1: Cats show love by kneading, a behavior learned from nursing. It's a sign they see you as their surrogate mother.

2: Cats groom their humans to show affection, similar to how a mother cat grooms her kittens.

3: Bringing you "gifts" is a cat's way of showing gratitude, as if they were offering you a meal like a mother cat would.

4: Cats purr when they feel safe and content, just like they did when nursing with their mother.

5: Cats may try to "nurse" on blankets or clothing, a comforting behavior they learned as kittens with their mother.

6: Cats may follow their humans around the house, a sign of their attachment and reliance on their "mother."

7: Kittens knead their mother's belly to stimulate milk flow. Adult cats do this as a sign of comfort and trust.

8: Cats may seek out your lap for cuddles and warmth, just like they would with their mother.

9: Cats may sleep on their humans to feel safe and secure, mimicking how they slept with their mother and siblings.