Living

7 Strange but Cute Cat Signs That Show They Trust You

By Ashley Zlatopolsky Parade Pets

Updated June 9, 2026 4:27 AM

A cat onmly shows its belly to people they trust. Getty Images Chris Collins

Cats may get a reputation for being aloof and independent, but when a cat feels safe with a person, they often reveal it in surprisingly ways. However, because cats communicate differently than people do, it can be hard for pet parents to always know what their kitty is trying to tell them, especially when their actions come across in a way they don't expect. That's why reading their body language and knowing what their behaviors mean can help you build a tighter bond with your cat. To help you out, we rounded up 7 strange, but cute signs your cat trusts you. That way, you'll be less likely to miss them.

After all, unlike dogs, cats are more caution with showing vulnerability, as its deeply rooted in survival instincts. In the wild, showing the wrong signal at the wrong time can make them an easy target for predators, so even today's domestic cats carry that careful, observant nature with them. Because of this, trust, for a cat, is never automatic, it's something earned slowly, through consistency, comfort and quiet understanding.

That's what makes those small, easily missed moments so meaningful. A slow blink from across the room or the decision to nap near you are not random behaviors-they're quiet declarations that they feel comfortable around you and love you. So, while these feline habbits may seem small at first glance, in a cat's world, they carry real emotional weight.

Here are seven unusual and adorable behaviors that are signs your cat trusts you more than you realize.

7 Strange but Cute Signs Your Cat Trusts You

If you've ever wondered how you can tell if your cat trusts you, you're in luck because experts are revealing some cat trust signs that you probably have overlooked before.

They Expose Their Belly

One of the most surprising-and endearing-moments you might witness is when your cat rolls over and exposes its belly. At first glance, it can look like an invitation for a belly rub, but in reality, it's often a much deeper sign of comfort and emotional ease.

After all, a cat's stomach is one of its most vulnerable areas, protecting vital organs that would normally be guarded in situations of stress or uncertainty. Because of this, exposing it is not something cats do lightly and something they only do when they trust someone.

"Showing their belly isn't necessarily an invitation for a belly rub," explains Dr. Nick Horniman, veterinary surgeon and founder of myPetsVet. "It's more often than not demonstrating that they feel safe enough around you to completely relax."

Their Tail is Raised

If your cat walks toward you with its tail held upright, it might look like an ordinary movement, but it's actually one of the clearest signs your cat trusts you and feels connected to you. While it may seem simple or even a little strange at first, this cute behavior often reflects deep comfort and emotional security.

"When a cat trusts you, their tail will be relaxed and often held up, which reveals they are actively interested in an interaction," says Dr. Stephanie Borns-Well, assistant clinical professor at Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University.

A cat that truly feels at ease with you will avoid defensive body language such as crouching low, flattening its posture, or tightly tucking itself in. Instead, it will often relax in your presence, stretching out or lounging nearby as if it has no need to stay guarded.

They Blink Slowly

Sometimes the smallest moments are the most heart-melting. Another subtle sign your cat feels safe and comfortable with you has to do with their eyes. If your cat looks at you and slowly opens and closes its eyes, it's engaging in a quiet but meaningful form of communication. Often called a "slow blink," this behavior is widely recognized as a feline expression of calm, comfort and emotional connection.

"Cats are naturally vigilant animals," Horniman states. "Closing their eyes, even briefly, makes them temporarily vulnerable. To do so slowly around a person shows they feel safe in their presence."

They Sleep Near You

It might seem a little weird, but where your cat chooses to sleep can actually be one of the clearest signs they feel safe and comfortable around you-and in many cases, it's a subtle sign of trust.

Sleep is one of the most vulnerable states for any animal, and where a cat chooses to rest says a lot about how safe they feel.

"In the wild, f they were to pick the wrong location for a nap, they may end up as a snack for another animal," says Joey Lusvardi, certified cat behavior consultant at Class Act Cats. "That's why sometimes you'll see cats sleeping in groups with trusted associates so they'll all be protected should danger arise."

When a cat chooses to sleep near you, it's often a sign that they don't feel the need to stay on guard and they see you as part of their family.

They Eat Without Watching You

One slightly strange signs your cat feels safe around you can be seen during mealtimes. While most cats are naturally alert when eating, always aware of their surroundings, some will relax enough to eat without constantly checking what's going on around them. So, if you furbaby does this, it's a good thing!

"If a cat is happy to eat with its back turned or without regularly checking where you are, it usually indicates they don't see you as a threat," Horniman explains.

In more guarded situations, cats will often pause mid-meal to scan the room, reposition themselves, or make sure they can keep an eye on their environment. A cat that doesn't feel the need to do this is showing a quiet but meaningful level of comfort in your presence.

They Use the Litter Box in Front of You

Some of the strongest signs your cat trusts you show up in the moments you would least expect. One of them is when they use the litter box while you're still in the room. After all, elimination is one of the most vulnerable moments in a cat's daily routine, which makes their behavior during this time especially informative.

"In nature, a predator could ambush them or the scent of their waste could attract a predator after they finish," Lusvardi says. "Your cat using the litter box with you nearby indicates they feel safe enough around you to not see you as a threat."

Even though the act itself is private and exposed, a trusting cat will not feel the need to hide or wait for you to leave the room.

They Run Toward You When Startled

If you think your cat is completely fearless, it might actually seem a little odd when they suddenly run toward you or settle close by after something scary happens, like a loud noise or an unexpected movement. But this is often an indication that your cat sees you as someone who is trustworthy.

"Cats usually move toward places or individuals they associate with security," says veterinarian Dr. Sarah Wooten. "This type of behavior can be a meaningful sign that the cat sees that person as part of their safe zone."

So even though it may seem surprising at first, your cat seeking you out after a frightening moment is actually a compliment in their own quiet way. It shows you've become part of their coping system and someone they rely on to feel grounded when the world suddenly feels uncertain.

Sources:

Dr. Stephanie Borns-Well, assistant clinical professor at Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University

Dr. Nick Horniman, veterinary surgeon and founder of myPetsVet

Joey Lusvardi, certified cat behavior consultant at Class Act Cats

Dr. Sarah Wooten, veterinarian

This story was originally published June 9, 2026 at 4:10 AM.