Vet Reveals 7 Ways Cats Show Love You Might Be Missing

Your cat might be telling you "I love you" in ways you've been completely missing.

Cats have a reputation for being standoffish compared to their tail-wagging canine counterparts. While dogs wear their hearts on their sleeves, cats express affection in subtle ways that often get misunderstood as indifference.

Dr. Sarah Wooten, a small animal veterinarian, shared seven behaviors with Cats.com that reveal your cat's true feelings. These signs might completely change how you interpret your feline friend's actions.

That sleepy stare with slow, deliberate blinks? It's not boredom or fatigue. Those slow blinks are actually how cats communicate peace and connection with the people they love.

When your cat sits in your lap facing away from you, it might feel impersonal, but Dr. Wooten says lap sitting is a clear sign of trust and affection. Not all cats enjoy extensive physical contact, so any lap time means you're special to them.

The gross presents are actually gifts of love. When cats bring you dead mice, bird heads, or other unsavory offerings, they're showing dedication and affection, even if it makes you squeamish.

That rhythmic kneading motion cats make on blankets or your body comes from their kitten days while nursing. Dr. Wooten explains it's an instinctual behavior that happens when they feel supremely happy and connected to you.

Purring can mean many things, including pain or illness, but when your cat's motor starts running while relaxing near you at home, it's typically a sign of contentment and love. When cats rub their face, paws, or tail on you, they're marking you with scent glands as their property.

Even yawning and stretching after waking up to greet you shows comfort and happiness. Dr. Wooten says this combination of behaviors signals they're very comfortable in your presence.

Sunny's Take

Cats might not jump and wag their tails when we walk through the door, but they're constantly telling us they care in their own unique language. Understanding these subtle signals helps us appreciate the depth of our bond with our feline companions, even when they seem completely uninterested in our existence.

The next time your cat slow blinks at you or brings you something questionable, remember you're witnessing genuine cat love in action.