Signs a Cat Has Bonded With You

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While cats may not show you affection the same way dogs do, cats do show their humans that they love and trust them. Showing you her tummy, kneading, rubbing her face on you, giving cat "kisses," and walking with her tail up are some of the signs your cat loves you. There are also things you can do to build a stronger bond with your cat.

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There are many signs a cat has bonded with you.
Image Credit: Manuel Breva Colmeiro/Moment/GettyImages

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The question mark tail

The next time you see your cat wandering around your house, take note of her tail position. Is her tail straight up in the air or in a question mark position? When a cat's tail is either straight up in the air or in a question mark position, she is showing affection. If your cat's tail is in this position and quivering a little, chances are that you are her favorite human.

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He exposes his tummy

How do you know if your cat loves you? One sign that your cat loves you is if he exposes his tummy to you. In the wild, cats are incredibly vulnerable if they expose their belly because it is a soft, tender spot for predators to attack.

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If your cat rolls onto his back and exposes his tummy around you, it is a sign that he trusts you implicitly. Beware, though — just because your cat is showing you his tummy doesn't mean he wants you to rub it. Most cats hate tummy rubs.

Your cat leaves her scent on you

Cats headbutt and rub their face on people and objects they want to mark with their scent. A cat marks people and objects with her scent when she wants to establish them as part of her safe zone. When your cat rubs her face on you, it's a sure sign that she trusts you. When your cat rubs against you, she leaves her pheromones on you, telling other cats you belong to her.

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Cats groom each other to strengthen their bond. If your cat grooms you, she is marking you with her scent and showing you how much she trusts you.

He gives cat "kisses"

A cat "kiss" is a long, slow blink while looking into your eyes. You may notice your cat slowly blinking at you when he's nearby. Your cat may also reciprocate cat kisses if you give them to him. Cat kisses are one of the signs a cat loves you, so if your cat gives you a cat kiss be sure to return the sentiment to let him know that you love him too.

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Your cat kneads you

Kneading is a natural behavior for cats. Kittens knead their mother while they nurse. As adults, cats seem to knead to show that they are comfortable. You may see your cat kneading while you pet her or when she is settling down for a nap in her favorite place. When your cat kneads you, she is showing you that she loves and trusts you.

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Purring: the sound of contentment

If your cat purrs while you pet him, when he curls up on your lap, or when he settles down near you, it's probably safe to say that he's content. It's important to note, however, that purring can also be a sign that your cat is in pain. If you think your cat may be in pain, take him to the vet for a consultation.

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How to bond with your cat

There are several ways you can strengthen the bond you share with your cat. Interactive playtime is one of the best ways you can strengthen your bond with your cat. Laser pointers and wand toys are good choices for interactive playtime. Spending time petting or brushing your cat are also good ways to build a stronger bond.

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