12 Cat Behaviors That Are Rare — and a Sign of Deep Trust

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Cats are enigmatic creatures, often seen as aloof or mysterious, but those who have shared their homes with these fascinating animals know that cats have their own unique ways of expressing affection and trust. While purring and head-butting are common signs of a cat’s contentment, there are certain behaviors that are rare and indicate a deep bond between you and your feline friend. Here, we explore twelve such behaviors that signal your cat trusts you completely.

Slow Blinking: The Cat Kiss

Have you ever noticed your cat looking at you and slowly closing their eyes? This behavior, often referred to as the “cat kiss,” is a profound gesture of trust. Slow blinking is a cat’s way of telling you that they feel safe and secure in your presence. To reciprocate, try slowly blinking back at them. It’s a silent communication of love and reassurance, a non-verbal way of saying, “I trust you too.” This exchange can strengthen your bond and make your cat feel even more at ease.

Exposing Their Belly

When a cat flops onto their back and exposes their belly, it’s a sign of deep trust. This vulnerable position indicates that your cat feels safe around you, as they are exposing their most sensitive area. Be cautious, though; not all cats enjoy belly rubs. While some may invite a gentle scratch, others might see it as a breach of trust. Always read your cat’s body language to understand their comfort level and respond accordingly.

Grooming You

Cats are meticulous groomers, and when they extend this behavior to you, it’s a significant sign of trust and affection. By licking your skin or hair, your cat is treating you as part of their family, showing that they feel a strong bond with you. This grooming behavior is reminiscent of how they would groom a sibling or a mother, indicating that they see you as an integral part of their world. It’s a loving gesture that strengthens the connection between you.

Bringing You ‘Presents’

Though it might be unsettling to find a dead mouse or a bug at your doorstep, your cat bringing you a “present” is actually a sign of trust and affection. In the wild, cats bring prey to their family members as a form of sharing and nurturing. When your cat does this, they’re acknowledging you as part of their family and wanting to share their bounty with you. It’s their way of saying, “I trust you enough to share my most prized possessions.”

Kneading on You

Kneading, often called “making biscuits,” is a behavior that cats carry from kittenhood into adulthood. When your cat kneads on you, it’s a sign of contentment and trust. This behavior is associated with feelings of security and comfort as it mimics the actions they performed while nursing from their mother. When a cat kneads on your lap, they are expressing that they feel safe, secure, and loved in your presence.

Sleeping on You

Cats are naturally cautious creatures, especially when it comes to sleeping. By choosing to sleep on or near you, your cat is demonstrating a high level of trust. Sleeping is when cats are at their most vulnerable, so sharing this time with you means they feel completely safe and secure. It’s a remarkable compliment, as they are entrusting you with their safety during their most defenseless moments.

Head-Butting

When a cat head-butts you, it’s more than just an affectionate gesture. This behavior, known as “bunting,” involves a cat rubbing their head against you to mark you with their scent. It’s a personal way of claiming you as part of their territory and family. Through head-butting, your cat is expressing their trust and affection, reinforcing the bond between you by sharing their scent and marking you as their own.

Following You Around

If your cat follows you from room to room, it’s a significant sign that they trust and enjoy your company. This behavior shows that your cat values your presence and feels secure with you. Cats are independent creatures, so choosing to spend their time following you indicates a strong bond. It’s a sign that they consider you a part of their world and want to be near you as much as possible.

Gentle Nibbling

While biting can sometimes be a sign of play or aggression, gentle nibbling is often a rare sign of affection and trust. When your cat gives you soft nibbles, they are usually expressing their fondness in a playful manner. It’s a behavior that mimics the way they might interact with their siblings or mother, indicating that they see you as a trusted companion. Always ensure that the nibbling remains gentle and does not escalate to biting.

Rubbing Against Your Legs

When your cat weaves between your legs and rubs against you, they are marking you with their scent, signifying ownership and trust. This behavior is a strong indication that your cat considers you part of their territory and family. It’s a loving gesture that shows they are comfortable with you and want to share their scent, which is a significant aspect of feline communication.

Allowing Belly Rubs

Though similar to exposing their belly, allowing you to actually rub it is another level of trust. Not all cats enjoy belly rubs, and those that do are showing an extraordinary level of comfort with you. If your cat rolls over and invites a belly rub, it’s a profound sign that they trust you implicitly. However, always be gentle and watch for signs of discomfort to ensure the trust remains intact.

Purring in Your Presence

While purring is commonly associated with contentment, it can also be a sign of trust and relaxation when your cat is in your presence. If your cat chooses to sit near you and purrs softly, it indicates that they feel happy and secure around you. Purring is a self-soothing behavior, and your cat doing so in your company means they associate you with comfort and safety.

Cats communicate their trust in many subtle ways, and understanding these behaviors can deepen the bond between you and your feline friend. Recognizing and respecting these signs of trust can lead to a more fulfilling relationship, built on mutual respect and love.