Signs Your Cat Has Chosen You: Understanding Feline Affection
Unlike dogs, cats are often viewed as independent and aloof creatures. However, when a cat chooses you, it forms a powerful and rewarding bond. Here’s how you can recognize if a feline has decided you are their person.
1. They choose to be near you
- Following you around: Whether you're working, relaxing, or cooking, your cat seems to always be close by. This companionship behavior indicates they feel safe and bonded with you.
- Sleeping with you: Cats only sleep deeply in areas where they feel secure. If your cat regularly curls up near or on you, it’s a clear sign of trust and affection.
2. Physical affection and communication
- Purring in your presence: Cats purr when they are content, and if they do it around you, it signifies comfort and happiness.
- Head butting or rubbing their face on you: This behavior marks you with their scent, a feline way of stating ownership and closeness.
- Slow blinking: When a cat looks at you and slowly closes and opens their eyes, it's a sign of trust. Try slow-blinking back—it’s a mutual way of saying “I love you.”
3. Trust through vulnerability
- Exposing their belly: Though not always an invitation to pet, when a cat lies on its back and shows its belly, it’s indicating complete trust.
- Letting you touch sensitive areas: If your cat allows you to pet their belly, paws, or tail, it suggests deep comfort and security with you.
4. Vocalizing and communicating
- Meowing at you: Adult cats mainly use vocalizations to communicate with humans. Frequent meows when you’re around could mean your cat is trying to interact and bond with you.
- Chirping or trilling: These are friendly sounds and a sign of excitement or affection when directed toward their chosen human.
5. Bringing you “gifts”
- Offering toys or prey: Whether it’s a toy or a (disturbing!) dead insect, these offerings are a cat’s way of sharing and caring.
- Leaving items on your bed or near you: This behavior suggests that they view you as part of their social group.
6. Behavioral cues
- Kneading you: This cat behavior, often called “making biscuits,” is a carry-over from kittenhood and a sign of contentment and bonding.
- Grooming or licking you: Mutual grooming is a behavior between bonded cats. If yours tries to groom you, it's a sure sign you're in their inner circle.
- Protective behavior: Cats may guard you when you’re ill or follow you into rooms (especially the bathroom!), indicating a desire to be involved in all aspects of your life.
7. Greeting behaviors
- Tail held high: When a cat walks up to you with a vertical tail, it's a friendly greeting. A curved tip signals happiness and recognition.
- Excitement when you return home: Some cats may even wait at the door or meow in excitement when they hear your footsteps.
Conclusion: If your cat exhibits many of these behaviors, you’ve likely been chosen. Cherish the trust and affection—they’ve let you into their world, which for a cat, is an intimate and significant gesture.
