10 Signs Your Cat Sees You as Its Parent

If your phone gallery is filled with photos of your cat, you’re not a cat owner—you’re a “cat mom” or “cat dad” who loves them to bits. But does your whiskered “child” feel the same way?

The answer is likely yes! Cats might seem aloof or indifferent, but they might actually have more going on emotionally.

Research says that, like kids and dogs, they can form strong attachments with us. In fact, having their people around helps them feel safe, secure, and free to explore their surroundings.

Below are 10 signs your cat sees you as its parent, so pay attention!

1. They Shadow You

Is your cat trailing you from room to room, even when they have everything they need—food, water, and a clean litter box? Well, that’s because they probably think you’re their mom!

When they’re little, kittens stay close to their mothers for food, security, and guidance. In your home, you become the stand-in parent.

So, don’t be surprised if your cat is always underfoot, pops up wherever you go, and scratches at the bathroom door when you’re in there.

Read Next: Why Does My Cat Follow Me Everywhere?

2. They “Make Biscuits” on You

Ever had your cat knead you with their paws, almost like they’re making bread? This adorable behavior is a throwback to kittenhood!

When nursing, kittens knead their mom’s belly to stimulate milk flow, which also triggers the release of oxytocin, the bonding hormone in mothers.

If your adult cat does this to you, it’s a pretty big compliment—you’ve achieved top-tier parent status! And if they’re kneading while purring, they’re extra happy and content.

Read Next: Why Do Cats Knead their Owners?

3. They Bring You “Gifts”

Now, let’s talk about the “lovely” presents your cat brings you. You know, the dead mouse on the doorstep or the half-eaten bird in your shoe. Gross? Maybe. A sign of love? Absolutely!

In the wild, mom cats teach kittens to hunt by bringing them dead or barely alive prey for practice.

Domestic cats no longer have to hunt for food, but once they spot a tiny animal moving, they instinctively go in for the kill.

And when they drop these “gifts” at your feet, they’re essentially showing off their hunting skills. So, as icky as it might be, try to appreciate the sentiment behind the gift.

Read Next: Why Does My Cat Bury its Food?

4. They Come to You for Food

Of course, your cat comes to you for food because you’re the one with opposable thumbs who can open the cans! But there’s more to it than just practical reasons.

In a cat’s world, the provider of food holds a special place. When they meow at you for dinner or wake you up for breakfast, they’re showing that they trust and depend on you, like they would a parent.

But it’s also about the routine and the bond that comes with it. Your cat sees you as the reliable caregiver who ensures their needs are met. Again, a parental role if you think about it.

Read next: Cutest Cat Memes

5. They Sleep Near You

Your cat catching some Z’s near you is a clear sign that they trust you completely. If you’re lucky enough to get the rare clingy kind, they may even snuggle up with you under the covers.

Cats feel the most vulnerable when they’re snoozing, so they’ll find someplace quiet and safe to rest. By sleeping with you, they’re counting on you to keep dangers at bay.

But it goes both ways—sometimes, your cat sees you as a big, clueless cat that needs protection. Adult cats, in particular, often take on the role of your personal night watch.

Read Next: Why Do Cats Sleep Next to Their Owners?

6. They Blink at You

Experts have long believed that slow blinking in kitty language is “I love you” and the equivalent of a kiss in humans. A recent study suggests they were right all along—cats slowly blink to express positive emotions.

While staring can be seen as a threat, this deliberate eye narrowing shows they feel safe enough to let their guard down. If you want to return the affection, slow-blink back at your cat.

Read Next: Why Does Your Cat Stare at You?

7. They Head-Butt You

If your cat ever walks up to you and gently bonks their head against you, don’t worry—they’re not trying to start a fight. This behavior, known as “bunting,” is passed down from mom to kitten, as is rubbing.

Cats have scent glands all over their cute faces, and when they head-butt you, they’re marking you with pheromones. In cat logic, this means “You’re mine!”

Read Next: Why Does My Cat Headbutt me?

8. They Groom You

Cats have a strong instinct to groom, which they use to strengthen social connections with other felines.

This is learned behavior from mothers grooming their kittens or cats grooming each other. And it has a name: allogrooming.

We’ve also covered that cats use scent to mark their territory. Just as mother cats lick their kittens to establish a familiar group scent, your cat might lick you to mark you as part of their group.

Another reason they might lick you is to recreate the soothing experience of nursing, especially if your cat was weaned early.

Read Next: Why Does My Cat Lick My Nose?

9. They Meow at You

Interestingly, adult cats don’t usually meow at each other; they save that special chatter just for us humans. They may yowl at each other, but that’s a different sound entirely.

Kittens meow to let their moms know when they’re cold or hungry but stop using this vocalization once they’re on their own. So, when you step in as their caregiver, they turn those meows toward you.

They have specific meows for different purposes. A quick one might be their way of saying hello, while an earful is likely them demanding, “Feed me now!”

Read Next: Why Does Your Cat Meow Back at You?

10. They Let You Touch Their Vulnerable Spots

Cats are naturally protective of areas like their belly and paws. If your cat lets you rub their belly or play with their paws without turning you into a scratching post, that’s huge!

This level of trust is usually reserved for their mother or siblings. So, be gentle, don’t overstep their boundaries, and stop when they signal they’ve had enough.

Read Next: Funniest Grumpy Cat Memes

Final Thoughts

We all know cats have us wrapped around their little paws when it comes to meal times and keeping their royal litter boxes pristine. But it’s pretty sweet to think you’re more than just a glorified vending machine or poop scooper to your cat.

They still probably think they’re in charge, but these 10 signs your cat sees you as its parent prove otherwise.

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