How do cats choose their favorite person?

Cats are known for being selective with their affections and a little particular about who they share their love with. Take it from any regular cat sitter that while some can be standoffish with strangers, others will welcome newcomers with open paws (even if they do have cat allergies!). Gain a selective kitty’s affection, and you’ll be left feeling like the cream of the crop. 

Cat lovers, we know you want to be top of the favorites list. That’s why we’re getting to the bottom of all the feline fuss to answer the question “How do cats choose their favorite person?” and give you a few tips on how to become the chosen one. But first things first and favorites aside, how do you know your cat even likes you?!

How do I know if my cat loves me?

Here are the signs your cat loves you and you rank pretty high on the favorite human list. 

Physical closeness 

Don’t we all want to be close to our loved ones? Cats often show their affection for their favorite people by following them around the house, sleeping between their legs, running to them when they return home, and spending their time snuggled up nearby. Be aware though, overexcitement when you return home (paired with other symptoms, like destructive behaviors and a reduced appetite) can be signs of cat separation anxiety.

Physical affection 

Headbutting, licking, and rubbing their cheeks against you are all signs you’re in your cat’s good books. That being said, many cats don’t like being touched. In these cases, they may choose to spend time with the people who give them the most space (which is why some cats have a reputation for curling up next to the people who show the least interest in them). But just because your feline friend doesn’t want to be petted doesn’t mean they don’t love you.

And as we always want the best for our kitties, be sure to know what’s normal when it comes to your cat’s need for attention - any dramatic changes can be a sign of a depressed cat.

Communication 

Cats sometimes headbut or meow when they’re trying to tell their favorite human something. An attentive pet parent may learn to decipher what their fur baby’s trying to say, creating an extra special bond between the two. 

How do cats choose a favorite person? 

So now we know how to tell if a cat likes you, how do cats pick their favorite person? The lucky human may be chosen for a variety of reasons.

Care

As domesticated animals, cats rely on their pet parents to give them the care and attention they need. Kittens can form particularly strong bonds as their pet parents effectively take on the role of mother. 

Food

Their instinct for survival is one of the key drivers in how cats choose their favorite person. We’re sorry to say it, but a cat’s favorite person is often the one who feeds them. 

Time

The more time you spend with your feline friend, the more opportunities you have to bond. Playing with them, training, and ensuring the two of you have lots of positive interactions can ensure you’re your cat’s favorite person.  

Understanding 

Focus on your cat’s body language and behavior and try to find out if they like tummy rubs or watching birds. Cats naturally gravitate towards the people who understand them the most.

Respect

A person who is respectful of a cat’s boundaries is likely to be top of the favorites list. Cats may not enjoy being around people who pick them up too much or squeeze them too hard when they’re snuggling.

Routine

Cats like predictability, so they’re likely to be drawn to members of the household who wake up at the same time every day (and make them breakfast immediately, naturally).

Safety

Furry friends enjoy being around people who make them feel safe. From loud noises and unpredictable behavior to being scolded and told off, they’re likely to avoid people who put them on edge.

Choosing a favorite human isn’t always straightforward, and the amount of affection a cat dishes out can also be based on age, breed, and personality. Breeds such as Persians and Ragdolls are known for being particularly friendly, while the Russian Blue is thought to be more independent. 

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