Have you ever worried that your furry friend might not be returning the love you give them? The truth is, they have probably been trying to convey their affection towards you for a long time. Cats show their emotions in a much different way to dogs and other household pets – here are the signs you should be on the lookout for:
1. Being Vocal
Just like a human would, cats get excited when they are in the presence of one of their favorite people. If you arrive home after a day of work to a beautiful meowing symphony from your kitty, chances are they are very pleased to see you!
2. Rubs Against You
By using an array of scent glands all over their body, including on their cheeks, lips, neck, forehead and paws, cats tend to ‘mark’ anything they have an attachment to. If you are constantly being rubbed against, this is your cat’s way of saying ‘I like you, you’re mine’, sort of like an overprotective boyfriend. This is also their way of warning other cats to not get overly close to you.
3. Follows You Around:
There are few things in the world cuter than strolling around your garden with your cuddly companion trailing close behind. It is not unusual for cats to follow their owners around and outside of the house – This is just their way of showing they enjoy spending time by your side. If your kitty only follows you when it’s getting close to feeding time however, this is simply an indication that they are hungry and is not related to being affectionate.
4. Offering You Their Prey
You might not think a motionless rodent is much of a gift, but this is just about the most valuable thing a cat can offer. The next time you wake up to an unwanted visitor in your home, just remember that your cat is trying to say ‘I love you’ and not gross you out.
5. Showing You Their Belly
Have you ever been petting your cat and suddenly they lie down on the floor and present you with their belly? Believe it or not, this is a huge sign of trust and affection. When lying down and exposing their stomach, your cat is in an incredibly vulnerable position – If they do this with you around, then you are definitely seen as a friend and not a threat.
Many people confuse this as a request for belly rubs, which is often not the case. Attempting to rub your cats’ belly when they are in this position can cause them to trust you less (In their mind, you are taking advantage of their vulnerability).
If you manage to spot your feline friend carrying out any of the gestures mentioned above, then it’s pretty obvious you’re in their good books and are doing a great job as an owner. Want to learn how to say ‘I love you’ back in a way they can understand? Check out our other article titled ‘How To Show Love Towards Your Cat’.
