Does my cat love?

Anyone who has ever owned a cat has asked themselves the same question: Does my cat love me? In fact, many fellow feline fascinators have wondered can cats love you or feel love? We’ve put one paw in front of the other to explore the world of feline affection, to understand signs your cat loves you, how to make cats love you more, and discover if one fur baby can feel love for another.

Does my cat love me?

If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Can my cat love me?” The answer is, yes! Cats have the ability to create bonds with their humans that go beyond their basic instincts. They source out companionship as much as they do a good nap spot.

What is love? One of the greatest philosophical questions ever. Only second to another epic theological query that continues to baffle pet parents everywhere: Does my cat love me?

This could very easily escalate into a deep, serious debate about how to define love and whether animals experience the same emotions as us. For the benefit of you, the readers, let's say love in pets is the display of meaningful attachment. That is, your cat isn’t just hanging around because you feed her, she actively seeks out your attention for snuggles and nose bumps regardless of how hungry she is.

How to tell if your cat loves you?

Every cat is different. Their personality, breed, and upbringing will always impact how they display their affections for you. However, there are several key signs to look for when wondering, does my cat like me:

1. They will purr in your company

A cat's purr can be infectious. Not that it causes humans to also purr, but because it generates the feelings of relaxed contentment being expressed by said purring cat. Combined with being stroked or sitting on you, purring is a sure way of telling your feline friend is at peace.

Vocalization in general is seen as positive behavior in cats. Meowing or chirruping are signs your cat is alerting you of their presence and for you to take notice of them. Of course, not all cats are vocal so a lack of mewing does not mean a lack of love.

2. Following their human

Although this trait can go from adorable to annoying rather quickly (particularly if you’re trying to take your morning shower), this is another clear indicator of cat love. As naturally curious creatures, they want to be involved in everything you’re doing. It’s a demonstration of showing they’re interested in what you’re interested in and want to know why it’s taking your attention away from them.

3. Brushing their cheeks on you

Head bumps, cheek rubs, nuzzles, whatever you call them, this is something almost every cat will do to a beloved human. The rubbing of the nose or head helps the cat spread its scent, so if your cat decides to do so on a human leg or hand, take it as a firm compliment: You belong to them.

4. Displaying their magnificent bellies

This is perhaps the most flattering of cat compliments and signs of kitty love. A cat’s belly is one of its most sensitive and vulnerable areas, so to display it in all its glory is a clear sign your cat has feelings for you. It is a submissive gesture that says they completely trust you, they love being around you, and also look how cute I am!

5. They bring you ‘special gifts’

Possibly the least desirable sign of love on the list, the bringing of…erm…’gifts’. For owners of pacifist kitties, you may be able to escape with some dead leaves or clothes pegs. But for the pet parents of miniature lions, presents can unfortunately come in the form of garden wildlife. The upside is this is a definite way of your cat saying it loves you. As natural hunters, sharing a kill or prize shows they want you to also enjoy their spoils as much as them. Thanks.

6. The mysterious slow blink

Finally, this piece of cat body language can easily be missed. For anyone who has ever seen a cat chilling on a wall or lying on the floor may have noticed the slow blink. Yes? Yes! Eye contact can often be seen as threatening to cats, however if you find yourself face to face with a slowly blinking cat, fret not. This is another way of a cat telling you it sees you and it's happy you’re there. Think of it as the feline version of a thumbs up.

Why does my cat love me and then bite me?

Simple answer: They see you as another cat and a part of their family. Aw! The classic cat move of lick, lick, bite, is actually a term of endearment. Cats will groom, or lick, their humans as a sign of affection, indicating they are part of the same kitty colony. The sudden nip or love bite is another way for a cat to spread its scent, as well as including you in their kitty club. It is also a playful gesture showing you your cat is comfortable enough around you to kick back and go kitty crazy.

What to do to make your cat love you the most

The key is to make sure your cat feels safe. Create a stable home environment with plenty of hiding spaces and a regular schedule. Once you have this nailed it’s a matter of waiting for the cat to come to you. Cats have no time for people who try too hard; if you can be as aloof as them at first, they will want to be by your side more. The ball is always in the cat’s court, don’t try to make up your own rules, it will only end in heartbreak.

Do cats love other cats?

Although solitary creatures, cats are perfectly capable of forming close bonds with each other. Nowadays, vets and pet professionals will often recommend adopting at least two kittens together to allow them to develop social skills and release some of their baby cat energy. Basically, having another cat around means your favorite rug may survive an additional decade. Cat social groups may not be a necessity for your feline friend, however this does not mean they are as cruel and heartless as they can wrongly presumed to be. They have hierarchies in their colonies, as well as favorite friends.

Hopefully, this has helped to answer the very important questions of whether cats do feel love, how to tell if your cat loves you, highlight misunderstood behaviors of cat love, and learn if one cat can love another. If the knowledge that your cat loves you simply isn't enough, head over to our blog to find out how to be their all-time favorite human!

If you’re crazy about all things cats and kittens, why not meet with other feline followers and look at the cat sitting options near you. For those who may be concerned about whether your cat is happy, read up on our article the key signs your cat is depressed.