5 Ways to Say I Love You to Your Cat
Cats aren’t as obvious as dogs in the ways that they show affection. After all, your cat won’t jump up and down and lick you ecstatically, and she won’t wag her tail with unbridled joy when she hears the word “walk.” But cats have their own very special ways to express affection and once you decode their love language, you can easily say “I love you” to your cat in a way she’ll understand.
Here are a few purr-fect ways to tell your cat how much you love her.
5 Ways to Say I Love You to Your Cat
1. Blink Slowly and Gaze Lovingly Into Her Eyes
Your cat might not appreciate being showered with kisses (and she may think you’re a little crazy if you try), but you can “kiss” her kitty style by meeting her loving gaze. One way that cats show affection is by looking at someone they trust and slowly closing their eyes. You can return this display by getting on her level, meeting her gaze, and slowly blinking back at her. Kitty will know exactly what you are trying to say.
2. Mimic Her Voice
If you’re the parent of a chatty kitty, you may notice that she has special meows, coos, or trills that she reserves especially for the humans that she’s close to. Imitate her sounds during a tender moment. She will understand it as a display of affection from you, and you’ll be helping her feel safe, secure, and loved.
3. Let Her Rub On You
Have you ever wondered why your cat rubs against your leg or butts her head against you? Cats have special scent glands located on their cheeks and heads. When your kitty rubs against you, she’s paying you the ultimate compliment of leaving her scent behind and claiming you as part of her family.
You can accept this gesture by allowing her to claim you. Lean into her little kitty head bonks, nuzzle your face into hers, and don’t move away as she’s winding herself around your legs. You may even be able to initiate the behavior yourself to some extent. While it’s probably not going to go well if you try to head butt your cat, you can extend your index finger towards her nose to give her the opportunity to rub her cheeks along your hand.
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4. Groom Her
Grooming is another way cats spread their scent to create a sense of family and belonging. While imitating her actions exactly wouldn’t be a good idea (unless you want to wind up with a mouth full of fur) you can still show your love by “grooming” her, human style. Try brushing her gently, using a de-shedding tool like this one. Or, you can pet her with a pair of grooming gloves like these from BISSELL®, if she seems to prefer that. Some cats even enjoy having a warm, damp cloth rubbed along their heads and backs since it takes them back to the tongue baths their moms gave them when they were kittens.
5. Don’t Skip the Vet
Okay, so your cat may not interpret a trip to the vet as a sign of affection, but she won’t hold it against you either! And even though going to the vet is probably not your cat’s favorite thing to do, it is paws down one of the best ways you can show you care.
Cats are masters at hiding signs of sickness and discomfort. Without regular visits to the vet, you could miss an important chance to diagnose and treat small health issues before they become big ones. Say “I love you” to your cat by taking care of her health so that she can enjoy a long, happy life with her favorite human!
Does My Cat Love Me? 5 Ways to Tell
Once you’ve shown your cat how much you love her, she’ll likely return in kind. So what kind of behavior should you look for to know if your cat is head over tail in love with you?
1. The “Cat Kiss”
As mentioned, cats “kiss” by gazing into your eyes. If you’ve tried taking the lead in this and your cat hasn’t responded, it doesn’t mean your cat doesn’t love you! She may want to be the one to make the first move. Keep an “eye” out for signs she’s giving you the “cat kiss” and be sure to reciprocate.
2. She Sleeps with You
Sleeping is probably one of your cat’s favorite activities! If she chooses to share this with you, nestling in under the covers or across your chest, it’s a sign she loves you.
3. She Shows Off Her Rear
Oddly enough, your cat sticking her butt in your face can be a sign of love and affection! Cats use their tails to express their feelings, so a straight up tail that’s gently swaying, exposing her rear end, indicates she’s ready for attention and affection.
4. She’s “Bunting”
Bunting is when your cat pushes her head and face into you. It means she accepts you as part of her cat crew. It’s also an opportunity for her to leave her pheromones on you, something cats will do to show affection to other cats. While you won’t be able to smell her pheromones, it will make her happy to include you in her inner circle.
5. Purring
Purring may be one of the sweetest experiences a cat parent can have. When your kitty is content, she’ll purr that deep hum that makes your heart melt.
Be aware though, that some cats purr when they’re anxious or nervous. So you’ll need to carefully monitor your cat’s behavior and make sure she isn’t displaying other signs of cat anxiety.
Can You Make Your Cat Love You?
Cats are discerning creatures, and you can’t force your cat to love you. Disrespecting her personal space — or going too far the other way and ignoring her completely — won’t contribute to your human-feline friendship.
However, you can take the steps mentioned here to slowly build a bond with your cat — on her terms, of course!
I have had cats my entire life. Not once have they attacked me when I looked into their eyes. However, I never stare into dogs eyes. Even the ones I know. Oh. I am not dissing dogs as I love all animals. Just an observation.
Tracy,
Gently gazing into our cats eyes can be seen as a form of affection from them! Staring directly at them could be intimidating to them, if you don’t know them.
Thanks for sharing!
Kristen
Omg my appoloigies on the terrible spelling.
I have two cats. Both if them are mansitas and like is when I look at them. I close my eyes slow and blink. They like it and rub against me when they can. One if them thumps me with head and likes it.
That is too cute, Joaquin!
Thank you for sharing.
Kristen
Its so crazy I have had cats my whole life and I am always in their face! Since I was a little girl my mom would fuss get those cats out your face! I’ve looked in their eyes for long periods of time but I’ve never been attacked! It’s so crazy I have looked into my cats eyes even the ones I have now many times and they don’t get mad! I have five fur babies and they are just sweet and loving.
I just got one in May, and she’s always being weird nonstop, like, head butting me with her butt, blech, and licking me places i don’t wanna be licked, I cannot imagine having 5, but I’d still like it, maybe, Also, can you help me figure out what type a cat she is?
Sorry, I did not mean to be so weird. This is my first time actually asking for help online, sorry if that sounded rude… Misty has a black nose, thin grey fur, yellow eyes, having green spread in them, she has tabby marks that are white, and she’s flexible, and her dad was a stray. Her Mother was a calico, and she is cuddly with only me. can anyone help me?
Should I send a pic?
Hi Gabriella,
My best guess is that he is a domestic short hair! If you want a better guess, send a photo to petliving@kristenlevine.com!
Kristen
I have shown cats I love them with a nose kiss I touch my nose quick and lightly to theirs. They do this to other cats they like. Even big cats do this. When Henry stares at me I stare back– I only did it at his suggestion and never had a problem Cats are very psychic and will read you that way or even communicate if you relax and listen
I have a four month old kitten who was found abandoned at a friend’s farm. We were at the vet’s office and I was holding her like a baby. A woman saw us and told me about the gaze with the slow blink. I did it, and my kitten did it back! I really did feel like we said we loved each other for the first time.
Kimberly,
That is such a sweet memory! I’m so glad that you found her and are able to love on her!
Kristen
Head bumping is one of the most distinctive ways for cats to express themselves. If cats bump you with their head, it often just means they are trying to tell you that they love you.
Yes it is! I love when Olivia gives me head bumps 🙂
Kristen
Well I don’t have to stare in my cat’s eyes. She stares at me and then rubs her face on my face like almost going so excited. I have to wear a face ask to prevent inhaling some of her hair. As I grew older I’ve developed some allergies with pets that’s why i wear a mask just to minimize it hopefully.
Aww, it sounds like you are a great cat mom!
I don’t stare or groom my cat but it does instead. It always rubs his body on my legs and everywhere. It used to sleep on the couch, etc. Me and my family loves cats very much.