He follows you (everywhere)

You hear his footsteps hitting the floor as you get up from the couch. You almost trip over yourself as you carry a pot of water to the sink because someone is in your way. You haven't used the bathroom alone in years. All of these are signs that you're lucky enough to have a cat that won't leave your side. It's pretty obvious, but if your cat follows you everywhere, you can bet it's because he loves you so much.

He leaves you “gifts” (Also known as “dead little things”)

While these gifts may seem in questionable taste (or, yes, often just plain gross), don’t chastise your cat for bringing you an offering. It’s a sign that he values ​​you. When your cat brings you a small animal carcass, it may be hard to take it as the compliment it is, but it’s a sure sign that he’s totally addicted to you. Bringing you a “treat” in the form of a dead mouse, bird, or, if you’re lucky, a toy version of these, is a sign that your cat thinks of you as family and wants to take care of you. Like all gifts, it’s the thought that counts; accept it graciously (once you’ve stopped panting).

Belly up

A cat's stomach is their most vulnerable place. By showing you their belly, your cat is telling you that they are comfortable enough with you to let their guard down and be vulnerable. What if your cat rolls over on their back and lets you pet their belly? You are truly the king! This is the ultimate sign of trust. WARNING: A belly-rubbing session can turn violent in the blink of an eye. You may have to live with a few scratches. Cats are finicky.

Headbutts and rubbing

When you see your cat approaching you with his head tilted, hold on tight, you're in for a good head butt! Head butts are like petting from your cat and are a way of mixing your scents together to cement your bond. Closely related to head butts is rubbing. If a cat is rubbing against your legs, try putting your hand (closed fist) near his head to see if he rubs his cheeks against your knuckles. Head butts and cheek rubs mean your cat is marking you as one of his own. Receive these with pride.

Night visit

Your feline best friend can be a very secretive creature and very often, they won’t want to show their affection for a human to anyone – including you. As a result, your best cuddle session may happen just as you’re trying to or have just fallen asleep. You may be drooling and your hair may be messy, but your cat is using this moment to express their love to you in their own words. Just because you’re not awake to share the moment doesn’t diminish its significance. Your cat coming to you at night to sit on your belly, face, or by your side is a sure sign of their affection for you.

Give a slow blink

Cats talk a lot with their eyes and one of the very special ways they say “I love you” is through their blinks. When your cat is happy and pleased with you, they will look at you and quietly close their eyes before opening them again. In this movement, they are saying, “Hey buddy, I love you and I feel comfortable enough around you to let my guard down.” This is practically a marriage proposal from your cat and the best response is a slow reciprocal blink accompanied by a deep feeling in your heart that confirms with certainty that your cat loves you. (Helpful tip: Slow blinking is also a very good way to introduce yourself to a new cat in a non-threatening way to show them that you mean them no harm.)

Kneading

There are several theories about why your cat kneads. One theory is that adult cats associate kneading with the comfort of nursing (kittens knead to stimulate their mother's milk supply) so when your cat kneads near you, she's showing you that she's relaxed and comfortable with her family. If that's not love, what is? And when that kneading is happening on you and is accompanied by a purr and a scrutinizing look, then you know you have a happy cat.

Stand in your space

Cats will show animosity or discomfort, especially with strangers, by simply leaving the room. Your cat may not be very affectionate, but if he is constantly in the same room as you – even if he is not paying you any attention – then you know he enjoys your company. In fact, not all cats are lap cats; this is often perceived as indifference or aloofness, but sometimes, proximity is all a cat needs to be happy. We call these “proximity cats.” Your proximity cat is usually within arm’s reach on the couch, at your feet, or in the next chair, but he loves you just as much as the one who is constantly on top of you.