Science-Backed Ways To Tell If Your Cat
With their graceful yet indifferent demeanors, cats often leave their owners second guessing what they’re really thinking. Unlike dogs, who wear their hearts on their tails, cats tend to be a lot more reserved. Even the most devoted of cat owners occasionally catch themselves wondering: “Is the feeling mutual, or am I just a source of food?”
The good news is that cats have their own ways of expressing their love and affection; they’re just not as obvious as a dog’s wagging tail or slobbering kiss. Thanks to zoological research, you can now know the telltale signs that your cat doesn’t just tolerate you, but actually enjoys your company.
1. They ‘Slow Blink’ At You
Affectionately dubbed as the “cat kiss,” the “slow blink” is a sequence of eye movements commonly observed in cats, according to research from Scientific Reports. It begins with a series of half-blinks, where the eyelids move toward each other without fully closing the eye. This is usually followed with a more prolonged narrowing of the eye or even a complete eye closure. To imagine it, think of someone who is nodding off to sleep, or struggling to stay awake.
Interestingly, the study emphasizes that cats’ slow blinks aren’t random; they’re a purposeful action used to communicate. According to the authors, the slow blink is associated with calm and positive contexts and is a sign of emotional contentment and comfort. Although mostly seen in cats, similar eye-narrowing behavior has been observed in other species, meaning it may carry a universal meaning of positive emotional states.
For instance, in canids, slow blinks are observed during play and other affectionate activities. Similarly, horses and cows often slow blink when being stroked. Most surprisingly, humans slow blink, too. Though we often don’t realize it, it’s noted in the “Duchenne smile,” which is regarded as a genuine expression of happiness.
According to the researchers’ experiments, cats are more likely to slow blink in response to their owners’ slow blink, suggesting it might be a unique way for cats and owners to communicate. Additionally, cats were more likely to approach someone who slow blinked at them compared to someone with a neutral expression.
Overall, findings indicate that slow blinking might be a subtle yet effective way to bond with your cat and show you’re approachable and trustworthy. So, if you want to tell your cat that you love them, try softly narrowing your eyes at them, pausing, then slowly opening them again. If your cat responds similarly, it’s a good sign that the feeling is mutual.
2. Their Tail Is Up Around You
Cats use various forms of body language to communicate with each other, and one of the most important visual cues is the tail-up display. This behavior involves holding the tail vertically, and is regarded as a clear signal of friendliness when cats interact with each other.
Kittens often raise their tails when greeting their mothers—a behavior also seen in some wild cat species, suggests research from the journal of Behavioral Processes. In domestic cats, the tail-up display occurs not only when greeting their mothers, but also when one adult cat meets another, indicating a desire for friendly interaction.
Rank and social hierarchy also play a role in tail-up communication; lower-ranking cats are more likely to use this posture, while high-ranking individuals receive it more frequently. This insinuates that the tail-up display can be a sign of acknowledging the higher social status of the other cat.
A cat's tail is a sensitive appendage that provides balance for movement. However, your feline’s tail can also be a window into how they see you.
This tail-up gesture is used to convey a welcoming attitude during cat-to-cat approach. Fascinatingly, cats also use this behavior when interacting with humans, according to further research from Animals. When cats use this gesture with humans, it shows they consider them important and safe. If your cat greets you with an upright tail, they might see you as a parent, a friend or simply just look up to you. This welcoming gesture is a positive signal that your cat feels comfortable and trusts you—and probably respects you, too.
3. They ‘Talk’ To You
Meowing is often thought to be a form of communication that is characteristic of a happy cat. However, research from Animals suggests it could be more neutral or negative than it is positive. Although domestic cats are mostly known for their meows, they are suggested to have the most extensive vocal repertoires of all carnivores. Outside of meowing, the researchers found other forms of feline vocalization to be more strongly indicative of affection or happiness:
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- Trilling. Trilling is often described as a high-pitched, melodic sound falling somewhere between a meow and a purr. It’s produced with the mouth closed, creating a soft, almost musical noise. Cats often use trilling as a form of greeting or to gain attention. Cats may trill when they see their favorite humans or other feline companions, signaling excitement, affection or a desire to interact. If your cat trills as you enter a room, they’re saying “hello” in their own unique way.
- Chatter. Chattering is characterized by rapid movement of the jaw and a series of quick, staccato sounds. It’s most commonly observed when cats are watching birds or other prey animals through a window or screen. Outside of hunting, chatter can also indicate excitement and focused interest. If you notice your cat chattering, it’s likely a sign they’re highly engaged and excited to interact with you or something in their environment.
- Purring. Purring is perhaps the most universally recognized sign of a content and relaxed cat. This soothing, rhythmic sound is typically associated with feelings of comfort, safety and happiness. Cats often purr when they are being petted, curled up in a warm spot or snuggled with a trusted companion. Purring while in close proximity to a human or another cat is generally a strong indicator of affection and trust. So, if your cat purrs when you’re around, consider yourself near and dear to them.
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