Do you speak Kitty as a second language? If you have one or more cats in your life, you should! The thing about cat talk is that it’s very different from the way people talk. And it’s totally different from dog language. Think of it like comparing Japanese and English — it involves a different way of thinking, even if the message is the same or similar. We cats simply process our thoughts, emotions, and ideas in a way that humans are unfamiliar with. And that includes our love language.
Because of this, people often do not realize that their cat expresses love and devotion. They may even think their cat is aloof and unloving…when nothing could be further from the truth! So let me break down some of the signals for you.
Cats want to be with you…but not in your face
Have you ever had a cat that followed you from room to room, but never got up close and personal? Like you look up from your book or the TV and there they are on the other side of the room? Your cat is showing that they want to share space with you.
Cats don’t have to be all over you to express their devotion. They are completely comfortable being around and feeling your presence. They just want to know you’re there, and vice versa.
The slow blink
This is one of the most well-known expressions of cat love. When a relaxed cat looks in your direction, blinks slowly at you and then looks away, it indicates trust and affection. It is often given from a distance. When a cat gives you a slow blink, blinking back is a great way to return the favor. Don’t just stare — that’s a threat and a challenge to the cat.
The love language of the cat’s tail
Dogs wag their tails when they are happy to see you. Conversely, a cat that wags its tail back and forth means trouble because they are upset! But a cat’s tail expresses affection when it is raised as they approach you. If their tail curves at the end into a question mark, they are more than happy to see you.
Want to know when a cat is really excited? Their tails are shaking! Yes, cats wag their tails when they spray too, but this is different. When they are excited, it is often accompanied by the next sign of love.
Happy paws are love paws
Some people call it kneading or biscuit making. My people call them happy paws because that’s exactly what they are! If your cat is making happy paws at or around you, they’re definitely enjoying your company.
A truly happy cat will do this even when they are standing. I do that sometimes, my tail is shaking. It’s like I’m so happy I can hardly contain myself!
Marking you as theirs
Cats have scent glands on several parts of their bodies, including their head, the base and top of their tail, and their paw pads. When they rub something, they mark it with their scent. That way, other cats (and other animals) know they’ve gotten there. Cats also mark their loved ones. This is their way of saying, “You are mine.”
Gives you headbutts
Also known as “bunting,” headbutts are a great sign of affection from your cat. You can think of it as a way of a kitten kissing you. And yes, this is also a way in which they mark you.
sleeping with you
Cats aren’t always about keeping a loving distance from you. They can get up close and personal if they really trust you. A cat that craves physical connection with you trusts you deeply. One who sleeps with you is considered closest to the family.
Every cat is different. The highly socialized spread their love language openly and freely. They will express themselves through physical contact and other ways that people might consider more traditional. But those who shy away from people, or come from a wild background are not so obvious. When a cat like this chooses to share space with you, even from a few feet away, that is a huge compliment and should not be taken lightly. If they look at you, give you a slow blink, and then look away, you’ve got a valuable gift.
When a cat loves you, no matter how much they express it, always remember that it is a deep display of trust. Never betray it or take it for granted. Cats are more difficult to betray than most creatures, and it is really difficult to regain their trust. Cat love is both deep and fragile. Always remember that.
How can your cat tell you they love you? Let’s talk about it in the comments.
