10 Signs Your Cat Really Loves You

^{All of the insights in this article come from veterinary experts at The Vet Connection, who run the An Post Insurance 24-hour Vet Careline.}

Cats often get unfairly labelled as independent or aloof, but the truth is they just have their own subtle ways of showing affection. If you’ve ever wondered whether your feline friend is secretly obsessed with you (spoiler: they probably are), here are 10 love signals you might already be seeing at home.

The slow blink

That dreamy half-shut look? It’s not laziness — it’s love. When your cat slowly blinks at you, they’re giving you a “kitty kiss,” a gesture of deep trust and relaxation. Try blinking slowly back — they may just return the favour.

The headbutt

It may sound like a wrestling move, but in the cat world, a gentle headbutt is a warm greeting. Cats rub their heads to swap scents, and when your furry pal bumps you, they’re saying “you’re in my inner circle.”

Grooming you

That sandpaper tongue on your hand or hair might feel strange, but it’s a big compliment. Cats groom each other in bonded groups to strengthen relationships. When they groom you, they’re declaring you part of their family.

Kneading (“making biscuits”)

When your cat presses their paws into you or a soft blanket, they’re expressing comfort and happiness. It’s an instinctive behaviour that stems from kittenhood — and the firmer the knead, the happier they are. (Pro tip: keep a blanket handy to save your skin from those claws!)

Belly exposure

Cats don’t roll over and show their bellies lightly — this is one of their most vulnerable positions. If your cat does this, it’s the ultimate sign of trust. But beware: for most cats, this is not an invitation for tummy rubs. Respect the gesture, and you’ll keep their trust intact.

Presenting their bottoms (yep, really)

It’s not glamorous, but if your cat points their backside toward you, it’s actually an odd but genuine sign of affection. In cat-speak, they’re sharing scent and vulnerability with you — basically saying, “I trust you completely.”

Meows and purrs

Did you know cats rarely meow at each other? That sweet chatter is reserved almost entirely for humans. From chirrups to trills, they’re creating a unique “love language” just for you. Purring often means contentment, though it can also be a form of self-soothing, so always check the context.

Tail talk

Cats are masters of body language. A tail held high, especially with a little curve at the end (like a question mark), is their way of happily greeting you. It’s feline for “I’m glad you’re here.”

Bringing you “gifts”

Whether it’s a toy, a sock, or something they caught outside, a cat who shares their spoils with you is showing love. Cats are natural hunters and usually don’t share food, so if they do, it means they see you as family.

Sleeping on or near you

For cats, sleep is the ultimate state of vulnerability. Choosing to curl up near (or on) you means they feel completely safe and secure. Plus, let’s be honest — nothing beats the comfort of a cat nap companion.

Every cat is unique, and not all will show their love in the same ways. Some are more demonstrative; others keep it subtle. What matters is recognising their signals and respecting their boundaries — that’s the key to a happy, loving bond.

And if you want to give your furry friend the same level of care they give you, consider protecting them with Pet Insurance from An Post Insurance. 

^{An Post Insurance Pet Insurance is arranged and administered by Cover-More Blue Insurance Services Limited and underwritten by Burns & Wilcox Global Solutions Limited B.V. for and on behalf of the insurer, Zavarovalnica Sava d.d. ('Sava'), Slovenia. Sava are regulated by the Insurance Supervision Agency of Slovenia E.U. and is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland for conduct of business rules. Cover-More Blue Insurance Services Limited is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.}