Kisses are a common way humans express affection towards one another. But cats also like to show their humans affection in different ways.
Cats often express affection by purring, offering you a lick, rubbing their cheek against yours or simply blinking slowly. But what does it actually feel like for a cat to give you an affectionate ‘kiss’?
Nose-to-Nose
When your cat touches your nose, it may appear as if they’re giving you a kiss. In reality, this gesture of affection shows Fluffy’s feelings towards you. But did you know cats use their noses for more than just affection?
As you may know, cats often go nose to nose as a means of asserting their territory and social hierarchy. They do this by exchanging pheromones with other cats.
They also employ this technique to sniff out other cats’ pheromones for identification purposes. Doing so helps them get acquainted and determine whether they’re compatible with one another.
These pheromones can also indicate the happiness or contentment of a cat. That’s why two cats may often rub noses when they first meet or if they’ve been friends for some time.
However, it’s essential to remember that not all cats will greet each other this way. Some can be aggressive and others simply don’t wish to build a relationship with you or anyone else for that matter.
Other cats prefer to engage in a friendly and mutually beneficial exchange by going nose-to-nose. They’ll touch their noses and sniff each other’s pheromones to gain insight into each other’s energy levels, moods, and mating preferences.
Cats are highly intelligent when it comes to body language. They frequently rub their faces, butt each other with their heads, and rub noses.
It is beneficial for them to recognize you as a familiar face even before they open their eyes, showing that you value their trust and security in you.
Petting dogs also uses their paws and claws to groom one another, though not as frequently as humans do. They do this to protect themselves from abrasions, scratches or cuts but also enjoy playing with furry toys.
If you’re a new cat parent, it’s beneficial to let your feline friend know that you’re there for them. Offer your furry paw to hold them or rub their ears; this way, they’ll know that you care and not just someone to punish them.
Tail-to-Tail
Cats often express their affection to each other and their humans through tail-to-tail kissing.
Showing your cat you care is the best way to show them you cherish them. Do this by spending quality time together and rewarding your furry friend with lots of affection and treats on a regular basis.
In addition to giving your cat a good scratch, you can also rub their tail against something nearby such as their leg or an object to get them to open up and let you know how they feel. Doing this helps create a bond with your feline friend and gives them security when relaxing or unwinding.
Another example of tail-to-tail kissing is when two cats wag their tails at each other in an effort to attract each other’s attention. This common cat communication strategy works well when trying to coax your feline out of hiding or when making sure she has plenty of fresh poop to eat.
Though tail-to-tail kissing may no longer be as popular, your cat still has plenty of other ways to show their affection towards you and those around them. These include tail puffing (kitty friendly form of “fluffing”) and rubbing their tails against other cats, people, or objects as a sign of love and friendship.
Eyesight is another important indicator of a cat’s emotional state. Eyes in an upright position with pupils neither dilated nor constricted, along with a steady or gently moving tail all indicate a contented, healthy cat who enjoys companionship.
If you’re in the market for a new pet or want to show your furry friend that you appreciate their company, learning about cat tail behaviors and other body language is the first step towards building an intimate bond with them. With some knowledge and practice, it will become second nature for both of you to communicate better; with each step forward comes joy!
Head-to-Head
Cats tend to be social creatures, so it’s not surprising if they show some human affection. The best way to win your feline friend’s heart is by making them feel special. Most cats can be charmed with treats and toys; providing both a contented cat and contented owner. Some tricks might be more obvious than others but the results will be worth your while. When playing cat games together as a team, make sure both of you receive plenty of attention as well as quality time together as a unit.
Eye-to-Eye
Eye contact is a crucial aspect of cat and owner bonding. They show their affection by maintaining eye contact for extended periods, conveying their interest and affection.
Particularly if the cat hasn’t seen you in some time, their love and trust for you may have grown stronger. Additionally, this shows they feel secure around you and can relax comfortably around you.
Cats have been known to give ‘eye kisses’ when they gaze upon someone they love with half-closed eyelids and slowly blinking repeatedly. This gesture shows their trust and affection for you, so it’s an excellent opportunity for us to reciprocate!
Slow blinking has also been found to strengthen the human-cat bond. According to a study published in Scientific Reports, when humans blinked slowly toward a cat it was perceived as “kissing.”
If your cat is staring back at you with intent, try holding their gaze and giving them a quick ‘kiss’ to show that you care. Chances are good that they’ll reciprocate and the two of you will instantly have a closer bond.
In addition to eye-to-eye contact, cats often rub their cheeks against your hands and legs when expressing affection. This behavior is learned from their mothers and serves as a way for them to mark you as their own by secreting oils from their facial glands. While this type of expression is quite common among cats, it’s always wise to consult your veterinarian first before trying any new pet activities or exercises; they may have specific recommendations tailored for both of you.
