9 Ways Your Cat Says I Love You

Last Updated on May 3, 2021 by Holly Anne Dustin

How does your cat say I love you? Cats use their body language, their voice, and their actions to tell us how much they love us and how much they value our relationship. Cats communicate very differently than the more exuberant canine. Do you know the ways cats tell us they love us? Do any of these ring true?

Slow Blinks are Kitty Kisses

Can you feel your face soften when you look at your furbaby curled up in his favorite spot? It’s the same look you get looking at a child or significant other. And you know what? Kitty does the same thing. Watch him when he’s hanging out with you. Is he sitting with his eyes half open? Those half-lidded eyes signify relaxation and trust in you. He doesn’t have to be wary around you. 

I’m sure you’ve heard the term “slow blinks.” Jackson Galaxy made it famous. When Kitty slows blinks to you he looks at you and slowly and intentionally closes and opens his eyes. His whole countenance and body language should read as relaxed and content. 

You can share a slow blink with your cat. Don’t stare at Kitty. In his world, that’s an aggressive act. When you’re completely relaxed, share a look with him. Lower and raise your eyes in a blink as you think the words I love you. If you’re lucky, Kitty will reply in kind. Don’t worry if he doesn’t reply immediately. Watch for chances to reply to his outreach in slow blinks. Eventually you and Kitty will figure out how to reciprocate with each other’s slow blinks.

Learn more about cat communication in this link.

Your Cat Says I Love You by Showing her Belly

Cats in the wild are both prey and predators. A prey animal protects their vital organs. When Kitty relaxes and shows her belly to you, she is not protecting those vital organs. When you see Kitty’s belly, she’s willing to be vulnerable to you. It shows love and trust. 

Kitty may trust you with her belly, knowing that she can trust you. But unless you know your cat actually likes belly rubs, it’s probably a trap. It would violate her trust to rub her belly. Unless you want a furry bracelet, keep your hands off. 

Head Butting and Cheek Rubbing are One Way Your Cat Says I Love You

Has your cat ever pushed up to you and head butted your face? It’s actually called head bunting or cat bunting. Bunting is a bonding behavior. It is an act of affection and friendship. Like allowing their belly to be vulnerable, putting their face that close to a companion is a measure of trust. 

Cats have scent glands on their cheeks and forehead that produce pheromones. As cats rub their heads against each other, it helps create a group scent. The group scent helps cats recognize their friends and family. Bonded cats will practice bunting. So when Kitty head butts you next, tell her you love her too. She’s claiming you are her own.

Grooming is Bonding Behavior Between You and Your Cat

Grooming is another way that cats create that important group scent. It is a relaxing and affectionate behavior that increases the bond between them. When Kitty “grooms” you by licking you, she’s saying you are part of her family. Getting a good scrub with her sandpaper-y tongue might not be as pleasant for us as it is for another cat, but don’t respond negatively, she’s paying you a compliment. Give her a toy to focus her energy on or get a favorite blanket to put between your skin and her tongue. 

Kneading Expresses Devotion

Kneading or “making biscuits’’ is a sign of true contentment and pleasure for your cat. Kittens knead or tread to release mom’s milk when they nurse. One theory on why adult cats knead is to experience that same feeling of safety and comfort. Another reason is territorial. Cats have scent glands in their paws. As they knead, they mark the object – or the person – as their own. If your cat kneads on you, it expresses devotion and adoration. 

Kitty Says I Love You with Her Tail

High tails = happy tails. If the tail is high, relaxed, and waving, then Kitty is relaxed, happy, and confident. You might see Kitty nearly vibrating her tail when you come home from work. It shows she is excited and happy to see you. 

If you have a multiple cat home, watch your friendly cats. Are they twining tails around each other? Wrapping their tails around each other? It is one way a cat says I love you to their friends. If your furbaby curls up next to you or wraps her tail around you, rest assured your cat is saying I love you.

Vocalization: Your Cat Says I Love You in Her Own Language

Cats reserve most of their verbal interactions for communicating with humans. As we respond to our cat’s vocalizations, we develop a language and communication between us. Mama cats chirp, purr, and trill to their kittens to reassure them and express affection. Cats use similar sounds to let you know they love you. 

Purring, accompanied by kitty kisses, touching you with a paw or tail or sitting in your lap, says your cat loves you. She feels safe with you.  

A Cat That Loves You Brings You Gifts

Your cat says I love you by bringing you her cherished possession. If you find a cat toy in your shoe or a crinkly candy wrapper on your pillow, Kitty is expressing her affection and hoping to please you. Sometimes it is less appealing. If Kitty brings you a dead mouse, try not to freak out, she’s telling you she loves you. Praise and thank her before you get rid of it.

Quality Time is One Way to Show Love to Kitty.

We like being around the ones we love. Your cat does too. Your furbaby might relax so that she touches you or naps on your lap. If Kitty isn’t a lap cat, she shows her affection when stays nearby. In the wild, cats would hide to rest. Sleeping on the sofa beside you makes her vulnerable and shows she feels connected to you.

Does your furbaby follow you around the house? “Help” you cook or make the bed? Supervise the bathroom? Being in the middle of your work shows how much they love you.

Your cat says I love you when they greet you when you come home mewing, purring, rolling on the floor in front of you, winding around your feet, wrapping his tail around your ankles.

There’s a good chance your cat is saying I love you every day with her body language, her actions, and yes, her voice and language.