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!
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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
11. They Vocalize Differently Around You
Cats often develop unique vocalizations specifically for their human companions. These personalized sounds can range from chirps to trills or even soft coos. This behavior mirrors how kittens communicate with their mother, using tailored vocal tones to express needs or affection. If your cat “talks” to you in a way they don’t with anyone else, it is a clear sign they see you as a caregiver.
Read Next: 10 Signs Your Cat is Mad at You
12. They Follow Your Schedule
Cats are creatures of habit, and they often adapt to their human’s daily routines. If your cat wakes up when you do, joins you during breakfast, or waits by the door when you’re expected home, it’s a sign they’ve synchronized their lives with yours. This behavior mimics how kittens rely on their mother’s schedule for feeding and care.
Read Next: 10 Signs Your Cat Sees You as a Protector
13. They Mimic Your Behavior
Some cats go so far as to imitate their owners. You might find your cat “helping” with chores, pawing at your laptop, or even curling up in a position similar to yours. This mimicry is a sign of admiration and a deep bond, reflecting the way kittens model their behavior after their mother.
Read Next: 10 Signs Your Cat Considers You its Best Friend
14. They “Protect” You
While cats may not have the same protective instincts as dogs, they can be surprisingly vigilant. If your cat positions themselves between you and a perceived threat or meows to alert you to unusual activity, it’s a sign they view you as someone worth protecting. This instinct is reminiscent of a kitten’s reliance on their mother for safety, now flipped as a mutual care dynamic.
Read Next: 10 Signs of a Happy Cat
15. They Groom Themselves After You Pet Them
When a cat grooms themselves right after you’ve petted them, it’s not necessarily a rejection of your touch. Instead, it’s a sign of trust and bonding. By spreading your scent along their fur through grooming, they’re reinforcing their connection to you, similar to how a kitten would retain the scent of their mother after close contact.
Read Next: 10 Signs Your Cat doesn’t Listen to You
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.
10 Things Your Cat Will Never Forgive
Cats have a great memory, especially when remembering bad experiences. While still up for debate, most experts believe felines can retain memories for 15 to 20 years!
This practical capability helps them in the wild and allows them to form long-term bonds, recall useful information, and (yes) even hold grudges.
In short, if you’re a first-time fur mom or dad, it’s crucial to remain on their good side, lest you incur the feline’s wrath!
So, here are 10 things your cat will never forgive and you should never do. Some of these are seemingly harmless mistakes, yet have a lasting impact on your cat’s well-being and your relationship.
Read Next: 10 Things Your Cat Will Never Forgive
10 Myths About Cats You Should Stop Believing
As a long-time cat owner, I’ve found that many of my friends often have misconceptions about cats. Unfortunately, new cat parents may encounter problems because of misinformation on the internet.
Today, we’ll discuss ten myths about cats that you should stop believing. You’ll be surprised by just how much you didn’t know about your feline companion!
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10 Everyday Things That Hurt Your Cat’s Feelings
Think your cat’s upset? Well, it probably is!
Cats can get annoyed, bored, freaked out, or totally zen. Believe it or not, they can also feel hurt. Yep, our feline friends are more sensitive than we realize.
So, here are 10 everyday things that hurt your cat’s feelings, so you’ll know how to avoid them.
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Amanda created and owns The Discerning Cat. A lifelong cat lover she is the proud parent of two Siberian cats, Alexei and Vladimir. She is passionate about understanding cats and different cat breeds.