub

Photo via Pets Overload

Cats will greet those they trust and feel safe around by rubbing their cheeks on them. This can also be an invitation to socialise.

#6 Head bunting

Photo via YouTube

Head bunting is when your cat bops its head against yours. Has your cat ever done this?

If yes, then you should know that this is a way for your cat to demonstrate the affection and trust they have for you… It’s also a way for them to mark you as their territory, so this means you belong to them as the scent produced from glands located on your cat’s head is transferred to you.

Photo via Oprah Magazine

Hanging around you is another way that cats show their owners that they love and trust them! Your cat may sleep next to you, or rest its paws on you…

So, don’t worry, your cat does love you, and they have their own special way of showing it to you. Now, we think it’s only fair that as a fur parent to show love back to your cats! 

By: Aishah Akashah Ahadiat