30 Signs Feral Cat Trusts You | Discover When Cat Likes You

Today we will discuss about 30 Signs Feral Cat Trusts You | Discover When Cat Likes You. So let’s get started. Feral cats, often misunderstood as aloof or untouchable, can indeed form bonds with humans, albeit on their terms. Recognizing the signs of trust and affection from a feral cat can be a rewarding experience for any animal lover. Here are 30 signs that a feral cat trusts you but might actually like you.

1. Approaching You

When a feral cat trusts you begins to approach you without immediate provocation or the lure of food, it’s a sign they feel comfortable in your presence.

2. Maintaining Eye Contact

Cat trusts you use eye contact as a means of communication. A feral cat making and maintaining eye contact with slow blinks is showing trust and affection.

3. Allowing You to Get Close

Feral cat trusts you & typically keep a safe distance from humans. If one allows you to get physically close, it’s a significant sign of trust.

4. Following You

A feral cat trusts you that follows you around has likely accepted you as a part of its environment and is curious about you.

5. Not Running Away When Spotted

Instead of running away when you notice each other, the cat stays put or continues what it was doing, indicating comfort with your presence.

6. Bringing You “Gifts”

While not always pleasant, a feral cat trusts you & bringing you small prey or gifts is a sign of trust and an offering of friendship.

7. Rubbing Against Your Legs

This behavior marks you with their scent and is a clear sign of affection and trust from a feral cat.

8. Exposing Their Belly

The belly is a cat’s most vulnerable area. Exposing it to you is a sign of ultimate trust.

9. Purring

Purring in your presence shows they are relaxed and content around you.

10. Meowing

Feral cat trusts you & rarely vocalize with humans unless they’ve established a bond of trust.

11. Kneading

If a feral cat kneads when near you or on you, it’s a comforting behavior that signifies trust.

12. Eating Near You

A feral cat trusts you & feeling safe enough to eat in your presence is a big step in building trust.

13. Sleeping Near You

Sleeping exposes cats to potential predators. Doing this near you means they feel protected.

14. Tail Up

A tail up in the air while interacting with you is a friendly greeting from a cat.

15. Nuzzling

Nuzzling your hands or face is a sign of affection and comfort.

16. Licking

Licking is a grooming behavior and doing it to you means you’re considered part of their family.

17. Head-Butting

This affectionate gesture is a way for cats to share their scent with someone they trust.

18. Playing

Initiating play is a sign a feral cat is comfortable and trusts you enough to be vulnerable.

19. Sitting on Your Lap

Choosing to sit on your lap is a clear sign of trust and liking from a feral cat.

20. Listening to Your Voice

A feral cat that listens and responds to your voice sees you as a trusted figure.

21. Blinking Slowly

Slow blinking is a cat’s way of saying “I love you” or “I trust you.”

22. Sitting With Their Back Towards You

This shows they trust you enough to turn their back on you, a vulnerable position for cats.

23. Coming When Called

Responding to their name or coming when called is a significant display of trust from a feral cat.

24. Waiting for You

If a feral cat trusts you & waits for you at your usual meeting spot, it means they’ve formed a routine around your encounters.

25. Showing Their Kittens

If a female feral cat shows you her kittens, it’s a profound sign of trust.

26. Relaxed Ears

Ears in a natural, relaxed position indicate a cat trusts you & feels safe and comfortable.

27. Grooming in Your Presence

A cat grooming itself near you means it feels secure enough to perform this vulnerable act.

28. Sharing Space Comfortably

Simply sharing the same space without signs of stress is a big step for a feral cat.

29. Touching Nose to Your Hand

A nose-to-hand touch is a cat’s way of saying hello to someone they trust.

30. Choosing to Stay Around

Ultimately, a feral cat trusts you & choosing to stay in your vicinity over time is the most telling sign it trusts and likes you.

Feral cats are complex creatures with a wide range of behaviors influenced by their experiences with humans and their environment. While earning the trust of a feral cat can take time and patience, recognizing these signs of trust and affection can be incredibly rewarding. Always approach feral cats with caution and respect their boundaries, and you may find yourself with a new, albeit somewhat independent, furry friend.

Conclusion

Understanding and recognizing the signs of trust and affection from a feral cat trusts you can be a rewarding experience for any animal lover. From approaching you to choosing to stay in your vicinity, these 30 signs are clear indicators that a feral cat has not only accepted you but might actually like you. Remember to always approach feral cats with caution and respect, and enjoy building a bond with these intriguing and misunderstood creatures.

FAQs

How do you tell if a feral cat trusts you?

To determine if a feral cat trusts you, look for subtle but clear signs such as seeking your presence, relaxed body language, and initiating contact. Trust from a feral cat doesn’t come easily and represents a significant achievement in your interactions with them. When a feral cat trusts you & feels secure enough to eat, sleep, or groom near you, it signifies a deep level of trust. Each cat is unique, and their trust may be expressed in various ways, but the key is to notice changes in their behavior that indicate they view you as a safe and comforting presence in their lives. Remember, patience and consistent, gentle behavior on your part are crucial to building this trust.

Do feral cats get attached to humans?

Yes, feral cats can form attachments to humans. Although they are often characterized as being aloof or independent, many feral cats are capable of developing strong bonds with individuals who consistently provide them with food, safety, and gentle interactions. These attachments may not resemble the behavior of a domesticated house cat, as feral cats tend to express their affection and trust in more subtle ways.

How do you know if a stray cat has chosen you?

When a stray cat has chosen you, it will exhibit behaviors indicative of trust and affection, similar to feral cats but often with a greater willingness for close interaction due to their varying levels of exposure to humans. One of the most telling signs is consistent proximity; the cat trusts you & may follow you, wait for you to come home, or consistently appear in places where you spend time. Additionally, a stray cat might be more vocally communicative, meowing or purring to get your attention and express its comfort around you.

How long does it take for a feral cat to trust you?

The time it takes for a feral cat trusts you can vary significantly depending on the cat’s previous experiences and personality. It could take anywhere from a few weeks to several months or even longer. Building trust with a feral cat requires patience, consistency, and a calm demeanor. Regular feeding times, speaking softly, and maintaining a respectful distance can help accelerate the process.

Is it cruel to bring in a feral cat?

Bringing a feral cat trusts you into a domestic environment is a decision that requires careful consideration of the cat’s welfare, your ability to provide for its needs, and an understanding of the challenges involved. It’s not inherently cruel to bring a feral cat indoors, especially if the cat is young, injured, or in immediate danger, but it’s a process that must be approached with patience, knowledge, and compassion. Transitioning a feral cat to an indoor lifestyle can be highly stressful for the animal if not done correctly and gradually.

How to win a feral cat’s trust?

Winning a feral cat’s trust is a careful and deliberate process that encompasses several steps, beginning with creating a routine.

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