6 Adorable Signs Your Cat Is Truly Happy With You

Look, I know what you’re thinking. Your cat stares at you like you’re an idiot, knocks stuff off the counter, and only acknowledges your existence when their food bowl is empty. But here’s the thing: cats are basically emotional ninjas. They’re out here loving you in their own weird, secretive ways, and you’re probably missing all the signals.

Let me break down the science-backed signs that your cat is actually head-over-paws for you.

The Slow Blink (AKA the Cat Kiss)

This is the big one, people.

When your cat slowly narrows their eyes and blinks at you, they’re basically giving you a kiss. I know it looks like they’re just sleepy or bored, but scientists at the University of Sussex actually studied this in 2020.

Researchers found that cats are way more likely to slow-blink back at you if you slow-blink at them first. Even crazier? When strangers slow-blinked at cats they’d never met, those cats were more likely to approach them afterward.

Think about it like this: for cats, an unbroken stare is threatening. When they close their eyes around you, they’re literally making themselves vulnerable because they trust you that much.

Try this: Next time your cat’s chilling and looking your way, narrow your eyes like you’re in a relaxed smile and slowly close them for a couple seconds. Watch what happens. If they blink back, congrats—you just had a whole conversation.

By the way, if you're into Informative stuff, you’ll wanna check this one out: 8 Things You Should NEVER Do to Your Cat

The Biscuit Factory Is Open for Business

You know that thing where your cat pushes their paws in and out on your lap, a blanket, or even your stomach?

That’s called kneading (or “making biscuits”), and it’s what kittens do to stimulate milk flow from their mother. When adult cats do this, especially while purring with half-closed eyes, they’re in peak contentment mode.

My cat does this on my chest every morning at 5:47 AM, which is both the sweetest and most annoying alarm clock ever invented. But here’s what’s wild: cats carry this behavior into adulthood specifically when they’re in pleasurable situations.

So yeah, even though those little murder mittens might be puncturing your favorite sweatpants, your cat is basically telling you that you make them feel as safe and loved as their mom did. Try not to cry about it.

Oh, and speaking of Informative, here’s another one you might like: How to Keep Peace in a Multi-Cat Home (Stress-Free Tips!)

The Social Roll (Don’t Touch the Belly!)

When your cat flops down in front of you, puts their head down (often right on your feet), and rolls over to expose their stomach, that’s called the social roll.

Here’s the catch: this is NOT an invitation to rub their belly. I repeat: DO NOT TOUCH THE BELLY.

A cat showing you their belly is simply an indication that they feel safe—it’s not a request for pets like it is with dogs. If you go in for a tummy rub, you’re basically betraying their trust, and you’ll probably get scratched.

Think of it like when someone tells you a secret. They’re showing you their vulnerable side, but that doesn’t mean you should tell everyone at work about it. Your cat’s belly is their secret—just appreciate that they trust you enough to show it.

Also, just throwing this in—this Informative post is a fun read too: 10 Heartwarming Signs Your Cat Really Loves You

The Purr Motor That Won’t Quit

Everyone knows purring is a happy cat thing, right? Well, mostly.

Cats can purr when they’re frightened or hurt as a self-soothing mechanism, so you need to consider the context. But if your cat is lounging in a sunbeam or curled up next to you on the couch, and that little motor starts running? That’s them sharing their joy with you.

The real deal: Purring while settled in a comfortable position with eyes gently closed means you definitely have one happy cat. You might hear it when you’re petting them, when they’re basking in warmth, or when they’re kneading on you.

Basically, if your cat sounds like a tiny lawnmower and looks relaxed, you’re doing something right.

Head Bonks and Face Rubs (You’ve Been Claimed)

When cats rub their faces or bodies against you, they’re leaving behind oils from scent glands on their head, cheeks, and chin.

In cat language, this is basically them saying “You’re part of my family.” They’re not just being affectionate—they’re literally marking you as their property. You belong to them now. Sorry, I don’t make the rules.

The head bonk (where they gently bump their head against you) is particularly special. It’s called bunting, and it’s one of the highest compliments a cat can give.

My cat does this thing where she’ll walk by and just casually head-bonk my leg without even slowing down, like she’s leaving a post-it note that says “mine.” It’s honestly the best part of my day.

Happy Sounds Beyond the Purr

Cats aren’t just about purrs—chirps and trills are also in their happy vocal repertoire, often signaling excitement or a friendly greeting.

Your cat might trill as a greeting when you get home, chirp back when you talk to them, or make little sounds while watching birds out the window or playing with their favorite toy.

These sounds are different from meowing (which cats mostly do to communicate with humans, not each other). High-pitched meows and greeting meows are especially cheerful.

It’s like your cat has a whole language, and they’re choosing to use the happy parts of it with you. Some cats are naturally chattier than others, but if yours is making soft, melodic sounds around you, that’s a really good sign.

The Bottom Line

Here’s what’s cool about all this science: researchers now believe that slow-blink sequences and other positive cat behaviors can actually be used to assess feline welfare in various settings, including vet offices and shelters.

But for you? Just know that your cat probably loves you way more than you think. They’re just not going to make a big dramatic scene about it like a dog would.

They’re going to slowly blink at you from across the room. They’re going to make biscuits on your lap at inconvenient times. They’re going to show you their belly and then get mad if you touch it. And they’re going to head-bonk you while you’re trying to work.

And all of that? That’s cat love, baby.

Your turn: Pay attention this week to how many of these signs your cat shows you. You might be surprised to realize you’ve been having entire conversations with your feline overlord without even knowing it.