Last Updated: 2 months ago

Are you scratching your head on how to show your cat you love them?

While we’re not always sure if our cats love us, we want to dote on them as much as possible.

So keep reading to discover nine ways to make them feel loved.

10 Tips How to Show Your Cat You Love Them

Cats are peculiar creatures, and it’s not always easy to understand what they want.

Sometimes they can drive you crazy with their behavior, but you know you can’t live without them.

Some would say that it’s impossible to please a cat, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t try.

So, let’s see what would show your cat how much you love them.

1. Learn Your Cat’s Language

To have a good relationship with your cat, you should know how to read your cat’s body language.

Imagine how you’d feel if the person you love didn’t understand something you were trying to say.

Usually, the tail and the ears are excellent indicators of your kitty’s mood. A swishing tail means that your feline is agitated or irritated and wishes to be left alone.

On the other hand, a head held high means that your cat is happy to see you and won’t mind if you dote on her.

Pull-backed ears are a sign that your cat is afraid and about to attack out of fear or anger. That’s because cats flatten their ears to protect them in a fight.

Twitching ears also say that your kitty is nervous about something. One of the most misunderstood cat’s signals is the exposed belly.

It’s a sign of great trust because it’s the most vulnerable part. However, it doesn’t mean that your cat will appreciate a belly rub.

That’s why you might end up scratched or bitten if you try it. So, don’t fall for this “trap.”

2. Respect Your Cat’s Boundaries

If you want your cat to know that you love them, you have to respect their boundaries.

Not all cats like it when you pick them up and carry them around.

Some cats hate face rubbing and belly rubs; others get anxious when you approach them while they’re eating.

It’s never a good idea to force your cat to do something they don’t want to do. You might get scratched at the least or bitten.

But you might also lose your cat’s trust, and they might get shy around you.

So, pay attention to what your cat likes and what she doesn’t like, and make sure that you always take your kitty’s feelings into account.

3. Blink Slowly

Cats don’t give kisses the same way dogs or humans do. Instead, their version of a kiss is to look at someone and blink slowly at them.

It might not seem much, but it’s a gesture of great trust because cats never close their eyes around people or animals they don’t trust.

So, whenever you want your kitty to know how much they mean to you, you blink slowly at them. There’s no need to shower your cat with kisses.

Some cats might not understand kisses and hugs as signs of affection, but they’ll appreciate blinking.

4. Give Your Cat a Head Bump

I’m sure that you’ve seen how cats bump heads as a way of greeting.

What you probably don’t know is that head bunting is a sign of affection and trust in the feline world.

Wild and domesticated cats do it to mark other cats or people as part of the family.

So, whenever you have the chance, you should give your cat a gentle head bunt.

It’ll show your kitty that she means the world to you and that you think of them as family members.

5. Play with Your Cat

Cats might spend the better part of their day napping and licking themselves clean, but there comes a time when they seem possessed by a demon.

They run from one part of the house to the other at full throttle, or they jump at you from behind the couch.

This crazy behavior is your cat’s way of saying, “I need attention!” and “I’m bored out of my mind!”

Cats tend to be solitary creatures, and some of them are unbelievably lazy, but they do enjoy some company and a playmate.

As such, to show your cat you love them, you should play games with your cat.

It will strengthen the bond between the two of you and tire your cat so that she doesn’t go crazy in the middle of the night.

Usually, you can’t go wrong with a red-dot laser, a string, or a feathered toy.

But cats do have preferences, and it might take you a while to figure out what games make your cat go nuts.

6. Get Catnip

You’ve probably seen tons of funny videos of cats reacting to catnip.

Catnip is a harmless herb that contains an oil that makes your cat feel good.

That’s why cats roll like crazy when they smell catnip.

So, get some catnip toys, or catnip, and see what happens.

But don’t be disappointed if your cat doesn’t pay it any attention. Not all cats react to catnip, and kittens aren’t that susceptible to the herb.

7. Spoil Your Cat with Treats

I’m sure you’ve discovered that you turn into your cat’s favorite person when you happen to hold a tasty piece of meat.

So, nothing says “I love you” better than a special treat.

It’s easy to give in to your cat’s pleading eyes, so make sure that you don’t overfeed your feline with treats.

They should be something rare that your cat gets when they have behaved well.

It’s not necessary to buy treats from the market.

You can try this homemade salmon treat recipe, or give your cat a piece of cooked chicken meat.

8. Provide Hiding and Climbing Places

Your indoor cat might be safe from predators, but your kitty still needs a hiding place where she can take a nap without you bothering her.

So, you should give your cat a cat cave bed or a simple cardboard box to hide and observe you without being seen.

In addition to this, adding some vertical spaces to your house can make your indoor cat very happy.

All cats love to climb from time to time, and they like it when you can’t reach them and take them down.

9. Let Your Cat Claim You

Do you know why cats love to rub against people or objects?

Their cheeks have glands, which release pheromones. In this way, cats mark their territory and warn other felines to stay away.

So, our last tip on how to show your cat you love them is to accept their affection.

Let your cat wind around your legs and rub as much as they want.

While you’re trying to express your love for your cat, you should be careful not to spoil them too much.

Remember to reward any behavior you want your cat to repeat and not to give in to your cat’s every whim.

10. Making Your Home Cat-friendly

Having a cat-friendly home is essential for your feline friend’s health and happiness.

Cats need stimulation, safety, and comfort to thrive in their environment.

• Scratching posts and toys: It helps them exercise, keep their claws healthy, and express themselves naturally.
• Sleeping spots: Provide cats with a safe space where they can curl up and take naps undisturbed by loud noises or unexpected visitors.
• Access to clean water: Keeping clean water available at all times is essential for cats, since they tend not to drink enough if it isn’t readily accessible throughout the day.

FAQs

Wrap-Up

Showing your cat you love them is not only rewarding for you but also beneficial for your cat’s health and well-being.

Cats are sensitive and intelligent creatures that can sense your emotions and appreciate your affection.

By following the tips in this article, you can make your cat feel happy, secure, and appreciated.

You can also improve your bond with your cat and enjoy a more fulfilling relationship.

What do you think about these 9 ways to show your cat you love them? How do you do it? Tell us in the comment section.

Resources:

• NationalGeographic.com
• PetMD.com