When your cat thinks you’re its mom, your cat will do these 10 curious things

Cats are often considered independent creatures. Nowadays, they frequently view their human caregivers as sort of surrogate mothers. Well, this is a sort of ‘imprinting’.

It occurs when they are weaned too early from their moms. Or, simply when they form a deep bond with the person who provides food, comfort, and protection.

When your cat views you as its paw-parent, it will exhibit a variety of behaviors. And each of these behaviors mirrors how kittens interact with their mothers.

Here are 10 curious things your cat will do if they think you’re their mom:

Kneading You (‘Making Biscuits’)

This is perhaps the most iconic sign. Kneading includes alternating pressing motions with their paws. It is a behavior that is learned in kittenhood in order to stimulate milk flow from their mother.

Ginger cat resting comfortably on a soft blanket, curled up for a nap

You may notice your cat making biscuits on your lap, clothes, or even your chest. In such cases, they feel safe and comforted. Also, they view you as their source of sustenance and security.

Following You Everywhere

Kittens follow their mothers for protection and to learn how to navigate the world. So if your cat follows you around the house (including into the bathroom), it shows that they trust you completely.

Ginger cat walking on a carpet in sunlight with child following behind

Also, they may feel more secure when you are nearby. When they behave like this, they are essentially acting like a ‘velcro dog.’

Grooming You (Licking Your Hair or Skin)

Cats groom each other to strengthen social bonds. They also mark each other with a familiar group scent. If your cat licks your hair, hands, or face, they are treating you as part of their feline family.

black and white tuxedo cat licking finger of human hand looking at camera on white background

Very specifically, a sibling or a parent-child bond. Once it is done, you are marked as ‘theirs.’

‘Head Bunting’ or Bunting

You may have noticed your cat head-butting you. By doing this, they are likely practicing ‘bunting.’ This is a social behavior where they transfer their scent (from glands around their face) to you.

Mabel the tabby kitten has lots of fun playing the wildcat with her big sister in a dinosaur onesie.

This is a deep gesture of affection and trust. By doing this, they are claiming you as their trusted parental figure. And your cat loves you!

Slow Blinking

You have most likely heard of this one. Veterinarians and animal experts consider the ‘slow blink’ to be the equivalent of a cat kiss. Sometimes, your cat may try to make eye contact with you and blink slowly.

Cat looking at camera. Cat eye half closed, he is blinking. Close up of cat blinking

By doing this, they are signaling that they feel safe and comfortable. They are letting their guard down, just as kittens do with their mothers.

Sleeping On or Next to You

Sleep is a moment of extreme vulnerability for cats. It is an instinct carried over from ancient times. If your cat chooses to sleep on your lap, chest, or head, they consider you their protector and safe space.

Woman having a nap with an Exotic shorthair cat

This trust is even more evident when the cat sleeps with its stomach turned upwards.

Displaying Their Rear End to Your Face

We’re sure the headline made you laugh. Indeed, this is quite comical. But having a cat present their backside to your face is a sign of high trust.

Rear view of curious tabby cat sitting on a wooden table, playful indoor scene with copy space and soft natural light.

In the wild, mother cats lick their kittens’ behinds to help them go to the bathroom. By showing you their rear, they trust you, a behavior that indicates they see you as the caregiver, say, veterinarians.

Bringing You ‘Gifts’

You may have noticed your cat leaving toys, or perhaps ‘gifts’ from outside, at your feet.

The orange cat carries a toy in its mouth. Captures playful or instinctual pet behavior, symbolizing hunting mimicry, entertainment, or bonding with toys. Pet playtime

This is also rooted in a maternal instinct. It is an extension of a mother cat’s job to teach their kittens to hunt.

This way, they are treating you as a member of their social group who needs to learn to hunt or needs to be fed. And this can indicate a strong social bond.

Tail in a ‘Question Mark’ Shape

Cats sometimes hold their tail held high with a curve at the top. It is somewhat like a question mark.

A small black cat with orange eyes and a question mark tail is running toward the camera across a carpet of yellow and orange autumn leaves. Hurry up ! Almost time for Halloween!

Well, that is a sign of a happy, confident cat greeting their favorite person. Kittens raise their tails to greet their mother.

So if your cat does this when you enter the room, they are saying ‘Hello, Mom’. Yes, even if you’re actually the ‘dad’.

Conclusion

These signs tell you without a doubt that you are a ‘mommy’ figure for your cat. They will do these when they trust you with all their heart and soul.

And are not afraid to show it! Isn’t that adorable in so many ways?