How to Tell a Cat You Love Them! Do This!

Any cat owner will tell you that cats are loving and affectionate creatures. Although cats may not be as evident as dogs in their displays of love, they have many ways to show us their affection. A thought that may have crossed your mind at this point in pet parenthood is how to tell a cat you love them.

Cats may sometimes seem aloof and indifferent, but they actually think of their owners as their parents and love them accordingly. If you know what to look for, you can see many signs your kitty uses to show their love for you.

Some common signs you can look out for are a curved tail that is puffed up at the base, exposing their belly, bunting heads, or curling their tail around your arm. Although you and your cat communicate differently, there are ways you can use to tell your cat how important they are to you.

Here are 13 great tips on how to tell a cat you love them. Let’s take a look.

How to Tell a Cat You Love Them – 13 Purrrfect Ways

1. Pet and massage them

Many people think cats are not as affectionate as dogs and don’t need their owners to show them affection either. However, this is not true. Most cats love being petted gently, and it’s a great way to show them affection.

Petting and massaging your cat will lower their stress levels and blood pressure – and yours too! Also, petting is a great way to notice things like skin problems, lumps, or matted fur, which may cause discomfort to your cat.

—>> Learn more: Interested in knowing if your cat appreciates a kiss? See our article here! <<—

All cats are different in how they want to be stroked or massaged. Some like to be rubbed around the base of their tails, while others prefer softly scratching them under the cheeks. Pay attention to what your cat likes the most to really show them your love.

2. Let them rub on you

If you want to communicate to your cat that you’re willing to trust them and build a friendship, hold out your index finger at their nose level.

Cats have scent glands on their cheeks and head, and if your cat touches your finger with their nose and rubs their cheeks against your hand to mix scents, it’s a sign of trust. She is leaving her scent on you to show you are a part of her family.

By being the one to make the first move, you’re communicating in your cat’s language and showing them you want to be affectionate.

3. Communicate in a way your cat understands

Cats show their love in many ways, including licking, kneading, sitting on you, purring, exposing their belly, and bunting heads. Don’t move away when your cat uses these ways to communicate with you. Instead, lean in to let your cat know you love them too.

If your cat is purring more loudly than usual, and/or more frequently, they could be trying to get your attention in a special way to alert you of something. For further guidance, check out our article on Why Do Cats Purr Loudly, on deciphering your cat’s extra loud purr.

4. Talk to your cat in their language

Pet cats are naturally vocal, and more so than their wild cousins, which, according to animal behaviorists, may indicate their efforts to communicate with humans.

You can try mimicking the sounds your cat makes to let them know you’re acknowledging them and trying to communicate. For example, imitating the meows and coos your cats makes when they are affectionate towards you lets your cat know you feel the same way about them.

We could go on and on about a cat’s language! If this topic interests you, check out our article for further reading on your cat’s meow.

5. Groom your cat

Cats are clean creatures by nature, and you can often find them grooming themselves. Felines also use grooming as a sign of affection. So if your cat licks you, you know you’re being loved.

Using a suitable brush to groom their coat gently is a great way not only to keep your cat’s fur shiny and healthy but to show your affection for them as well.

Brushing your cat is a good way for you two to bond, and it will help both you and your cat relax.

6. Give your cat “kisses” by slowly blinking your eyes

Sleepily gazing at something and keeping their eyes half-closed or slowly blinking is a cat’s equivalent to human kisses. So, if you want to tell your kitty how much they mean to you, get down on their level and lovingly gaze into their eyes.

This is a technique animal experts use to soothe fearful cats, and it’s a great way to show a cat you love them.

To give you an idea of how powerful the slow blink can be, I had an experience where giving ‘kisses’ to a feral cat in this way was the key to his acceptance of me!

7. Train your cat

Training your cat is another wonderful way to show them affection. Unlike dogs, cats aren’t motivated by praises. However, using treats for positive reinforcement is a terrific way to train your cat. Your kitty will love not only the treats but the attention and recreation as well. Also, training is an excellent way to spend time and bond with your cat.

For more on cat training and cat exercise (these often go together), check out this article on teaching your cat to walk like a dog!

Or, consider the fun of training them on the cat wheel!

8. Call your kitty by its name

Use your cat’s name often. Whether it’s when you’re entering your home or giving you cat food, you should use their name so that they know you’re communicating with them. It will make them feel acknowledged and loved.

9. Give them catnip

This is a no-brainer. Cats go bananas when you give them catnip, and combining it with a favorite toy is the ultimate play session for your feline. You can tell your cat you love them by pampering them with exciting things like catnip.

10. Spoil them with cat treats

Spoiling your cat with treats is a fantastic way to pamper them and show them how much you care for them. Just remember that a balanced diet is important to your kitty’s health, and treats should only make up a small part of their daily food intake.

The ideal cat treats are small, flavorsome, and something your cat doesn’t get very often. Getting them that special treat they love will show your cat just how much you love them.

11. Let your cat sleep in your bed

Sleeping with you is your cat’s way of showing their love for you. Although it can be frustrating to wake up in the middle of a night with a cat on your head, keep in mind, it’s a sign of affection.

Letting your kitty nestle in your bed will let them know you love them too.

12. Interactive play

Interactive play is a good way for you to bond with your cat and show them you care for them by giving them attention. And not only that, but playing will also allow your cat to let out their inner predator and get some exercise.

If your cat isn’t the snuggling type, playing may be a better way to show them your love.

If you’re looking for some fun tips on how to mix play and exercise together for your cat, check out our article here!

13. Make your cat comfortable and offer them a place to hide

Cats love warm, soft, cozy, and sheltered places where they can curl up and relax. You can let your cat know you love them by making sure they are comfortable in your home, and they have many places where they can feel safe and cozy.

Also, providing your kitty with hiding places allows them to have some alone time when they feel like it.

If you’re looking for more ways to tell a cat you love them, check out the videos below. From slow blinks to catification, they have some fantastic tips for letting your cat know they’re special.

Summing up – Telling Your Cat You Love Them

There are many ways to show your cat you love them, but there is one important way we haven’t covered yet. If you’re wondering how to tell a cat you love them, the most crucial way to show your affection is day-to-day care.

Offering your cat a safe home, a balanced diet, and regular vet visits is the first thing you need to do to keep them healthy and happy. And as a pet owner, that is the best way to tell your kitty they mean the world to you.

-Written By Eeva Simonen

References:

[1] https://www.comfortzone.com/behavior-blog/cat-behavior/do-cats-feel-love

[2] https://iheartcats.com/5-ways-to-tell-your-cats-you-love-them-in-their-own-language/

[3] https://www.petmd.com/cat/behavior/8-surprising-ways-say-i-love-you-cat-language

[4] https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/all-dogs-go-heaven/201809/how-cats-show-us-affection

[5] https://kristenlevine.com/say-i-love-you-to-your-cat/

[6] https://www.rover.com/blog/ways-to-say-i-love-you-in-cat-language/

[7] https://www.wikihow.com/Show-Affection-to-a-Cat

[8] https://www.thesprucepets.com/how-to-show-cats-love-554090