Shy felines display affection in numerous subtle, endearing ways. Shy cats may not be loud or cuddly, but their affection is gentle and deeply trusting. Willow and I were shy cats, especially with strangers.

1. Shy cats make small, polite requests for attention. They may do this by a quiet meow, sitting near you, or leaning towards your hand. I used to enjoy standing next to Daddy, and he would stand with me. Willow used to make little meows, but she only gave silent meows at first.
   
2. Shy cats rub against objects such as doorways, walls, and furniture when you enter a room to mark the area with their scent to show they belong there. Willow loved to rub against things.
   
3. Shy cats sometimes like to do gentle head bumps or nose kisses. It is a big compliment from a shy cat. Willow was an enthusiastic head-bumper.
   
4. Shy cats communicate through their tails. With a slow-swishing tail and relaxed posture, the cat shows that it’s comfortable and content. A cat that holds its tail held upright with a small hook at the end is giving a friendly greeting. A cat that has its tail gently wrapped around your leg, or touching your foot or leg, is giving the equivalent of a cat hug. Daddy witnessed that action often. I used to touch his foot or leg with my tail.
   
5. Shy cats show that they feel safe with you by quietly following you around the house, being in the same room, or sitting near you (even if not touching). Willow and I would do those things.
   
   Each shy cat has its own special way of showing its love for you, which is both sweet and subtle. Quietly observing and letting the shy cat approach you on its terms will build the bonds of love
   
   Cooper

Cats are not the cold, independent creatures that some people believe them to be. We have much love to give to our chosen human companions. Sometimes, the unobservant human misses how we show our love.

1. When a cat blinks at you slowly, it is the equivalent of a ‘kitty kiss’. Some of us choose to show our love this way. It means that we trust you completely.
   
2. When a cat purrs while sitting next to you or on you, it mostly means that it is happy, content and relaxed. Cooper, my brofur, had a powerful purr engine and purred his heart out when he was next to Mummy or Daddy.
   
3. When a cat sleeps near you, it shows love, trust and that it feels safe with you. Cooper loved to take a nap curled up in Mummy’s arms, and he slept at night at her feet.
   
4. When a cat walks around with its tail held upright, especially with a curl at the tip, it says that it is pleased to see you. I loved doing that.
   
5. When a cat bumps or rubs you with its head, it shows affection and marks you with its scent. I loved to rub my face on my Mummy’s or Daddy’s shoes and legs. I was very enthusiastic about it.
   
6. When a cat shows its belly by lying on its back near you, it shows total trust in you. That’s because it is the most vulnerable area of their bodies. Cooper also delighted in doing that. Some cats don’t like their bellies touched, though I don’t mind it.
   
   As you can see, cats show their love with their body language and/or speech. Part two will cover several ways feline companions display affection.

Willow