Gratitude is a complex emotion as its a blend of happiness, appreciation and social bonding all mixed in one. In short, gratitude is that lovely feeling that you sense when you know you’re being cared for and loved. So, if you’re a pet owner, you may be wondering, “How do I know if my cat is grateful?” or “How do cats say show they appreciate you in the first place?“

When it comes to cats and gratitude, they express it—and even register it—a little differently than dogs or humans do. So if you’re a cat person, paying attention to your feline’s subtle cues can help you recognize cat behavior signs that show appreciation, trust and affection. From gentle head nudges and purring to following you around or slow blinking, these are all happy cat signs that indicate your pet feels safe, loved and truly grateful for your care. Understanding these behaviors and how cats communicate not only strengthens your bond, but also helps you identify key feline health and happiness indicators.

“Cats aren’t antisocial, they’re just subtle about things,” says Dr. Colleen Lambo, DVM, Ph.D., a relief veterinarian with Roo. “They bond on their own terms, not ours. Think of them less like a Golden Retriever, and more like your witty, emotionally intelligent friend who doesn’t hug everyone at the party, but sends you a meme that says, ‘I saw this and thought of you.’ That’s cat love. Once you learn their love language, you’ll realize they’re incredibly affectionate, just with boundaries. While cats might not write thank-you notes or wag their tails, their affection runs deep—you just have to know what to look for.”

To find our what 8 signs show your cat is grateful for you akeep reading. That way, the next time your furry family member does one of these things you’ll know what they are really trying to tell you.

Related: 10 Signs Your Cat Is Happy & Feels Safe, According to a Vet

8 Signs Your Cat Is Grateful for You

The signs your cat is grateful for you can fly under the radar. But once you know how to read a cat’s body language, you’ll realize your kitty regularly showers you with appreciation and their version of affection. Here’s what vets suggest looking out for when bonding with your feline friend to see that they are grateful for you this Thanksgiving and every other day.

1. Their tail is curved

One cat appreciation sign to look for involves your cat’s tail. While a fast-wagging dog tail can be a surefire sign of happiness and appreciation, cats do things differently. Instead, cats often approach you with an upright, softly hooked tail that looks like a question mark, which is a clear feline gratitude signal and a sign your cat loves you.

“A tail curved like a question mark is feline for, ‘I’m happy you’re here,'” Dr. Lambo explains. This is one of the many happy cat signs that indicate your pet feels safe, content and grateful for your presence.

Dr. Lambo recommends encouraging this sweet sign that your cat is grateful for you. How? Acknowledge your cat with a soft tone or quick pet to show that the appreciation goes both ways.

2. They shadow you

“Following you around the house isn’t clingy—it’s companionship,” Dr. Lambo says. “Cats like your presence, even if it’s just being with you while you’re folding laundry.” So, just know this cat behavior is one of the more subtle happy cat signs to pay attention to.

“Talk to them as you move about,” Dr. Lambo advises. “Cats recognize voices and love being included in your daily rhythm.” Observing these interactions regularly can strengthen your bond and reinforce your cat’s sense of security.

3. Your cat kneads you

“A cat’s purring and kneading are a throwback to kittenhood, showing they feel loved and safe,” Dr. Lambo points out.

Watching these affectionate gestures is a clear way to spot happy cat signs and cat appreciation behaviors, letting you know your feline feels cared for. Though, if the kneading is uncomfortable, Dr. Lambo suggests offering your cat a blanket.

4. They happily flop

Cats show gratitude in funny ways sometimes and this is one happy cat sign that you might not think about at first. However, Dr. Lambo shares that when cats “happy flop” by rolling on their side, stretching or giving you that upside-down stare, it’s a cat appreciation sign.

“Lying on the floor in front of you also shows they feel safe enough to expose their belly, which is the ultimate trust gesture,” Dr. Lambo says.

So, take this cat behvaior as a compliment. Dr. Lambo says responding by talking to your kitty in a soft voice and offering to scratch them can show you love them back.

5. They are your bedside buddy

When your cat curls up beside your legs or on your chest at night and falls alseep, it’s more than a sweet sign that they’re grateful for you. It’s a profound display of friendship and means they love you.

“Sleeping near you means total trust,” Dr. Lambo explains. “Cats only let their guard down with people they feel safe around. “You can return the love by speaking softly or giving them a gentle pet to deepen their sense of comfort.”

Related: If You Like Maine Coons, You’ll Love These 5 Similar Cat Breeds, Vets Say

6. They want to be near your stuff

Some cats reserve their (loving and delightful) invasions of your personal space for bedtime. Others? No matter if you have a big house or small apartment, your cat is always all up in your stuff and to be part of yoru world.

“Whether they settle on your laptop, book or lap, consider their closeness a reflection of their affection and gratitude and their way of staying connected to you—both literally and emotionally,” says Dr. Victoria Carmella, DVM, a veterinary advisor at Pet Honesty. This behavior is a classic cat appreciation sign and one of the most telling happy cat signs, showing your feline feels secure, bonded, and truly grateful for you.

7. They like touching your face

Did you know face rubbing is another sign your cat appreciates you? It’s true!

“If your cat rubs their face or cheeks against you, it’s their way of marking you with their cat scent, a strong sign of their trust and emotional connection with you,” Dr. Carmella says.

8. They love gift-giving

“Whether it’s a favorite toy or an unwanted surprise from outside, gift-giving is your cat’s way of saying ‘thank you’ and sharing something valuable with you,” Dr. Carmella notes.

This thoughtful behavior is a clear cat appreciation sign and one of the most charming happy cat behaviors, as it means they love you dearly.

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This story was originally reported by Parade Pets on Nov 20, 2025, where it first appeared in the Cats section. Add Parade Pets as a Preferred Source by clicking here.