Even if they have always been at the side of men as they are very useful in warding off unwanted guests, cats today enjoy popularity never seen before thanks to the internet.

Compared to their canine "rivals", however, these animals are subject to some prejudices regarding their ability to show affection. Many people are in fact inclined to think of the cat as an animal uncaring, indifferent, and in general rather opportunistic.

Nothing more wrong! Those who know them and have had the opportunity to interact with them know perfectly well that they are capable of showing an affection equal to that of dogs, albeit in more complex forms and therefore not immediately evident.

Below is a small list of the most common gestures with which your cat expresses his love to you.

1. "Making bread" is more than just a massage

The gesture of "kneading the bread" is a legacy of the first days of life: with this gentle movement, the puppy stimulates the mother's udder to release the precious milk. It can be so energetic at times that it hurts a little, but you have to feel absolutely flattered.

2. A gift is a gift, no matter how strange or creepy it is :-)

Anyone who lives with a cat knows that every now and then his friend can show up with gifts, which he will leave on the carpet, on the pillow, or in plain sight in the home. Sometimes it can be creepy - in the case of lizards or small birds for example - but a gift is always a gift ... what matters is the thought!

3. Pushing your head against yours is a way of showing that you belong to him

If you observe lions in their natural environment, you will notice that the members of the herd often rub their foreheads and cheeks against each other: the glands of felines are in fact scattered throughout the body, and rubbing is a way to "mark" their mates with their own scent, strengthening the bonds of the pack.

4. If your cat stares at you and occasionally squints, he is practically giving you a kiss

The cat's gaze, even if it is affectionately disturbing at times, is practically equivalent to a kiss. Staring at someone and occasionally squinting is a way to show them affection and peace of mind.

5. Uncovering the belly isn't just about asking for a little pampering: it's offering you its confidence

The cat is a cautious animal and in general very suspicious of what it does not know. Lying down and showing the most vulnerable parts (such as the belly) is therefore not just a way to request cuddles: your cat exposes you to the most delicate parts of his body to show you that he trusts you.

6. The movements of its tail say many things

The tail is a fundamental element in feline communication. When the base is soft and the tip is curled slowly, the animal is calm and comfortable.

7. If he chews you, it is because he loves you and is confident with you

The cat's skin is very resistant, which is why felines can often play biting each other without getting any wounds. If your cat nibbles you, it is simply because he considers you to be a fellow cat and wants to play with you.

8. Frantic rubbing on his legs serves to mark his territory - in this case, you

Rubbing almost maniacally on your legs doesn't just make you trip when you come home with your shopping bags: as in step 3, the animal is marking your body with its scent and saying: "This is stuff. my!".

9. Purring and squinting is a sign of well-being and gratitude

Purring is perhaps the most famous gesture of appreciation a cat can make. This too, like making bread, is a gesture that comes from the first experiences of his life: not being able to drink milk and meow at the same time, purring is the kitten's way of communicating to the mother "I'm eating, everything is ok!".

10. And if he follows you step by step, then it's really loved!

Some cats behave like dogs, that is, following their human friend wherever he goes. But if your cat doesn't, don't think it's for lack of love - it's likely that she just has a very independent character!