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By Liz O'Connell
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A common misconception about cats is that they are aloof and take pride in their independence, leaving owners questioning how their felines feel about them, but if you look closely enough, felines give small clues as a window into their feelings.
Cats are often more subtle than dogs when it comes time to showing signs of love for humans. Dogs will be in their owner's face, drowning them with slobbery kisses. But cats will, in their own precise manner, show certain behaviors and body language expressing their love for someone.
Chantal Howard, a certified cat trainer with Feline Focus Training in Ottawa, Canada, spoke to Newsweek about the nine "key" signs felines use to express their love. While not every cat will display these signs, Howard said these are the most common. Those who are receiving some of these signs should consider themselves lucky.
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Headbutting
Some cats might rub their head back and forth across your legs or arms as you pet them. Owners might think nothing of it, but this process is a cat's way of marking their territory.
"Cats have scent glands on their heads, so when they headbutt you, they're leaving their scent on you," Howard said.
They're claiming you as part of their social group, Howard said. Take it as a compliment, especially since they won't do it to everyone. You've made it into the inner circle of cat love.
Kneading
Also known as making biscuits, kneading occurs when a cat rhythmically presses its paws in a back-and-forth motion. This can be done on a blanket, pillow, or even a person's arms and legs.
Howard said this behavior starts when they are kittens. Cats use their paws on their mother's stomach to signal they want milk, which helps stimulate milk production.
Purring
"If you're petting a cat and they enjoy being petted, say behind their cheeks or behind the ears, you can stimulate purring," Howard said.
Purring makes cats feel calm and secure. The purring can build a bond between felines and their humans.
Not only does a cat's purr help them, but it can also aid humans. The frequency of a cat's purr, usually between 25 to 150 hertz, has therapeutic effects on a person's body and mind, according to an article from Inspira Health Network. Similar to sound therapy, purring can help reduce inflammation, improve circulation, stimulate healing of damaged tissues and promote regeneration of bone cells. Plus, a cat's purr might help regulate the autonomic nervous system.
Chirping
Instead of a meow, you might notice your feline friend making a distinct, high-pitched chirp. This chirping behavior might start when felines are young. Howard said it is their way of communicating with their mother. If a cat chirps at you, it can mean they want you to follow them, they're saying hello or they simply want your attention.
Nipping
Howard added that a cat's "love bites" or nipping are not meant to cause pain. Instead, these slight pinches are used while showing affection and bonded feelings.
Nipping is also linked to grooming behaviors. For example, two cats might groom each other. The affection can build up and lead to a slight nip at each other. However, this is not a forceful bite.
Licking
Similarly to nipping, licking is a way a cat shows their love for someone. They lick their humans because they want to groom them, Howard said. They view you as one of their own.
Bringing gifts
Sometimes cats will bring you gifts, toys and even prey, such as birds or small animals. This is their way of showing you they want to share, Howard explained. They see you as their family. It started when their mothers taught them to bring food back when they hunted.
It could also mean they just want to play. Some cats might bring you a toy, drop it in front of you and move it with their paw. They'll chase after it if someone throws it.
Exposing Belly
A cat's belly is a vulnerable spot for them but, with the right person, a cat will expose their belly.
"All of their organs are out in the open – stomach, kidney, heart – as both prey and predator, so for a cat to go on their back and show you their belly, they trust you not to hurt them," Howard said.
Tail Position
The last signal of a cat's love is the way they hold their tail, although Howard said this could be difficult to determine, as the way their tail is positioned can have multiple meanings.
A tail up and curled means they are confident in a space. They feel secure. A slightly curled and forward tail usually indicates a cat is relaxed.
"If coming toward you with their tail up and curled, they really like you and they recognize you as a positive social interaction," Howard said.
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