Your cat flops belly-up on the rug like it owns the joint? That’s trust screaming loud. Feline pros who rehab strays swear these quirks mean you’ve earned the safe zone pass.
Belly Flops Wide Open
Kitty rolls over, paws skyward, guts flashing pink. Vet techs at city pounds say strays never pull this till month three with keepers. One tabby held out forever, then bam—daily tummy parade. Pure “you’re no threat” vibes.
Slow Blinks Seal the Bond
Those half-shut eyes pulsing soft? Cat whisperer Lisa from Maine rescues notes it mirrors their “I love you” signal. Her feral tom took weeks, now slow-blinks breakfast chats. Copy back, watch magic deepen.
Kneads Like Dough on Your Lap
Paws pump rhythm steady, claws sheathed gentle. Shelter logs track rescues starting this post-stress drop. Basement stray Mia clawed couches first, switched to jeans after two moons. Mom-memory bliss unlocked.
Head Bonks Your Legs Hard
Skull thumps calf or chin butts hand firm. Behaviorist Ray in Texas tallies it as scent-marking ownership. Street cat duo bashed doors wary, now bump feeds demanding pets. You’re family turf now.
Tail Flags High and Loose
Upright curl like a question mark sways chill. Fostering auntie Jen’s counts show ferals stiff-tail months in. Garage rescue now parades flagpole strut through halls. Confidence flag flies free.
Grooms You Right Back
Rough tongue laps arm or cheek quick. Pro groomer Hal sees abused ones groom selves nonstop first. His barn find switched to face-washes after trust built slow. Reciprocal clean crew activated.
Sleeps Sprawled Dead to World
Limbs akimbo, snores rumble deep beside bed. Overnight rehabber Sue charts strays bunkering corners year one. Alley queen now claims pillow half, dead-fish flops nightly. Guard down total.
Brings You Gross Gifts Proud
Dead mouse plops doormat dawn fresh. Wildlife rehab Kate laughs off horror—it’s share-the-hunt love. Her trap-shy calico dropped voles shy at first, now parades prizes bold. Provider role reversed sweet.
