Are you curious to know if that adorable stray cat you’ve been feeding secretly has a soft spot for you? Wonder no more and let’s talk about it!
In this article, I’ll reveal some unmistakable signs that a stray cat has taken a liking to you.
From gentle purrs to playful tail flicks, these telltale behaviors will leave you feline good about your newfound furry friendship.
How to Know if a Stray Cat Likes You
To know if a stray cat likes you, there are things you need to know which include; the stray cat eating from your hands, approaching you confidently, purring around you, rubbing against you, licking you, and bringing you gifts.
When you see this kind of behavior from any stray cat, chances are that the stray cat likes you and is comfortable around you.
Let me break it down further, for a better understanding…
Signs a Stray Cat Likes You
From my experience with stray cats, here are some of the common signs a stray cat likes you:
1. Approaching You Confidently When You Come Around Them: I have been around stray cats a lot to know that they won’t waste any time to flee when unfamiliar humans come around them.
They run away from humans for many reasons, some can run to safety and still check if you are tracking them.
I can boldly tell you that when a stray cat likes you, they won’t hesitate to approach you when you are around their space.
Approaching you confidently when you come around them is a sign they love and trust you.
However, I advise you to stay calm when they approach you, offer them treats, cuddles, or feed them, as this will reinforce their love for you.
2. Purring When You’re Nearby or Petting Them: As a long-time cat owner, I know that a cat purring around a certain person is a sign of love, trust, and comfort, irrespective of whether the cat is an outdoor, indoor, or a stray cat.
That being said, when you approach a stray cat you know and feed, and they start purring around you when you pet them, it’s a clear sign they like you and appreciate your presence.
You should also appreciate them by giving them treats or petting them as a way of reinforcing their trust and love in you.
3. Bringing Dead Prey Animals to Your House: I know that cats bring gifts to you when they love and trust you as I have experienced this on many occasions.
This applies to stray cats too, when you feed a stray cat constantly, over time the stray cat sees you as a family member.
As a way of appreciating you, a stray cat that likes you will likely bring dead prey to your house whether you are home or not.
Bringing you gifts is a way these stray cats deepen their bond and trust with you, I advise you to accept the dead animal and dispose of it properly when they are gone.
Don’t get mad at them for bringing you gifts, collect the gift, and reward them with treats or pats if you still want them around.
4. Rubbing Against Your Legs When You’re Around Them: Cats have scent glands that they use to mark their territory, this helps them secure their place or things.
Rubbing against your legs when you’re around them is their way of marking you as their own because they like you.
Trust me, a stray cat that doesn’t like you won’t rub against you when you are around them.
So when they rub against you, try to reward them by petting, cuddling, or giving them treats, this will help reinforce their love for you.
5. Spending Time Playing With You Outside: From my experience, I can tell you that when a stray cat decides to play with you outside, it usually means that it feels quite comfortable and confident in you.
Playing is an essential part of a stray cat’s existence since it fosters bonding, mental and physical stimulation, and physical activity.
To keep the stray cat occupied and active, engage in interactive play sessions with toys like feather wands or crinkly balls, you can also play which hand game with the stray cat if you have the time.
I can tell you that enough playtime with the stray cat strengthens your bond through good interactions and shared experiences, while also offering them enrichment.
6. Licking Your Hand When You’re Nearby or Petting Them: Cats groom one another as a show of trust and social bonding, stray cats are no different.
Therefore, a stray cat can show its, love, like, trust, devotion, and acceptance by licking your fingers when you come around them.
You can strengthen your relationship with them by gently patting them in return when they exhibit this behavior.
Treats can also reinforce the positive link they have with you by being given in return for their affectionate behavior.
Through mutual grooming, you and the stray cat can develop a stronger bond by fostering a sense of companionship and belonging.
7. Following You Around When You’re Outside or Inside:
From what I know about stray cats, any stray cat that follows you around is obviously attracted to you.
Their desire to be close to you, whether inside or outside, demonstrates their sense of safety and confidence in your presence.
Express gratitude for their company by speaking softly, petting them, giving them treats, and making comforting gestures.
This link between you and a stray cat can be strengthened, and the cat can feel cherished and cared for if they are given a safe and pleasant space, frequent food, and affection.
This behavior can also be a sign of a healthy human-cat bond and is frequently motivated by a need for social interaction.
8. Showing a Relaxed Body Language When You’re Around Them: Any stray cat that seems at ease and trusting around you will likely exhibit relaxed body language.
Kneading, exposing their tummy, and gradual blinking are indications of relaxation.
Approach them quietly and avoid making abrupt moves that could frighten them in order to reply effectively.
You may strengthen the bond of trust and provide them even more security by acknowledging their boundaries and reacting with tender touches like head massages or chin scratches.
Your cat will feel more at ease and your bond will grow if you create a calm and stress-free atmosphere for them.
9. Making Direct Eye Contact and Slowly Blinking At You: In the world of cats, a stray cat’s slow blinking after making direct eye contact with you is a very meaningful form of communication.
Long-term eye contact conveys a sense of security and comfort in your presence, which cats interpret as signs of affection and trust.
The leisurely blink, sometimes known as a “cat kiss,” is a sign of satisfaction and calm.
Look for indicators of rest in the cat’s body language, such as a lowered head, half-closed eyes, and a composed demeanor, to recognize this behavior.
You can respond by slowly blinking back, which lets the cat know that you value their trust and are affectionate toward them.
This gentle exchange can deepen the bond between you and the stray cat, fostering a sense of mutual understanding and connection.
10. Eating from Your Hand: If a stray cat starts eating from your hand, it’s a significant gesture of trust and acceptance.
This behavior indicates that the cat sees you as a source of food and security.
To notice this sign, offer the cat treats or food from your hand and observe their reaction.
If the cat approaches and eats from your hand, it’s a positive indication of their growing attachment.
In response, continue to offer food and treats as a way to build a bond based on trust and care.
Signs That a Stray Cat Doesn’t Like You
When a stray cat doesn’t like you, they may avoid your attention and affection, showing disinterest in approaching you.
Cats who are not interested in you will keep their distance, avoid eye contact, and not follow you around.
A stray cat that hisses, growls, or behaves aggressively against you is also expressing their unease or distaste.
Cats can also communicate their disapproval by arching their back or flattening their ears, which are defensive responses.
In the end, a stray cat that acts fearful, aggressive, or distant from you is probably trying to tell you that they don’t like you.
Getting A Stray Cat To Like You
In my opinion, here are some of the most common and effective ways of getting a stray cat like you:
Always Respect Their Space
It’s important to respect stray cats’ limits while interacting with them. Let them approach you at their own convenience.
Steer clear of abrupt movements or loud noises that could frighten them. To seem less frightening and to give them room to feel at ease, sit or crouch down.
Provide Regular Offer Food and Treats
For cats, food speaks a universal language! Giving your cat just a little amount of food or nice treats will help them form a favorable association with your presence.
To foster trust, approach more closely and offer food at first. Always remember that gaining the trust of a stray cat requires patience.
Read and Understand Their Body Language
Most stray cats can read body language well, so be careful when you meet them the first time.
Steer clear of direct eye contact when you meet them first time, as it may be interpreted as threatening.
Show them you’re not dangerous by blinking slowly, and extending a slow, gentle hand for them to sniff.
Allow the feline to make the first move toward you to indicate that they feel at ease.
Create a Safe Environment
Creating a cozy and secure area for the stray cat can aid in their sense of security.
Offer a safe haven, such as a comfortable bed or box, in a peaceful place.
If you can, make sure there’s food, drink, places to climb, and a litter box available
A cozy, welcoming space can entice the cat to stay and form a relationship with you.
Schedule Regular Interaction and Play Time
Consistent interaction and playtime can strengthen your bond with the stray cat.
Use toys like feather wands or laser pointers to engage them in fun activities.
Spending quality time together can help the cat associate you with positive experiences and build trust over time.
Related: Dangers facing of outdoor cats.
Conclusion
In summary, understanding the subtle signs of a stray cat’s affection can deepen your bond and bring joy to both of your lives. Remember, patience and kindness are key when building trust with these independent creatures. So, keep an eye out for those lingering gazes, gentle headbutts, and contented purrs – they’re all indicators that your furry friend has chosen you as their special human.
Related: Benefits of keeping outdoor cats.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I tell if a stray cat likes me?
You can tell if a stray cat likes you by observing their body language and behavior. Look for signs like purring, rubbing against you, or bringing you small gifts like dead prey. These are all indications that the cat feels comfortable and affectionate towards you.
Do stray cats show affection differently than pet cats?
Stray cats may show affection differently than pet cats due to their independent nature. While pet cats may readily seek physical contact and lap up attention, stray cats might display more subtle signs of affection, such as lingering in your presence, slow blinking, or gentle head-butting.
Can feeding a stray cat help them develop a liking towards me?
Feeding a stray cat can certainly help foster a bond and increase the likelihood of them liking you. Regularly providing food and water creates a sense of trust and dependency. Over time, the cat may associate you with a source of nourishment and develop a liking towards you.
How long does it take for a stray cat to warm up to you?
The time it takes for a stray cat to warm up to you can vary depending on the cat’s personality and past experiences. Some cats may take weeks or even months to fully trust and show affection. Patience, consistency, and respecting their boundaries are key in building a positive relationship with a stray cat.
