Cats are creatures of mystery. They come in all shapes and sizes, and it seems like there’s never a dull moment with these furry felines! One thing that many people don’t know about cats, however, is how they show affection.
Cats have different ways of showing their love to their humans or other animals – some might lick your face while others offer head-bunting or cuddling on the lap for hours at a time.
A lot of people don’t know this, but there are actually various ways that cats can offer their love for humans or other animals – some may lick faces while others will head-bunting or cuddle up on laps for hours at a time.
In this blog post, we’re going to explore how cats show affection so you can tell if your kitty is happy and healthy!
Top 5 Ways Cats Show Emotion
Cats have always been known as cold, independent creatures. It’s been said that you can’t hug a cat, and cats don’t do affection. But this couldn’t be further from the truth!
Cats are just as capable of showing affection as any other animal, and they express it in many ways. Some of their quirky behavior may be misinterpreted, but it is actually a form of communication. Understanding how cats show affection will help you to better bond with your cat.
It is important to note that how cats show affection varies from cat-to-cat. Some people have the misconception that all cats are aloof and not very friendly, but this couldn’t be farther from the truth! Cats vary in their levels of friendliness just like humans do.
In general, a cat will only express affection with someone they trust or feel comfortable around. This doesn’t mean you can’t earn their friendship – it simply means don’t expect them to warm up right away even if they’re extremely friendly outside of your home (like at work).
1. Bringing you “gifts”
As a cat owner, you know that your cat can show emotion through different body language. But did you know that your cat can also show emotion through gifts? Yes, that’s right, your cat may give you gifts to show you how they feel about you. This can range from a dead mouse to some unwanted cat hair that it has shed.
One of the things you may have noticed about cats is that they have no problem showing emotion to their owners. Whether it’s in the form of a toy mouse that’s been savagely mauled, or the spot on your sidewalk where your cat “marked” its territory, it’s clear that cats have a way of getting their feelings across. In addition to physical signs of affection, you can also tell a lot about your feline friend purely based on the things it leaves behind for you.
2. Showing off the tummy
Most people know that cats are big fans of using their bodies to show off. This is especially true when it comes to presenting their tummies. Cats often roll onto their backs and offer up their bellies as a sign of trust and affection, since it exposes the vulnerable parts of the body (the underbelly and the chest area).
Cats are well known for their moody and standoffish demeanor. Yet, there are some ways that they show emotion. When a cat rolls on its back, this is an indication that a human is welcome to pet the cat.
If the cat rubs against the human, this is a signal that the cat is in the mood to be petted. Of course, there are many other ways a cat will show affection. If a cat is sucking on one of its paws, this is a signal that the cat is happy. If a cat is meowing, this is a signal that the cat does not want to be disturbed.
3. Flipping the tip of their tail
Cats are mysterious creatures. They’re cute and cuddly, and they’re also aloof and independent. The tail of a cat is one of the most expressive parts of its body, and it can show the cat’s mood and feelings.
When a cat’s tail is straight, it usually indicates that the cat is feeling alert and ready to see what’s going on around him. When the tip of the tail moves slightly from left to right or from right to left it shows that the cat is relaxed and content. When the tip of the tail flips from side to side, that means the cat is angry, irritated, or in some kind of distress.
4. Choosing where they sleep
Cats sleep anywhere and everywhere, from the top of the refrigerator to the middle of the kitchen floor, from under the bed to inside of the closet. While you may be tempted to just roll your eyes and laugh at this feline trait, the behavior actually holds a lot of importance for owners. More than you think, actually. Cats pick where they rest for a reason, so take note.
5. Making eye contact
Although most people consider cats to be independent, aloof and even cold, they are actually affectionate and loving animals that show their emotions in many ways. One way they do that is by looking into your eyes, as making eye contact is a sign of trust. Although this can be a bit disconcerting if you’ve never had a cat, it is a good sign.
Bunting Behavior in Cats
As a cat owner, you know how cats can be. They are often curious, independent, feisty, and so much fun. But, sometimes they do things that leave their owners scratching their heads. One of these behaviors is called bunting. Your cat might be doing it right now and not even realize it.
Bunting is when your cat will push her nose and head against you in a way that looks like she’s giving you the love. It can be any time, anywhere, but it usually happens when they are feeling safe or content with their surroundings.
Cats also do this behavior to mark territory by rubbing their face on objects or people so that other cats get the message: “this belongs to me”. This means that if your cat does bunts even though she mostly lives inside of the house, then there might be something about where she sleeps outside (for example) that makes her feel more comfortable than sleeping inside. That could mean she likes how things smell outdoors better than indoors, which really isn’t all too surprising.