While petting your cat's back, you may have also noticed that his or her back will arch affectionately. This is because cats mostly use body language to communicate. An arched back, a purr, and slowly closing eyes usually indicate that you've found a spot where you cat enjoys being petted.
Not only is rubbing against you a sign of a happy “hello” or “welcome home,” but cats also want to make sure that they have marked you with their scent. Cats are territorial creatures and will claim their pet parents as part of their territory.
They're leaning into the pleasurable sensation (1, 2). The hips and base of the tail have lots of nerve endings, so many cats really enjoy being pet or scratched there and want to tell you to keep going (1, 2).
When a cat shows you their belly, the cat is relaxed, comfortable, and doesn't feel threatened. They feel safe enough to expose their vulnerable areas without worrying about being attacked. They are pretty much telling you, “I trust you with my life.” It's a great honour!
Cats jump sideways usually when they're startled
This is because the world is a strange place and they must learn to differentiate what is safe and what is a potential threat. Cats will arch their backs in these moments to make themselves appear larger and more threatening.
If you're not familiar with the term, splooting is when a cat lays out flat on their stomach while having both of its hind legs spread all the way to the back. Usually, cats keep their hind legs tucked neatly under them and spread their forelegs, but sometimes, they spread both their fore and hind legs.
The cat is trying to decide if you are trustworthy, and would like to be petted, but just can't bring herself to trust you enough to give you full Control over her.
In general, cats prefer to be stroked along their back or scratched under the chin or around the ears. Paws, tails, their underbellies and their whiskers (which are super sensitive) are best avoided.
Giving your cat special attention might seem like giving in to their subtle manipulations, but if you want to show them love, you need to play ball. It could be as simple as letting them cuddle in your lap or allowing them to share your bed at night. As long as you regard them in some way, they'll know you care.
Most cats love to snuggle, and they're typically responsive to being held if you introduce them to it gradually. The best way to approach your cat for a hug is to start with a few soft pets, then carefully pick them up. Be sure to secure all four of their legs so that they don't dangle.
If your cat doesn't enjoy being petted, respect her desire not to be touched much. "Cats are like people—some enjoy a lot of physical contact with others, and some enjoy only a little," Nigbur says. Cats typically don't like being petted on their tummy, legs/feet, or tail.
Purring: Cats often purr when they are content and happy.
When a cat is receiving attention or affection from their human, it may purr as a way to express its appreciation.
Why do some cats dislike belly rubs? Hair follicles on the belly and tail area are hypersensitive to touch, so petting there can be overstimulating, Provoost says. “Cats prefer to be pet and scratched on the head, specifically under their chin and cheeks,” where they have scent glands, Provoost says.
Headbutting is a way for cats to mark you with pheromones and bond with you. However, sometimes headbutting can be a way for cats to seek attention.
Your Cat Stares at You to Show Affection
Cats can use staring as a nonverbal way of communicating. Even though a long, unblinking stare may not be the best way for humans to show affection, when your fur baby does this, it may mean they're showing love to their favourite owner.
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.
Humans apart
Cats cannot differentiate between human faces and do not care how you look like. Unlike dogs, they would not even try to differentiate human faces. In an experiment conducted by an American university, the kitties could recognize their handlers less than 50 percent of the time.
Smell Transfer
Cats recognize each other (and us) by scent. 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.
Yes! According to Teresa Manucy, DVM, a veterinarian at VCA Fleming Island Animal Hospital, cats can recognize and differentiate their name from other household pets' names. She says this recognition is likely due to positive reinforcement or a cat's association of their name with attention, food, or play.
You might already know that cats arch their backs when they're scared. But don't be fooled, because cats also arch their backs when they're playing, greeting loved ones, and stretching.
When cats arch their backs while being petted, it's a sign they enjoy the sensation. “They are trying to push into your hand,” DeVoss explains. Other signs cats love being petted include purring and headbutting.
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.