Cats are fascinating creatures known for their independence and sometimes aloof nature. However, when a cat truly trusts you, it will exhibit certain behaviors that indicate it has let down its guard and formed a deep bond with you. In this article, we will explore the various actions a cat may take when it feels completely at ease in your presence.
Belly Exposure: A Sign of Utmost Trust
One of the most obvious signs that a cat has fully trusted you is when it exposes its belly. The belly is the most vulnerable part of a cat's body, lacking the protection of bones and being home to vital organs. A study observing 120 domestic cats in different settings found that cats only frequently show their bellies to familiar and trusted owners. In the wild, cats rarely expose this sensitive area unless they are in a secure environment. Similarly, humans only reveal their vulnerabilities to those they trust deeply. So, when your cat flops over and shows you its belly, it is not only a sign of relaxation but also a clear indication that it feels safe and trusts you implicitly.
Head and Body Rubbing: Marking You as "Its Own"
Cats have scent glands concentrated on their heads, cheeks, and other parts of their bodies. When a cat rubs its head or body against you, it is engaging in a "scent - marking" behavior. Researchers who have tracked the social behaviors of cats over time have discovered that cats transfer their scent to those they trust, using this as a way to create an emotional connection and a sense of security. In a cat's mind, the people and things marked with its scent are part of its "safe zone." So, when your cat rubs against you, it is expressing its affection and also claiming you as part of its territory.
Sleeping Near You: Seeking Safety and Comfort
Sleeping is a time when cats are at their most vulnerable, as they are relaxed and less alert to potential dangers. When a cat chooses to sleep near you, it is a significant sign of trust. Another study showed that cats prefer to sleep near those who make them feel secure. The warmth of your body and the familiarity of your breathing rhythm can make a cat feel safe. Whether it's curling up at the foot of your bed or napping on the couch next to you, your cat's choice to sleep in your vicinity means that it views you as a "safe haven" and trusts you to keep it protected while it slumbers.
Purring: A Sign of Contentment and Security
Purring is a unique way for cats to communicate their emotions. That gentle rumbling sound from a cat's throat is not only soothing to hear but also a clear indication of how it feels. Cats purr when they are comfortable, content, or feel safe. In the wild, kittens use purring to let their mother know that they are healthy and secure. Domestic cats carry this behavior into their relationships with humans. If your cat purrs around you, it is sending a signal that it feels at ease in your presence. Conversely, in an unfamiliar or untrusting situation, a cat is unlikely to purr.
Following You Around: Attachment and Dependence
If your cat follows you from room to room, it is a sign that it has developed a strong attachment to you. Cats are generally independent animals, so when they choose to shadow your every move, it means they value your company and feel more secure when you are nearby. Whether you're going about your daily activities in the house or simply moving from one area to another, your cat's constant presence by your side indicates that it has let down its guard and wants to be close to you at all times.
Allowing Handling of Sensitive Areas
Cats have certain areas on their bodies that are more sensitive than others, such as their tails, paws, and bellies. If your cat allows you to touch these sensitive areas without showing signs of discomfort or resistance, it is a clear sign of trust. For example, being able to gently pet its paws or stroke its tail is a privilege that only a trusted owner can enjoy. Cats are naturally cautious about protecting these areas, so if they let you handle them, it means they trust you not to cause them any harm.
Bringing You "Gifts"
Cats are natural hunters, and bringing you "gifts" such as dead mice, birds, or insects is actually a sign of respect and trust. In a cat's mind, it sees you as part of its "family" and is sharing the spoils of its hunt with you. It believes that you are important to its survival and wants to provide for you in the only way it knows how. This behavior may seem strange or even unpleasant to some humans, but it is a high - level display of trust from your feline friend.
Responding to Your Voice
A cat that trusts you will often respond to your voice. It may come running when you call its name, or it may meow back at you when you talk to it. This shows that it has recognized your voice as a source of comfort and security. Cats are selective about who they respond to, and if they are consistently responsive to you, it means they trust you and are interested in interacting with you.
Not Being Protective of Food
Food is a precious resource for cats, and in the wild, they are very protective of their meals. However, if your cat does not show signs of aggression or protectiveness when you are near its food bowl, it is a sign that it trusts you completely. It feels secure enough to eat in your presence without fearing that you will take its food away. Some cats may even allow you to touch their food or share it with other pets in the house, which is an even stronger indication of their trust in you.
In conclusion, cats show their trust in many different ways, and these behaviors are a testament to the strong bond that can form between a cat and its owner. By paying attention to these signs, you can better understand your cat's feelings and deepen your relationship with your furry companion.
