Cats tend to use pawing as a form of communication. Cats paw at us out of instinct, by accident, to give or get affection, and to get our attention. Most times, when cats paw at us, it means nothing serious. Sometimes, however, they are getting our attention to tell us that they are sick or in pain.
Cats will knead on many types of soft surfaces, including their humans (especially when you are petting them). Besides being another way to mark you using the scent glands on their paw pads, your cat kneading you is a sign they feel comfortable around you. Kneading is an instinctive cat behavior.
It's a form of play from when they were kittens. Plus they want your attention, most likely in hopes of snacks, petting, or both. Be happy that the kitty at least likes you enough to do this; if they didn't, the kitty would just plain ignore you.
Behaviorists vary on ideas as to why cats do this. Some suggest its related to the cat's scent glands; scent glands release scent when rubbed and the nose poke is a gentle touch.
When a cat headbutts you, they are rubbing pheromones on you. The pheromone deposited during headbutting comes from glands located just in front of a cat's ears. Humans can't detect these pheromones, but to a cat, you can consider yourself marked.
Most, but not all, cats enjoy a good boop, provided it's done respectfully and without forced or unwanted contact. Cats interested in interaction often take a sniff and move in for more contact, giving you the green light to boost your petting game.
Lucky you! Wet nose kisses are a wonderful sign of affection. Sure, there's some initial sniffing involved for identification purposes, but this says you're someone the cat likes. If the cat really likes you, he may punctuate the nose kiss with a gentle love nip.
This is called petting induced or overstimulation aggression. It's a common behavior in many cats, and is something that can be both frustrating and frightening until you learn how to manage this behavior with your cat.
Cats walk in front of their owners to herd them, get attention and affection, or seek some other reaction from their owners e.g get treats.
Cats cannot distinguish their owners by staring at them because their faces appear identical when they are at rest. Instead, cats distinguish between humans using sound and smell. Cats learn to identify their owner's voice, and regardless of whether they're wearing cologne, their skin emits a distinct aroma.
They Trust You
Cats can definitely be temperamental when it comes to human interaction. Any time a person is able to break past this barrier, it warrants celebration. A cat raising their butt toward your hand when you pet them shows that they trust you. Cats are biologically hardwired to protect themselves in the wild.
If your cat sleeps on your bed, he may choose a position that lets him see out your bedroom door more easily. If he's curled up in a ball under your bed or in a quiet corner, then he may be hiding. Cats who sleep under the covers might love being close to you, or they might be hiding to feel safer.
While some cats enjoy being kissed, others will not. Some will feel love, while others will not see kissing as a sign of affection. There are better ways than kissing to show a cat affection that they will understand.
Ziskin says that cats' “gentle 'love' nibbles or light licks” are a way of showing affection, and that some cats even give kisses! She says that your pet may also show affection by purring, nuzzling up to you or rubbing their head against your body.
“Some cats may enjoy kisses, some may learn to tolerate them well, and some cats may not enjoy kisses,” explains cat behavior expert Samantha Bell. But in reality, she notes, it's more that they tolerate a cat kiss than specifically enjoy it. The reason for this, she says, is really interesting.
Decoding your cat's language:
Short meow or mew: A standard greeting. "Hello!" Multiple meows or mews: An excited greeting. "Great to see you!"
Yes, but he probably doesn't care. We're joking, of course. The truth is, cats understand affection just like any other animal, and domestic cats might actually see us as their real-life mommies and daddies.
Communication with your cat is key
That communication style may not include physical touch—being a cat's favorite person doesn't necessarily mean they want you to pet. A cat's favorite person may be the one who makes them feel comfortable and safe just by being in the same room with them.
They can remember a person's face for up to 10 years! And kitties become seriously attached to their humans, so in case you were wondering, yes, your cat remembers and misses you when you're gone for a few weeks, and they absolutely mourn when a trusted companion drops out of their life.
This isn't because they're pernickety, but because they're keeping themselves safe. Cats feel vulnerable in these situations; and a covered litter box gives them a sense of security. You, on the other hand, aren't in need of that extra measure of safety, hence your cat thinks it's okay to follow you to the bathroom!