You love your cat. That much is obvious. The question that probably keeps you up at night though, the one that haunts every cat owner who’s ever been snubbed for a nap or ignored mid-sentence, is this: does your cat love you back? More importantly, are you actually their favorite person?
Even when your feline friend seems distant or acts like you’re invisible, there’s a good chance you hold a very special place in their heart. Cats might not wag their tails or jump on you like dogs do, yet they form deep, meaningful bonds with their humans. Science backs this up too. Research from Oregon State University demonstrates that cats display attachment styles similar to those seen in babies and dogs. Let’s be real, if your cat has chosen you as their number one, there are telltale signs you need to know about.
They Follow You Like a Furry Shadow
Does your cat trail behind you from the bedroom to the bathroom, then to the kitchen, and back again? That’s not a coincidence. Following you around the house and sleeping next to you on the couch are some ways cats show they love you. Your cat isn’t just bored or looking for entertainment.
When a cat shadows your every move, it’s because they genuinely enjoy your company and feel safest near you. Cats who are attached to their humans will solicit attention by approaching them, and they also tend to follow their owners from room to room, albeit sometimes at a distance. Think of it as your cat’s version of quality time. They might not cuddle up in your lap every second, yet being in the same room as you is their way of saying you’re important to them.
The Slow Blink Says It All
Here’s the thing about eye contact with cats. It can feel like they’re judging your life choices. However, when your cat looks at you and slowly closes their eyes before opening them again, you’ve just received what’s known as a cat kiss. Cats will often make eye contact with lowered eyelids and steady, slow blinks, and this is considered a feline version of a kiss.
This behavior shows deep trust and affection. Cats are vulnerable when their eyes are closed, so doing this in your presence means they feel completely safe with you. If your kitty slowly opens and closes her eyes while looking at you, she’s performing the slow blink of trust, her simple way of telling you that she trusts you deeply and is comfortable having you around. Try slow blinking back at them. It’s like having a secret love language that only you two share.
Head Bonks and Cheek Rubs Are Their Love Language
When your cat bumps their head against your hand, leg, or face, they’re not just being clumsy or trying to get your attention for food. When your cat bonks their forehead against your hand, arm, legs, or body part closest to them, they want to feel close. This adorable behavior, called bunting, is actually a huge compliment.
Cats have scent glands on their heads and cheeks. Cats have scent glands all over their body, and when they rub their cheeks, paws, or tails against you, it creates a shared scent profile, strengthening your bond. Basically, they’re marking you as theirs and mixing their scent with yours. It’s their way of claiming you as family. When your cat marks you, they’re showing how much they trust you. Honestly, there’s something pretty special about being chosen this way.
They Bring You Gifts (Yes, Even the Weird Ones)
Let’s talk about those “presents” your cat leaves at your feet. Maybe it’s a favorite toy, a hair tie, or if you’re really lucky, a dead bug or mouse. Gross as it might seem, this is actually a sign of serious affection. As natural hunters, they are bringing you their kill, be it a favorite toy or a real mouse or bug.
Your cat is sharing their prized possessions or their hunting success with you because they see you as part of their inner circle. Cats often carry their toys to their favorite person when they want to engage them in interactive play. Some experts believe cats might even be trying to teach you how to hunt, viewing you as a member of their family who needs looking after. Sure, you might not appreciate the gesture at three in the morning, yet it’s a clear indication that you’re their chosen person.
They Show You Their Belly (But Maybe Don’t Touch It)
Rolling over and exposing their belly is one of the most vulnerable things a cat can do. Cats only lie on their backs and show their bellies when they are in their most relaxed state. The belly is full of vital organs, and in the wild, showing it would be dangerous.
When cats expose their vulnerable stomachs to us and roll around flashing their bellies, they communicate deep trust. This doesn’t necessarily mean they want a belly rub though. Many cats will show you their tummy as a sign of trust while still preferring you don’t actually touch it. They are simply communicating that they feel comfortable and safe enough to reveal one of the most vulnerable parts of their body. It’s hard to say for sure why cats are like this, yet the fact they feel relaxed enough around you to be in such a defenseless position speaks volumes about your relationship.
Conclusion
Your cat might not follow you around with puppy dog eyes or greet you at the door with enthusiastic jumps. Their love is quieter, more subtle, wrapped in slow blinks and head bonks and the occasional bizarre gift. Cats can form deep attachments with their humans, similar to those of dogs, and can learn to trust their owners and may even show signs of jealousy when another person enters the picture.
If your cat exhibits even a few of these behaviors, congratulations. You’re their favorite person. They’ve chosen you out of everyone in their world, and that’s no small honor. So next time your cat seems aloof or ignores you for hours, remember the little ways they show their love. What’s one way your cat shows you affection that always makes you smile?
