10 signs your cat has imprinted on you

Updated 25/09/2024

Cats are complicated beings with their own language and set of rules which can sometimes change on a daily basis. When it comes to signs your cat has imprinted on you, there are a few tell tail hints you have (or are caring for) an imprinted cat.

But what is cat imprinting? Do cats imprint? Does my cat like me? And, if so, what signs has your cat imprinted on you? Let’s paws for thought and scratch this mystical moggy itch to find out all there is to know about cat imprinting.

What is cat imprinting?

In nature, the term imprinting is most often referred to as an early stage bond created between babies and parents which helps them to identify what they need to survive. This usually happens with birds when they’re chicks and why hand-reared chickies follow their humans everywhere. 

Cat imprinting is a little bit different. It can be compared to cat affection or cat love, and it’s how kitties show admiration and comfort towards us humans. Basically, it’s a sign your cat has accepted you as part of their family or ‘clowder’. As doggos have packs, horses have herds, kitties have clowders. An imprinted cat sees the human as one of them.

10 signs your cat has imprinted on you

1. Shows you their belly

One of the biggest compliments in the cat world is when your cat shows you their belly. As the most vulnerable and sensitive part of their bodies (bar their paws), displaying their magnificent tum-tums is them saying they feel safe and they trust you.

2. Slow blinking

A cat’s stare followed by a slow blinking is cat communication for ‘I am happy with this situation and your presence’ (this is best imagined with the voice of James Earl Jones). It signals trust and security and is the ultimate compliment: They see you as another cat.

3. Bringing you gifts

As thoughtful as bringing you gifts can be, some of these ‘presents’ can be a bit… unexpected… a bit dead… a bit upsetting. But, they don’t always come in the form of something formally alive, it can include gifts such as feathers, candy wrappers, socks, or other pieces of food. Whatever they decide to gift wrap for you, it’s a sign of cat imprinting - they are caring for you and providing for their family.

4. Belly rubs are not completely forbidden by them

We’ve already discussed the importance of the belly display, but to be allowed to actually touch said tummy is a gift beyond a very dead mouse. It’s true that some cats are more sensitive or ‘ticklish’ than others, and some will never like belly rubs, but even a brief few seconds of tolerating tummy time is a sign of trust and cat imprinting.

5. They follow you (at least sometimes)

Remember, we’re talking about cats here, pet people. They’re independent (the word ‘headstrong’ could be used) creatures who live on their own rules, so some days following you may not be on their schedule. However… If your cat has a few spare moments in their diary, they may simply want to know what their favorite human is up to. An imprinted cat will be curious to see what you plan to do next and see it as a joint adventure.

6. Purring loudly near you

Cats communicate through sound as much as body language and through their scent glands. Cat purring can mean a few different things, but in the company of humans - if they’re sat next to or on you - it’s safe to say they’re feeling pretty relaxed and happy. The purr can often be accompanied by slow blinking, belly displays, and kneading (biscuit making - more on that later).

7. Lots of head bumps and leg rubs

Did you know cats are covered in scent glands? Their paws, face, head, chin, mouth, body, and butt have loads of tiny glands to mark their territory. This is what they’re doing when their head bump (bunt) or rub against you. Don’t worry, it’s nothing threatening! If your cat likes you and has imprinted on you, this is just another way of saying you’re in their gang.

8. They groom you

For any who has ever received cat kisses (AKA cat grooming), you’ll know just how adorable yet unpleasant it can be. Cats have very rough tongues covered in tiny spines - wild cats use these spines to lick meat off bones, yum! - but also for grooming. Grooming is an important part of cat conversation, while it can show both affection and domination, it’s mostly seen as a sign of acceptance.

9. Kneading (making biscuits) next to or on you

Do you know how kids suck their thumbs? Kneading or making biscuits is pretty similar. It’s a form of comfort that reminds them of their time as a kitten with their mother cat. The kneading is how kittens encourage more milk to flow out of mom’s teats as they suckle. Biscuit making reminds them of this time - one of safety and comfort - so an imprinted cat kneading their human means they feel the same affection for you. Aw!

10. They chat to you

Just as purring is a form of cat conversation, so too are meows and trills. We all know meowing is a domestic cat's way of calling human attention. Interestingly, wild cats or feral cats won’t meow after about three months old (when they’ve been weaned), but they will trill to one another as a friendly greeting. Does your cat do that to you? Well then, you might just have an imprinted cat living with 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 vocalizations - a dramatic reduction in these can be a sign of a depressed cat.

How to make my cat imprint on me faster?

You cannot force a cat imprinting, but being a feline friend is a great way to start. Cats are creatures who prefer life on their terms - unlike dogs, they don’t want you rushing up to ruffle their fur and hug them. Instead, allowing a cat to become accustomed to you with gentle movements, and a soft voice, and allowing them to have their space is the best way to lay the foundations for an imprinted cat. Let them sniff you before you touch them, learn to read their body language, and before you know it you’ll have an imprinted cat companion for life.

Meet our veterinary expert, Rebecca

This article has been checked by veterinarian Rebecca MacMillan, BVetMed MRCVS. Rebecca is a companion animal vet who has always had a passion for writing and client communication. Since her graduation from the Royal Veterinary college in 2009 she has gained a wealth of experience in first opinion small animal practice, in both clinical and managerial roles. She currently works in the South West and deals with a variety of routine and emergency appointments, but particularly enjoys medicine cases. Outside of work and writing, she enjoys spending time with her family, including her bouncy flat coated retriever George!

Are you a feline fanatic? Do you know of any other signs your cat has imprinted on you, friend, or pet sitter? Tell us about it on our Community Forum and connect with other pet lovers from around the globe. You don’t even have to be a member to join the cat chat! But, if you are curious about joining, check out our different membership options to see which one would best suit your lifestyle.

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