10 Heartwarming Signs Your Cat Really Loves You

Look, we’ve all been there. You’re scrolling through Instagram at 2 AM, watching videos of golden retrievers tackling their owners with wet kisses, and you glance over at your cat. She’s sitting three feet away, staring at the wall like it owes her money.

And you wonder: does my cat even like me?

Here’s the thing that’ll blow your mind: over 65% of cats form secure attachment bonds with their owners that are basically identical to the bonds between human parents and babies. Yeah, science actually proved this. Your cat probably loves you more than you think—she’s just not going to make a fool of herself showing it like some slobbery dog.

Let me break down the 10 science-backed signs that your mysterious little weirdo is actually head over paws for you.

The Slow Blink (AKA The Cat Kiss)

When your cat stares at you and blinks really slowly, that’s not boredom. That’s love.

Scientists call this the “slow blink,” and it’s basically your cat’s version of blowing you a kiss. Cats only do this with people they completely trust—it’s their way of saying “I feel totally safe with you and also you’re pretty cool.”

Try it yourself: slow blink back at your cat. It’s like having a secret handshake, except way better because you’re speaking actual cat language.

By the way, if you're into Informative stuff, you’ll wanna check this one out: How to Stop Cats from Climbing Christmas Trees

Head Butts and Cheek Rubs

Ever notice your cat bonking their head against you like some fuzzy battering ram?

That’s called “bunting,” and it’s a huge deal in cat world. Cats have scent glands in their cheeks, forehead, and chin, and when they rub against you, they’re marking you with their pheromones. Translation: you’re officially part of their colony. You belong to them.

It’s like your cat is walking around putting little “MINE” stickers all over you, except instead of stickers it’s invisible cat cologne.

Oh, and speaking of Informative, here’s another one you might like: 8 Things You Should NEVER Do to Your Cat

Following You Around Like a Tiny Shadow

If your cat trails you from room to room—even to the bathroom (especially to the bathroom)—congratulations, you’ve got yourself a stalker.

But it’s a stalker who loves you. Cats follow people they trust around the home, keeping them in sight at all times. Your cat isn’t necessarily hungry or bored. They just genuinely want to be wherever you are.

My cat follows me to the kitchen, the bedroom, the bathroom, and then gives me this look like “Oh, YOU’RE here? What a coincidence!”

Also, just throwing this in—this Informative post is a fun read too: How to Keep Peace in a Multi-Cat Home (Stress-Free Tips!)

The Belly Show (But Don’t Touch!)

Here’s where it gets tricky. When your cat rolls over and shows you their belly, it’s the ultimate sign of trust.

Cats only expose their bellies when they’re in their most relaxed state because it’s one of the most vulnerable parts of their body. But here’s the catch—this is NOT an invitation to pet them. It’s just them saying “I trust you enough to show you my soft underbelly.”

If you go in for the belly rub, prepare for the consequences. Your cat isn’t being mean—they’re just shocked you violated the sacred trust treaty.

Making Biscuits On You

When your cat kneads you with their paws (pushing in and out like they’re making bread), they’re doing something they learned as a kitten.

Kittens knead to stimulate their mother’s milk, and when adult cats do it, they’re showing contentment. If they’re kneading on your lap, you’ve basically become their mom. Yes, those tiny needles hurt, but think of it as acupuncture from someone who really loves you.

Keep a blanket handy unless you’re into the whole “bleeding through your jeans” vibe.

The Door Greeting

Does your cat meet you at the door when you come home?

Cats greet their favorite people at the door to show they missed them, often walking between their legs and curling their tail around them. Some cats even do this “rattle-tail” thing where they shake their tail really fast.

Sure, sometimes they’re also telling you they’re hungry or their litter box is a disaster zone, but mostly? They’re just happy you’re home. Check the basics, but also accept the love.

Bringing You “Gifts”

Nothing says “I love you” like a dead mouse on your pillow at 6 AM, right?

When cats bring you dead animals (or toys for indoor cats), it’s a sign of love and dedication. Your cat is literally sharing their prized possessions with you. Indoor cats might bring you their favorite toy mouse or that random piece of string they found.

It’s gross. It’s also incredibly sweet. Accept the gift graciously and maybe keep your bedroom door closed at night.

Grooming You (Licking Your Hand or Face)

If your cat licks you, they’re treating you like family.

Cats groom each other as a display of affection, and they extend this behavior to humans when trust is built. When your cat licks your hand or even your hair, they’re saying “You’re part of my crew, but also you need a bath.”

That sandpaper tongue? It’s the texture of pure love. Weird, slightly uncomfortable love, but love nonetheless.

Sleeping On or Near You

Cats are basically little paranoid ninjas when it comes to sleep. They feel super vulnerable when they’re passed out.

So if your cat chooses to sleep on you, next to you, or even just in the same room, that’s massive. Cats feel most vulnerable when they sleep, so curling up on or next to you means they trust you completely.

Your cat could literally sleep anywhere in the house—on top of the fridge, in that box from Amazon, under the bed—but they choose you. That’s basically a marriage proposal in cat terms.

The Tail Tell

Want a quick love meter? Check the tail.

A tail held upright like a flagpole shows friendly intention, familiarity, trust, and affection. Some cats wrap their tail around your hands, ankles, or arms as a display of love. It’s the cat equivalent of holding hands.

A puffy tail or one held low means your cat is stressed or scared. An upright tail with a little curve at the top? That’s your cat literally waving at you with love.

The Bottom Line

Science has our backs on this one. Research from Oregon State University found that 65% of cats and kittens show secure attachment behaviors with their owners, basically using us as their emotional security blanket. Cats form attachment bonds that lead to the “secure base effect”—they use their owners as a source of comfort and security.

Your cat might not tackle you at the door or fetch your slippers (thank god), but that doesn’t mean the love isn’t there. It’s just subtle. Sophisticated. Very on-brand for cats.

So next time your cat slow blinks at you from across the room, blink back. When they bonk their head against your shin, appreciate the pheromone gift. And when they bring you that mangled toy at 3 AM, say thank you.

Because that weird little creature? They love you more than you know.

Now go give your cat a treat and tell them you love them too. They probably won’t care, but deep down, they totally will.