One of the greatest parts of pet ownership is being greeted by your furry companion the minute you walk in the door. A cat greeting is not the same as a dog greeting, and the way your cat greets people can tell a lot about how much she trusts them. Once you know the secrets behind the various greetings cats give, you can have a deeper understanding of how your cat feels about you and other people.

The Purrrfect Greeting

When a stranger comes into your home it's very likely your cat keeps her distance. You may even notice your cat greeting each person in your family differently. Cats are very independent animals and when they do make the effort to greet someone, it is because they trust that person and consider them part of their world. Cats have scent glands on their head and around their ears, and they often rub their heads against people and inanimate objects that they value. They want to rub their scent and get to know your scent, too. When a cat is first testing out whether she should trust someone, she may rub against that person's legs. Sometimes when cats start this rubbing process, strangers think the cat wants to be pet. However, if a person reaches down to pet them right away, chances are the cat will take off and hide. So, if you are lucky enough to have a cat rub against you, enjoy it for a few moments before trying to pet her.

Orange tabby kitten lying on back on a blue sofa.

The Head Holds a Hidden Message

Whether you call it head butting, head bumping or head bunting, when a cat pushes her head against her human, she's showing that they feel an extremely close bond with that human. The head bump is intimate and is saved for a cat's closest pet friends and most trusted humans. Head butting is a little different from just rubbing their head around something. It is a firm push of the head into their human or pet pal. When a cat presses her head into the head of another animal or human, that is the ultimate sign of trust and love.

The Upturned Belly

If your cat doesn't rub against your leg or never head bumps you, that doesn't mean she doesn't like you. Some cats like to lie around and, rather than exert energy to come see you, they will instead roll over and expose their belly. This doesn't mean they want you to come over and rub their belly. Instead, they're showing that they feel safe, and the exposed belly shows they're willing to leave themselves vulnerable. If your cat does this as a way to greet you, talk softly to her, but don't touch her right away. She may move and start doing some rubbing or she may blink at you.

The Secret of the Slow Blink

When cats encounter strange humans or other cats they don't know, they usually greet them with an unblinking stare. Slow blinks can be a sign of contentment and affection. You can slowly blink back at your cat and see how long the exchange lasts. This blinking can be a way to bond with your cat without touching her. This is especially important with a new cat or an older cat she may have had some bad experiences before being adopted into your loving home.

Finally, cats communicate with their tails, as well. Many cats use a question mark shaped tail to greet someone they like or to signal they want to play. A tail in the full upright position also indicates familiarity, trust, and affection.

Whether it is tail signals, slow blinks, head bumps, or just leg rubbing, cats show their affection in many ways and greet the people they trust and love with these body language quirks. Understanding these types of greetings can help you better interact with her and strengthen your bond over time.

Chrissie Klinger Chrissie Klinger

Chrissie Klinger is an educator, writer and mother of two children, three dogs and three cats. Her dog Jake loves sitting on her lap every chance he gets! She enjoys living an active and eco-friendly lifestyle in rural Pennsylvania.

Related articles

Why Do Cats Stick Their Tongue Out?

They look super cute when doing it, but why do cats stick their tongue out? Read on to find out what it means!

Feline Cognitive Dysfunction & Cat Dementia and How To Help

Learn all about cat brain aging, dementia, signs of senility in senior cats to feline dementia treatment and care.

Cat Tooth Extractions: What to Expect

Learn when a cat tooth extraction might be necessary, what the recovery process can entail for cat teeth removal and how to prevent the need for an extraction in the future

Cataracts in Cats: What You Need to Know

Learn helpful info about cataracts in cats, including what causes them, typical signs of a feline cataract, how they are diagnosed and treatment options.

Using Positive Reinforcement when Training Your Kitten

Learn how positive reinforcements can reward your kitten for good behavior while their still young to set them up for success when they get older.

What Is Cat Chirping and Why Do Cats Do It?

Discover what cat chirping sounds like, why cats make that sound and what their body language when they chirp might mean.

Six Ways to Socialize Your New Cat

Socializing a cat into a new home takes patience and love. Discover these cat socialization tips to help an adopted cat adjust to her family.

My Cat Ate String: Dangers, What to Do & Treatments

Discover health issues that can occur if your cat eats string, what you should do if you're sure they did, and possible treatments your vet might suggest.

Why Do a Cat's Eyes Glow?

Learn the science behind your kitty's shining eyes and find out why their eyes have a unique glow to them.

Why Are Adopted Cats Returned to Shelters?

Learning common reasons why adopted cats are returned to shelters can help you better prepare for your adoption journey and enjoy your new pet.

Cat Language: How Cats Communicate

Learn how your cat communicates with you as well as other cats in the house, and what their cat language might be telling you about them.

Cat Life Stages: Providing the Best Care for Your Cat at Any Age

From the kitten stage to the geriatric cat stage, learn the six cat life stages and tips for providing the best care for your cat at any stage of her life.

What are the visible signs of aging in cats?

When is a cat considered a senior? Learn how to recognize signs of aging in cats and tips to support your cat's age through better nutrition and care.

Cat-Proofing Your Fish Tank: How to Protect Your Fish from a Curious Kitty

Learn why cats are often fascinated with fish tanks, including factors like their prey drive, and tips for cat-proofing it from your curious kitty.

Safe Play Between Cats and Kids

Learn to help cats and kids enjoy fun and safe playtime together. From introductions to holding, here's how to play with cats when kids are involved.

Is Your Cat Hiding Their Pain? Recognizing the Signs & Symptoms.

Cats can often mask their pain or discomfort depending on the ailment. It is important to spot the signs early and consult your vet. Learn more here.

What to Expect at Your Kitten's 6-Month Health Check

We advise a 6-month health check up for any new kitten to ensure it's in good health condition. Read more about what to expect at your visit.

Cat's Upset & Sensitive Stomach: Treatments & Food Choices

Just like people, cats can experience occasional stomach upset. If your cat exhibits any of the following, especially after eating, she may have a sensitive stomach.

Cat Diabetes: Symptoms & Treatment

Learn how to recognize the signs of cat diabetes, how it can affect her health, and how treatments like insulin injections can help manage this disease.

Cat Ear Emotions: How Cat Ears Move With Their Mood

Learn how your cat's ear language and movements can show you their underlying emotions, including what a variety of different positions mean.