Cats have a reputation for being aloof and independent in comparison to their waggy-tailed canine cousins. Believe it or not, you probably are your cat’s favourite human, it’s just that cats tend to have subtle and sophisticated ways of showing their affection. Read on for five signs that your cat really loves you.

1. Your cat is your shadow

If you’ve ever noticed that there is a kitty presence wherever you go, it’s a sure sign that your cat loves to hang out with you. Maybe you leave the bathroom door ajar and your fluff-ball feline slinks in unnoticed. Or you are trying to catch up on some work emails, and your feline assistant appears to ‘help’ with the typing. Whether they choose to stay close to you, or watch from afar, you can be confident that your kitty loves to be with you.

2. Your cat sleeps near you

If your four-legged friend likes nothing better than to snuggle up on your lap for a snooze, you can be sure that they feel super safe and happy in your company. Cats are at their most vulnerable when they are asleep, so this is a sign that they fully trust you. Some cats will even choose to sleep at the foot of your bed, on a chair nearby, or curled up in a sunny spot close to where you’re relaxing. This proximity isn’t just about warmth or comfort – it’s their way of staying connected to you.

3. Your cat gives you head bumps

Does your cat like to rub or bump their face against you? Chances are they are using their facial scent glands to mark you with their own unique scent – which may not be the done thing in the human world, but in feline circles it is a sign of affection. You may notice that after a good head butt, your cat often goes off for a groom, which helps reinforce their scent-mixing ritual. No offence taken.

4. Your cat rubs against you

When your cat weaves in between your legs, it can be easy to misinterpret this as a feline food request, but they are probably just saying ‘hello’ in their unique kitty way. In a similar manner to head-bumping, your cat is marking you with scent from glands in their face, body and tail. Reciprocate this greeting with some fuss and affection to help strengthen the loving bond you share.

5. Your cat purrs in your presence

Purring can signal a range of emotions in cats but more often than not, it is a sign of contentment. If your cat is a purr-machine whenever you are around, chances are you rate pretty highly in their estimations. You may notice the purring starts while curled up in your lap, during petting sessions, or even when sitting quietly nearby. Some cats even purr to comfort themselves or communicate calmness, so if they choose to do it around you, it’s a strong indicator that they feel safe and bonded with you.

Cats may not always express their love with overt gestures like wagging tails or excited greetings, but their subtle behaviours speak volumes. From following you around to purring contentedly in your lap, these signs show that your cat values your companionship and trusts you deeply.