How do you know if your cat trusts you?

Have you ever wondered what’s really going on in your furry feline’s mysterious little noggin? Our feline friends can be hard to read at the best of times, but they have particularly special ways of showing love and trust.

So how do you know if your cat trusts you? With the help of some of our expert Community Forum users, we're exploring how to tell if your furry friend thinks you’re the cat’s pajamas.

How do you know if your cat trusts you?

Here are ten signs your cat trusts you and feels totally at ease when you’re around.

1. They want to be with you

Don’t you prefer hanging out with the people you love and trust? If your furry feline likes spending time with you, chances are, they feel comfortable in your presence. A nervous cat would run and find somewhere to hide, but if they’re happy sauntering around the house with you around, it means they feel safe. Whether they like to curl up on your lap, follow you from room to room, or even sleep on you, spending time with you is a sign you’re in their good books.

Forum contributor @Maggie8K shared a story about a cat who would summon her to the living room just to keep him company. "He’d meow until I followed him," she says. And @Ziggy tells us about a cat they're caring for who insists on sitting on her lap – even when she’s on the loo! “Now THAT'S trust,” she adds.

But if your favorite fluffy isn’t super sociable, that doesn’t mean they don’t trust you! Just like humans, some kitties just prefer spending time alone.

2. Showing their belly

"The fully exposed belly" is all @DianeG needs to say. In the cat world, the belly reveal is the ultimate sign of trust. When a cat lays on their back and exposes their furry tummy, they’re showing you their most vulnerable side – literally!

While it might be tempting to dive in for a belly rub, be warned: this isn’t always an open invitation for a tummy tickle. Most cats lying on their backs are saying, “Look how much I trust you” rather than “Please rub my belly,” so proceed with caution.

3. The slow blink

Cats have a not-so-secret handshake, and it’s called the slow blink. This sleepy, loving blink is their way of welcoming you into the circle of trust and is one of the cat signs of affection.

However, if your cat is staring at you unblinkingly, this may be a sign you need to back off.

4. Your cat kneads on you

When your cat starts kneading you with their paws (a.k.a. making biscuits), it’s an adorable way of saying they trust you and they feel safe. It’s also a way of marking their territory and saying “You’re mine.”

5. Headbutts and face nuzzles 

You wouldn’t press your head up against someone who made you feel unsafe, would you? When your cat rubs their head against your cheeks or headbutts you, they’re depositing pheromones and marking you as "safe."

6. Grooming you

If your cat starts licking you or grooming your hair, congrats! You’ve been accepted as a member of their family. Cats groom those they love and trust, and returning the favor by brushing them won’t go unnoticed.

@Maggie8K shared a story about a particularly affectionate kitty, "My favorite cat sit involved one who ADORED having his face and head brushed. He slept with me once he got over his skittishness and he’d gently “comb” my hair, as if I’d enjoy it as much as he did."

7. Greeting you when you get home

Does your cat run to the door to greet you, chirping and meowing up a storm when you come home? This warm welcome is a sure sign they’ve missed you and are thrilled to see you. A high tail and happy prance mean they’re happier when you’re around.

8. Chatting with you

Cats are typically quiet creatures, but if your kitty likes to meow at you as if having a conversation, it’s a sign they feel connected to you.

9. Sleeping close to you

When your furry feline curls up next to you, they’re showing the ultimate trust in you. Sleep is when cats are most vulnerable, so if they choose to snooze near you, it means they feel totally safe and secure in your presence.

As @Amparo says, cats show they trust you "When they purr and snuggle beside you whether in bed, in the lounge, or on the floor."

10. Bringing you “gifts” 

@Maggie8K shared a story about a cat she cared for who proudly presented her with a dead mouse. Okay, this might not be your idea of the perfect gift, but to your cat, it’s a sign of love and care. They’re trying to provide for you, just like they would for their own furry family members, and it’s a way to show affection for you.

So, while it might be a bit gross, take it as a compliment – they trust you enough to share their “bounty” with you!

If your furry feline is doing any of these things already, give yourself a pat on the back – your cat thinks you’re pretty great. But if you’re still wondering how to know if your cat trusts you, don’t worry. Learning to build a trusting relationship takes time, check out our tips on getting a cat to trust you to help you on your way.

If you’re heading out of town and want to ensure your kitty feels safe and secure while you’re away, consider getting an in-home cat sitter who understands exactly how to gain your furry friend’s trust. They’ll be there to give your purr pal exactly what they need to stay happy and healthy in your absence.