Cats have scent¹ glands² concentrated on certain parts of their bodies, including their cheeks and heads. When your kitty rubs her head or face against you, she's marking you with her scent and claiming you as part of her family group. This scent is a source of both comfort and familiarity for your kitty.

 

Grooming is another way that cats spread their scent to mark territory. If you have multiple cats, you may have seen them grooming each other, a social practice cats use to establish a common scent among the family group. By sharing a scent, your feline⁴ friend is creating a sense of belonging.

 

When your kitty looks at you and slowly closes his eyes, he's showing that he's content and comfortable around you. In fact, this slow-blinkingbehavior has even earned the nickname “kitty kisses.”

 

"The concept of closing their eyes to you in a slow way is not something that they would do," says cat behaviorist Jackson Galaxy⁵. "They're letting you know that they are vulnerable to you."

 

Another way cats can show that vulnerability is by rolling over and exposing their bellies⁷. This is a sure sign of trust and shows that your cat is comfortable around you.

 

 

When kitties knead your lap or a surface near you, it means they're relaxed and content. As kittens, the behavior is used to stimulate⁸ a mother's milk flow, but continuing the action into adulthood⁹ can express comfort.

 

 

If your feline friend follows you from room to room, jumps onto tables and counters to be near you and always seems to be right where your step, she clearly enjoys your company -- especially if it's not near feeding time.

 

 

How your cat holds her tail can tell you a lot about how she's feeling. A tail held straight in the air is often used as a greeting, so you know your kitty is happy to see you. In fact, Dr. John Bradshaw, author of the book, "Cat Sense," says this is "probably the clearest way cats show their affection for us."

 

A tail held upright with a curve at the tip like a question mark also indicates familiarity, friendliness¹⁰ and affection.

 

 

While a cat's purr isn't an always indication of love and happiness — cats also purr when they're scared or injured -- a happy cat may express affection by purring when he's curled up in your lap or rubbing against your leg.

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