How do cats express affection non-verbally?
Written by
John Williams
Reviewed by
Prof. David Walsh, Ph.D.Cats exhibit non-human affection through behaviors that many owners overlook. My cat, Biscuit, greets me daily by wrapping his tail around my leg, conveying a silent message that says, "I'm glad you are home." These signals convey stronger feline ties than any purring.
Kneading Rituals
- Rhythmic paw pressing on soft surfaces
- Remnant of kitten nursing behavior
- Shows ultimate comfort near you
Grooming Gestures
- Licking your hair or clothing
- Mimics social grooming in cat colonies
- Highest compliment showing trust
Tail Communication
- Curving tail-tip around your limbs
- Upright tail quivers during greetings
- Slow tail wraps while resting together
Sleeping positions show abundant trust when Biscuit leans against my legs at night and breathes heavily, displaying complete relaxation. Cats reserve this trust for their best humans. Never push them away at this time, or you will destroy the sacred trust.
Toy offerings: These are hunting gifts. Biscuit drops my favorite mouse at my feet every day. This is similar to how cats provide food for colony members. Recognize these gifts with praise and honor the instinctive expression of care and family bonding.
Cat preferences influence their styles of affection. Biscuit wraps her tail around me all the time, while Luna shows her love by just being with me quietly. Try to observe what special things your cat does at quiet times and learn their special love language! Cats love their humans the loudest when they choose to be with them on their own free will.
Read the full article: Understanding Cat Body Language Completely
