Cats have a secret language of affection. Here are 6 ways they're saying 'I love you'

'An exposed belly is the ultimate sign of trust,' shares expert.

PUBLISHED 9 HOURS AGO

A cat resting its head against its owner. (Representative Image Source: Getty Images | Photo by IvanJekic)

When it comes to showing affection or appreciation, cats don't often come up in the topic. But despite the aloof and hyper-independent nature of these sleek animals, cats also have their ways of expressing love. As a cat parent, you might often wonder if there are any moments when the cats secretly say they love you. To bring you out of this uncertainty, we shall be sharing some common ways cats show their love.

A cat sitting on its owner's head. (Representative Image Source: Getty Images | Photo by Olezzo)

1. Slow-Blinking

This is one of the most common ways a cat subtly says 'I love you' in its language. Since cats are known for constantly being wary and having quick reflexes, their gesture of slowly blinking or closing their eyes in your presence is a powerful sign of trust. These slow blinks are commonly also referred to as a 'cat kiss', a non-verbal way your cat is telling you they feel secure with you.

2. Kneading

Your pet cat may gently knead you with its front paws whenever you pet or cuddle them, and no, this is not them trying to push you away, but rather an innate gesture that showcases trust. Clinical animal behaviourist and expert Amanda Campion shares the meaning behind this type of physical gesture with The Independent, stating that kneading is actually a "throwback to when the kitten was with its mother and would tread on the milk duct to stimulate the milk flow."

A cat exposing its belly in front of its owner. (Representative Image Source: Getty Images | Photo by troshina)

3. Exposing Their Belly

Mikel Delgado, cat behavior expert with Rover, shares with Reader's Digest that "an exposed belly is the ultimate sign of trust," but can't always indicate that it wants petting in that area. When cats expose their belly to you, they are showing you their most vulnerable part, and this can therefore mean they blindly trust you.

4. Grooming You

Same as when cats lick other felines or their counterparts to show affection, they use this kind of gesture with their adored humans as well. This sort of grooming, and their licking your skin, means they are treating you as part of their trusted social circle.

5. Rubbing Against You

This is a common sign that your pet is expressing its love toward you. This affectionate gesture is seen in all kinds of cats, even stray cats. You may have noticed how a stray cat, after becoming familiar with someone, might begin to gently rub against their legs. These small acts show growing trust and affection, much like how they would behave with other cats they feel safe around.

An owner gently petting their cat. (Representative Image Source: Getty Images | Photo by Anita Kot)

6. Gentle Purring

When you hear soft purrs coming from your cats, just know they are showing you how much they love you. Purring is one of the most comforting and recognizable sounds cats make, and while it can sometimes signal contentment or self-soothing, it’s most often a sign of happiness and affection. If your cat curls up in your lap or rests beside you while purring, it means they feel completely at ease and safe in your presence.

We hope the above list will now help you recognize the different ways your cat can express its affection towards you; after all, it all lies in their body language.