How Cats Show Love
If you were to use words to describe a cat, you’d probably use something along the lines of independent, aloof, mysterious, and proud. A cat’s natural tendency to be independent probably makes you feel less like an owner and more like their housekeeper. You are not crazy to feel this way because most cats are so independent that it makes you question whether they know of your existence. The truth behind their independence really stems from their ancestral hunting behaviors. Confused? Let me explain.
Unlike dogs, cats are not pack animals. They don’t need to collaborate and hunt in groups to secure their food source. Most often, pack animals work together to hunt for big games. Therefore, it makes sense for them to work together and share their gains as a group. However, cats have a preference for small animals, and they hunt by quietly stalking their unsuspecting prey. If you really think about it from a hunting perspective, wouldn’t it be counterproductive if they were to stalk tiny little preys in a group? This ancestral solo hunting preference shaped the typical behaviors of modern-day cats. So, if you ask me why cats are solitary animals? My answer would be “it’s just more efficient”.
Now, I’m not saying all cats are aloof. There are some exceptions on the internet. However, for most cats, being aloof is just part of being a cat. Don’t get disappointed if your cat does not pounce on you and give you a dramatic welcome home every time you walk in the door. They’re just built differently. The way they show their love is so subtle. So watch out for the signs of affection!
The Blink
Ya, I know a slow blink really is nothing, but in a cat’s term, it means I love you, and I am blowing you kisses. Cats only slowly blink their eyes at someone they’re 100% comfortable with. So, as long as the blinking keeps coming, your cat probably loves you.
The Obvious Purr and The Weird Crackling Sound
You probably know this one pretty well already, but it’s still worthwhile for me to mention. Cats will only turn their love motor on for someone they’re fond of. If you are receiving the purr, take it as a win. It’s a tell-tale sign that your cat loves you very much.
The Groom Groom Time
Does your cat groom you? Cats groom for several reasons. One, you taste weird and they’re investigating why you taste the way you do. Two, they think you are a mess, so they’re trying to clean you up. Three, they’re trying to mark you as theirs and their only, and four, they love you and want to form a deeper bond with you!
The High Tail
When you give your cat a butt rub, does your cat’s tail go way up and curl around your body? This behavior might not mean they really love you, but it’s definitely an assurance that they sure are happy to see you.
Showing Their Bellies and Sleeping Beside You
Ah, the belly rubs!
When a cat shows you their belly, congratulations! You are officially on their love list. Cats don’t normally lay around with their bellies out in the open because this vulnerable position puts them at risk for potential attacks, so for a cat to expose their belly to you, they must really, and I mean really, trust you. Trust is love, right?
Head Buds and Body Rubbing
Nope, I’m not talking about an aggressive head bud. I’m talking about a gentle head nudge. The gentle head nudge is done only to the chosen one. This is a very clear sign that your cat has a lot of love for you. On the other hand, if your cat is aggressively head budding you, they are probably mad at you. If you didn’t anything bad to your cat, you should probably take them to the vet because the head budding might be coming from an underlying medical issue.
Bearing Gifts
This doesn’t really mean your cat loves you, but it sure means your cat trusts you enough to show you their winnings of the day. If your cat comes bearing horrific gifts, just accept it and say thank you then quietly get rid of it without hurting their feelings.