How to tell if your cat loves you

People love their cats and often wonder if their cats love them back. There’s no scientific way to truly tell. We know cats are more independent than dogs. Even so, most cats seem to enjoy people's company. They can be very affectionate with their owners.

Here are five signs that you and your cat share a special bond.

1 Relaxed eye contact and trilling sounds

Being looked at can mean many things to your cat, but in general they find eye contact threatening. So, if your cat is happy to look you in the eye with a nice soft, relaxed gaze they have accepted you as non-threatening. They are very happy in your company.  If they let out a short peep-like sound, known as a trill, you can be sure they think of you fondly.
 

2 Headbutting

Cats usually bump heads only with members of the same social group to reinforce their bond. The scent glands in their cheeks and head enables them to create a group scent when they headbutt and rub against each other.

So, when they headbutt you, they are essentially seeing you as one of their family. They are trying to combine their smell with yours. In cat language, that’s love.

3 Kneading

Kittens knead their mother's stomach to stimulate the flow of milk from the teat into their mouths. So, if your cat kneads your lap, they probably feel very content, secure and happy . They are experiencing the same feeling they would have had when they were a kitten with their mother.

Unfortunately for your poor old lap, this can also mean that the happier your cat is, the harder they knead you!

4 Licking or grooming you

Cats lick other cats in their social group, partly to bond, but also to create a group odour. The group smell helps both pet cats and feral cats tell who is in their social group.

So, if your cat licks you, it's probably because they know they’re a part of your family.

5 Sleeping with you

Cats naturally sleep a lot and they will often choose to do this in a nice quiet space. Remember that cats make themselves vulnerable when they sleep. So, when they choose to curl up on your lap, or crawl into bed with you, they are showing that they trust you.