You can tell your cat has imprinted on you when they communicate happy meows and purrs, follow you around, sleep and cuddle with you, and show you their belly.
Sleeping on you: A sure sign that your cat likes and trusts you, is if they climb onto your lap for a snooze. Cats choose to have their catnaps in safe places, like high up on a shelf, because they can feel vulnerable - so if they curl up on your lap for a snooze they obviously feel a strong trusting bond with you.
Cats are often quite independent creatures but if they have a strong bond with you, they may simply follow you around because they want to be near to you and see what you're up to. Or perhaps they're waiting for you to sit down so they can jump on your lap for a snooze.
Some cats are more timid or anxious, and sitting on your lap might make them feel unsafe or vulnerable. Sitting next to you offers them security and an escape route if needed. Perhaps they had a negative experience, such as being mishandled, dropped, or hurt while on someone's lap.
Love. If your cat stares at you while you sleep, it might simply be conveying its deep love and affection for you. If the staring is accompanied by purring, head butts, slow blinks, and facial rubbing, you can be certain that she's expressing her love.
Communication with your cat is key
That communication style may not include physical touch—being a cat's favorite person doesn't necessarily mean they want you to pet. A cat's favorite person may be the one who makes them feel comfortable and safe just by being in the same room with them.
They're trying to bond with you.
Most cats simply cuddle with you for the sake of bonding. And let's face it, this is such a precious thing that we may often crave even more than our kitty does! It's important to provide your pet with lots of attention and love, and cuddling is a purrfect way to ensure they get it.
Playful, energetic cats who love to stay active will likely choose a friend who gives them this exercise and attention. In fact, it may be that your cat is revealing something about you in why they choose to love you best.
According to Discovery News' report on research on cat and human behavior, the No. 1 reason a cat likes female humans is because women tend to spend more time with cats. And the more attention they get from a person, the more likely they are to give the same amount of loving right back.
This could include purring, rubbing against you, and even kneading you with their paws. Cats may follow you around the house or even outside if they miss you. This is their way of trying to get your attention and be near you. Furry friends may also sleep in your spot as if they are trying to take your place.
Being picked up and held can make some cats nervous, as they are being restrained in your arms. This limits their options for escape if anything were to startle them. Cats are independent creatures, and although they often like to be up high, they like to choose their own perch and not be restrained whilst doing so.
As with dogs, a cat's favorite person is usually the one that makes the most effort with them, someone who tries hard to get to know the cat's cues and motives to understand the feline on a different level and truly connect with it. Another factor that influences a cat's preference is its personality.
No, your cat doesn't actually think you're the mama cat that birthed it. But cats show us a level of affection and respect that is very similar to the way they treat their mama cat. And this sweet fact flies in the face of anyone who thinks cats' “aloof” personality means they don't care about us.
Rubbing and headbutting in the cat community are usually signs of marking territory, acceptance into the group, and/or greetings and adoration. Rubbing against something can also be used to gain information, as cats rely heavily on their sense of smell.
Conclusion. Most cats don't understand that kisses from humans are a sign of affection. A cat will surely let you know if they enjoy being kissed or not. The best ways to show your cat that you love them are to give them toys, treats, and plenty of one-on-one time.
Turns out, it depends on the cat. Some cats are socialized as kittens to be held and kissed, while others haven't had that exposure and might be put off by a kiss as an expression of love. So, some cats like it and some cats don't—but there are ways of detecting the category into which your feline friend falls.
All in all, even the most aloof and brooding cat will be able to pick up on your warmth and devotion. Whether they choose to admit it or not, they can sense when a person loves them (and hates them). So always make sure you're emitting good, kitty-positive vibes, and your cat will be sure to indulge in the lovefest.
Male cats tend to be more social and affectionate with both humans and other cats. They commonly form strong bonds with other cats in the home, even when they are not from the same litter. Females, on the other hand, are often more standoffish. If you are looking for a cuddle bug, adopting a male may be your best bet.
It appears that cats can sense human moods as well as depression. Cats are observant and intuitive, and this allows them to understand emotional cues from humans. So when you are depressed, they can sense that too. In particular, cats may come in closer proximity when their fur parents are depressed.
Raising the butt is your cat's way of getting their anal glands closer to your nose so you can get a whiff of their pheromones. This is how cats introduce themselves to other cats. It is simply their way of saying “oh, hey. It's me.”
Cats instinctively protect their vulnerable organs, so if a cat is sleeping with their belly exposed, it means they feel very safe and confident. Even though your cat feels safe, you should probably not try to rub your cat's belly when they are in this position.
It's how they show love and trust. Your cat may lie on your chest to show that you're their protector. They love the warmth coming from your body and listening to your heartbeat. If you have more than one pet, your cat might simply be marking their territory around you to tell other pets to stay away.
If your cat looks at you with half-closed eyelids, you may be getting eye kisses from them. If their staring is accompanied by purring and kneading, they're saying they love you. So, don't be creeped out by the staring; you're being adored!