Cats show affection in ways that are easy to miss if you expect “dog-style” love. Here are the main signs to look for and how to respond to them.
Clear signs your cat likes you
- Relaxed purring when they’re near or on you, especially if their body is loose and eyes are soft, usually means they feel safe and content with you.
- Slow blinking (soft eye contact followed by a long, slow blink) is often called a “cat kiss” and is a strong trust signal.
- Greeting you at the door, following you from room to room, or choosing to be in the same space (even a little distance away) shows they see you as part of their social group.
Body language to watch
- A tail held upright with a slight curve at the tip, or a tail that wraps lightly around your leg, usually signals friendliness and affection.
- Head bumps, cheek rubbing, and weaving around your legs are ways of “marking” you with their scent, which means they see you as familiar and safe.
- Showing you their belly (even if they don’t want it touched) is a big sign of trust because it’s such a vulnerable area.
Affection through touch and sound
- Kneading (“making biscuits”) on you or next to you is a leftover comfort behavior from kittenhood and usually means deep relaxation and attachment.
- Gentle licking or tiny “love bites” are forms of social grooming and playful affection, as long as the bites aren’t hard or accompanied by tense body language.
- Soft trills, chirps, and friendly meows directed at you often indicate positive attention and a desire to interact.
How to strengthen the bond
- Mirror their slow blink, speak softly, and offer play with a wand toy to associate you with positive, calm experiences.
- Respect their boundaries: let them initiate contact when they’re unsure, and stop petting when their tail flicks fast, ears flatten, or body stiffens.
- Keep routines (feeding, play, and quiet time) consistent so your cat learns you are a predictable, safe presence.
If your cat does even a few of these things—chooses to be near you, relaxes around you, blinks slowly, or rubs on you—it almost certainly likes you, even if it is not very cuddly by nature.