In this article
- 1. Your Cat Stays in the Same Room as You
- 2. Your Cat Slow Blinks at You
- 3. Your Cat Meows at You
- 4. Your cat rubs up against you
- 5. Your cat grooms themselves near you
- 6. Your cat shows you their belly
- 7. Your cat sleeps near you
- 8. Your Cat Wants to Play with You
- 9. Your Cat Kneads You
- 10. Your Cat Brings You “Gifts”
1. Your Cat Stays in the Same Room as You
One of the earliest signs that your new cat is bonding with you, is them choosing to stay nearby. Even if they’re not ready for pets or snuggles yet, a cat that relaxes in the same room as you, shows that they feel safe around you.
2. Your Cat Slow Blinks at You
When a cat slowly closes their eyes while looking at you, it means they feel safe enough to let down their guard near you. For a new cat, this is a huge sign of trust, so feel free to slow blink back at them. Slowly closing and reopening your eyes is a simple but effective way of letting your cat know that you like them too, without getting into their personal space.
3. Your Cat Meows at You
A cat that’s afraid or unsure of you will usually hide or ignore you, so when a cat meows at you, they’re definitely trying to get your attention. Wondering what your cat is trying to tell you? Check out our article about cat language!
4. Your cat rubs up against you
Cats often rub their head or body against people they trust. This behavior, called bunting, is a way for your cat to mark you with their scent and claim you as part of their safe territory. Isn’t that cute!
5. Your cat grooms themselves near you
Cats usually only groom themselves when they feel safe and relaxed in their surroundings. So, if your cat starts cleaning their coat while hanging out near you, it’s a good sign they trust you. And if your bond gets really strong, your cat might even try to groom you by licking your hand or your hair!
6. Your cat shows you their belly
A cat’s belly is the most vulnerable part of their body, so when your cat shows you their tummy, it’s one of the ultimate signs of trust! Don’t betray that trust by going in for a belly rub, since most cats don’t like their tummy touched. Just enjoy the moment instead.
7. Your cat sleeps near you
Sleeping cats are obviously vulnerable, so if your furry friend decides to doze off next to you, that’s a huge sign of trust. Even taking a nap near you is a big victory in the bonding process. Over time, your cat might even decide to sleep on your lap, though not all cats will do this.
8. Your Cat Wants to Play with You
While people usually associate play more with dogs, playtime is a big bonding activity for cats too. If your cat is the one to start the play, they really see you as their buddy. Great toys to use for bonding time include wand toys, feather toys, and laser pointers (when used responsibly).
9. Your Cat Kneads You
When your cat starts kneading you with their paws (often called “making biscuits”), it’s a sweet sign they feel safe and cozy with you. This behavior comes from kittenhood, when kittens knead their mother while nursing. So, if your cat is happily pushing their paws into your lap or blanket, it means they’re relaxed, content, and totally comfortable around you.
10. Your Cat Brings You “Gifts”
While not all cats do this, some bonded cats bring their humans little gifts in the form of toys, socks, or even prey. It’s often said that cats do this because they’re trying to teach you how to hunt. After all, your feline friend might worry you’ll starve without proper hunting skills, which is weirdly kind of adorable.
