If you want to attract a Cancer man, I don’t blame you.
They’re cuddly, they’re emotionally expressive and they’ll worship you like the goddess you are.
Becoming Cancer man catnip is not necessarily difficult, but I’d say it takes commitment.
You can’t attract a Cancer man halfheartedly.
You have to put your whole heart into it.
He’s got to be thoroughly convinced of your interest and genuine intentions.
I’ve put together this cheat sheet of tips to so you know how to attract a Cancer man like a pro.
Knowledge is only half the battle. As with everything in life, it’s all in the execution.
If you come away with just one overall concept from this guide, let it be that Cancer men respond best to sincerity and genuine connection.
OK enough of that, let’s explore Cancer man attraction now!
What Are Cancer Men Attracted To?
Cancer men are attracted to women who radiate Divine Mother energy.
Women who are gentle, soothing and feminine.
They’re attracted to a type of femininity that’s wholesome and natural. Think running through a field of daisies barefoot in a sundress.
The zodiac sign Cancer is ruled by the Moon, which rules emotional energy.
The woman he wants is emotionally open, honest and intelligent.
She’s mature. She’s serious about finding and becoming a committed, emotionally available partner.
But the Moon also rules lesser known things, like nurturance and the physical body.
Which makes perfect sense when you think about how into physical comfort and caretaking Cancers are.
They love women who are nurturing to their bodies as well as their emotions.
Women who make them feel good with hot soup on a day when they have the sniffles.
Who worry about them a little bit.
And envelop them in their feminine strength.
Women who can switch to Big Spoon energy, even if they’re too petite to be the big spoon.
Read Next: How to Know If a Cancer Man Likes You
How to Attract a Cancer Man
If you want to attract a Cancer man, be sweet, soft and affectionate towards him.
Focus on emotional connection and vulnerability.
Demonstrate all the ways in which you embody Divine Mother energy.
Below are my tips on how to do that!
Soften Your Approach
A Cancer man likes soft and sweet.
I’m not talking about being demure.
I mean your energy should be friendly and outgoing in a nurturing way. Like you want to give him a hug and a warm cookie.
Smile at him often.
Have a pleasant tone of voice. Speak with tenderness.
Use your body language to communicate openness, like turning towards him, softening your expression and giving plenty of eye contact.
You want to come across as easy to approach and talk to.
If you’re terribly shy or reserved, the polite Cancer man might register that as disinterest.
Which he will respect!
Be Enthusiastic to Engage With Him
Everyone wants to be cool and mysterious, but that can be a trap with a Cancer man.
The hard-to-get game will end up with just one player—you.
I think often, women are taught to play hard to get because it’s believed that men won’t chase them if they’re “too easy.”
Sometimes, some dudes may like a bit of cat-and-mouse, but those dudes aren’t Cancers.
And giving him attention is NOT going to give him the idea that you’re “easy.”
It’s going to show him that he’s not wasting his time if he decides to pursue you.
A Cancer man will rarely, if ever, just chase a woman he’s attracted to.
He needs signals from the beginning that his attention is wanted, and not only that, but also deserved.
He needs to know that she’s not going to play games with him.
So yes, please do get excited about the Cancer man.
Show genuine kindness and interest in what he has to say.
Give him your full attention.
The only harm you can do is making the Cancer man fall in love with you immediately and never leave your side again, so make sure you’re ready!
Flirt With Touch
Touch is vital if you’re trying to foster a romantic attachment with a Cancer man.
A Cancer is extremely sensitive to touch.
In fact he’s so sensitive about it, he’s not a fan of unsolicited hugs, pats on the back and other forms of touch.
From most people, that is. Coming from a pretty lady flirting with him, that’s a different story.
Physical affection in any form—even just lightly touching his shoulder and smiling at him—makes a Cancer man melt.
No thigh rubbing or anything sexual—keep it appropriate.
Cancer guys like a bit of modesty and innocence.
Show Your Elegance
You’re a classy lady.
You have natural elegance.
It doesn’t matter if you didn’t take ballet lessons and you don’t know how to pick a French wine.
It doesn’t even matter if you don’t know where the little fork and spoon go on the dinner table.
The elegance I’m talking about comes from within.
It’s a certain self-confidence, a sense of dignity.
You’re comfortable with yourself, whether you follow fashion trends or not.
You command respect with your noble aura and walk with your head held high.
You don’t join in gossip. You raise the vibration.
This is so sexy to Cancer men.
It’s the light of Divine Feminine grace and compassion shining through.
Get Him Talking About His Memories
Cancer as a sign is very past-oriented.
All Cancers spend significant in their memories, reminiscing (or torturing themselves).
History is important to them. It builds and shapes who we are.
Even from the past, a memory can continue to rewrite the present each time the Cancer man accesses it, re-processing it from different angles.
Getting him to share memories with you is an instant way to connect with him.
It’s not hard—he loves telling stories from his childhood that will make you laugh.
He also loves sharing deeper, more challenging things from his past because it’s therapeutic to him.
Hold his hand and walks down memory lane with him.
Experience all the emotions, the ups and the downs, the laughter and the tears with him, and you’re in.
Be Clear That You Want Him
A lot of Cancer guys are on the quiet side, and they’re definitely not pushy.
When you’re interested in a Cancer man, you need to be very clear that it’s him you want.
Not his best friend, not the chatty Gemini guy schmoozing you.
Cancer men will easily pick up on your energy. They intuitively sense that you’re attracted to them.
At the same time, they don’t want to overstep.
And then there’s the overthinking…god, the overthinking.
If you want to attract a Cancer man and get him to follow you around like a puppy dog, take some risks.
Put yourself out there and tell him you’d like to get to know him better, one-on-one.
Maybe start by asking him if he wants to go get a croissant with you at the French boulangerie.
Cancers love eating. Every single Cancer I’ve ever met.
Including me.
…At the Same Time, Respect Boundaries
While you do want to give the Cancer man clear signals that you like him, it doesn’t mean you have to be all up in his text messages all day, every day.
A little space—enough to show that you’ve got a life—shows that you understand boundaries.
As intense as Cancers can be with the displays of affection, they need privacy, too. Yet they suck at establishing boundaries.
So you’re really helping him out here.
This is not me telling you to ignore his texts for two or three days.
If he’s interested in you, he’ll probably be communicating with you and checking in quite a lot.
It’s fine if you do the same.
But I’ll bet that sometimes he needs some time to relax and recharge.
You should, too.
But if you’ve got the type of Cancer man who’s quite clingy, reassure him that you’re super excited to read his texts and reply when you have time to devote to him.
And try not to leave him hanging for too long.
The key is to make him feel really wanted and appreciated without anyone feeling smothered.
This ensures that the spark keeps growing and doesn’t fizzle out.
Don’t Hide Your Emotions
The secret to a Cancer man’s attraction is in the emotional connection between you.
If there isn’t one, then your flirting is probably going to fall flat.
He might think you’re cute. Me may totally understand that you want him.
But if you don’t hit him in the feels, there’s not much incentive for this water sign.
Start showing him your world. Let him see some vulnerability.
This is a great way to bring out his nurturing side, which instantly makes him get the warm-fuzzies about you.
It also allows him to open up to you, something Cancer men always want to do but fear with most people.
Allowing him to see your true thoughts and feelings is like giving him an invaluable gift.
One that he will give back to you tenfold.
Have a Heart
Kindness and compassion are the Cancerian’s domain.
All Cancers feel the emotional weight of the world on their shoulders. It’s why they’re so empathetic and generous to all whom they encounter.
If you really want a Cancer man to get a crush on you, aim for the heart.
Show him that you’re the biggest sweetie pie, that you’re kind to children and that you care the environment.
You definitely weren’t that kid who destroyed anthills and fried ants with a magnifying glass.
(I’m kidding about that one—but if you were that kid, you don’t have to bring that up.)
You just want to show the Cancer man that you aren’t jaded.
The world needs soothing.
If you were to stop and give a tiny little frog a refreshing drink of water on a hot summer’s day, he would marry you on the spot.
Skip the Bedroom, at First
Even if you have crazy sexual chemistry with a Cancer man, I’d recommend holding off.
This is not a hard and fast rule, but it’s one that can save you some trouble down the road.
Cancers are very emotional and can get caught up in their feelings, including sexual ones, quite easily.
This can lead them into actions that they later regret.
A Cancer man would feel much more comfortable getting to know you over a period of several dates before doing anything more than cuddling.
Even if he wants to.
Because he knows he has a tendency to rush towards relationships before his head can catch up with his feelings.
This often makes Cancers confused about how they feel.
This is way less likely to happen when you take things slower with them so that they can get their emotional bearings.
Just Listen
This one sounds too easy, but I have to mention it because it’s so gosh-darn important to a Cancer man.
In the age of social media, where we’re all shouting into the void known as the internet, listening skills are becoming a lost art.
This is not an environment built for quiet Cancers.
Cancers tend to be great listeners. They try to give everybody equal time to express themselves.
In fact, Cancers are so easy to talk to that it can be easy to end up doing all the talking.
If it feels good to be heard by the Cancer man, do the same for him.
Try to get him to talk, although not by prying (no, never do that!).
Ask for his opinions directly. Create space for him to be openly nerdy about his interests.
Want to earn some extra points with him?
Remember the stuff he says and bring it up later so that he really knows how much you cherish him.
Need Him
Cancer men love to feel needed.
It’s why they’re always offering to help. They genuinely want to be of service.
You don’t necessarily have to play a damsel in distress, although Cancer men do like the idea of being your knight in shining armor.
You can be strong, you can be self-sufficient.
But we all need someone to lean on, and the Cancer man loves being that person.
This is not about being helpless. It’s about vulnerability.
It’s asking him to come over and hug you because his hugs are the best and you could really use one right now.
Seeking his advice on something because you trust his opinion more than others.
It’s all in the way that you cultivate that feeling of reliance on each other.
And yes, you could simply ask him to help you move some heavy furniture in your apartment.
Just remember to show your appreciation—a little thank-you gesture like cooking him dinner wouldn’t hurt?
Which reminds me—
Cook for Him
Did I mention that Cancers are big, huge foodies?
Cooking dinner for a Cancer man is like speaking his love language.
Good food + a comfy home atmosphere + a chance to show your nurturing skills = a slam dunk.
You cannot go wrong here.
Invite him over for his favorite comfort food.
If you don’t know what that was, serve something classic with rich sauces.
Like lasagna with bechamel sauce.
Comfort food is the best option, even if he’s a Michelin chef.
He’ll always appreciate a homemade mac and cheese just like his mom used to make.
Be Stable
Stability is very necessary for Cancers.
They’re timid about getting involved in anything if they can’t see how it’s going to look down the road.
Wary and self-protective, Cancer men will be looking for signs that they can depend on you.
Are you constantly involved in some sort of drama?
In and out of his (and other people’s) DMs?
There for him one day and not the next?
These are signals to the Cancer man that he’s going to be doing the heavy lifting in a relationship with you, without necessarily getting back the same energy he puts in.
If you’re thinking, “Whoa, I’m not ready for a relationship!”
Well, if you want to attract a Cancer man, that’s what he’s looking for.
He’s not the casual fling type. He wants a committed relationship.
If you’re ready for that too, start thinking in terms of showing the Cancer man what a trustworthy partner you’ll be.
Support Him
The Cancer man is usually the one taking care of others emotionally and physically.
So he really appreciates when someone takes care of him.
Don’t underestimate simple gestures like reaching out to him. Asking him how is day is going.
Be the person he can talk to when something is wrong.
Do kind things for him randomly. Cheer him on when he needs a boost.
Your efforts won’t go unnoticed.
More than that, the Cancer man will double and triple his efforts to reciprocate.
And then you’ve got a feedback loop of mutual support and affection that will quickly become a dynamic the Cancer man relies on.
Delete Dating Apps
I wouldn’t stay on dating apps once you get involved with a Cancer man.
Everyone has their own thoughts on when to stop using them when they start seeing someone.
But with a Cancer man, you can’t keep cruising Hinge until you’re in a committed relationship.
Consider deleting dating apps from your phone after you’ve had a couple of successful dates.
Once you feel the emotional connection growing between you, I’d definitely make sure your profiles have been taken down.
Don’t wait until things are “official.”
Is it a risk to do this?
Yes, because you don’t know that it’s going to work out.
But that’s the point. Cancers need a declaration of your devotion.
They don’t want to be the second person you call because your preferred person wasn’t available.
They want you to be for them, and only them.
If a Cancer man acts weird once you start hanging out romantically and you know you’re still logging onto Tinder, that’s probably because he’s expecting you to show more allegiance to him.
Don’t Drop the Ball
Has a Cancer man started pursuing you? Congratulations!
Cancers are picky, so it means he thinks you’re really worth it.
But now you have to keep it up.
Don’t start playing hot-and-cold games in order to see if he’ll chase you.
He likes an independent woman with a busy schedule as much as the next man, but to feel ✨special✨ is what reels a Cancer man in.
Make time to spend together with him.
Send him a text to him know he’s on your mind.
Keep the communication flowing between you.
You’ll find that the Cancer man’s romantic interest blossoms under your care and attention.
How to Dress to Impress a Cancer Man?
Simple is best.
Whatever your style is, make it comfortable and natural.
Let your hair down, free to catch the night breeze.
Wear a flowy dress that moves with your body.
Subtlety is good. Like small pieces of jewelry or natural tones of nail polish.
I don’t want to be the skin-showing police, but it’s a good idea to go for modest over flashy.
It just shows the Cancer man that you’re not going to cause a scene when he introduces you to his mom.
Above all, Cancer men like to see you wear what makes you feel good.
Whether you’re a hippie girl or a pin-up girl, Cancer men are most impressed when a woman owns her style.
Remember, self-love and confidence are the sexiest things!
What Are Cancer Men Attracted To Physically?
I don’t care how many times the internet tells you boobs is the answer.
Yes, in astrology, Cancer rules the breasts. But a zodiac sign does not a boob man maketh.
For every Cancer man who’s into big chests, there are as many who are into legs, hands, shoulders, thighs and butts of all shapes and sizes.
A Cancer man is attracted to body confidence.
It’s so much sexier to him when a woman feels good about herself than any type of shapewear or aesthetic.
Now it is true that Cancer men like femininity. But again, that’s kind of a loaded statement.
Because it’s not the stereotype of femininity that you’d think.
It’s not the high heels and the shoulder pads and the carefully curled hair that attract Cancer men.
It’s naturalness. Femininity in the raw.
Would you believe me if I said Cancer men will worship your unshaven legs?
That they’d be equally attracted to you with or without makeup?
Girl, if you like the sound of that, get you a man born in late June to July.
How to Attract a Cancer Man Over Text?
Here are my tips to text a Cancer man when you want him to know that you dig him.
- Don’t overthink it. Just text him and say hi.
- Be cute. Throw in some hearts and sparkle emojis. He’ll love it.
- If you want to step up your texting game, show concern for his well-being.
- Text him to let him know you’re there for him. Cancer men find it hard to ask for help, so preempting their needs is a meaningful demonstration of your affection.
- Show support. If you know he went to a job interview, message him to say that you’re rooting for him. If he didn’t get the job, they didn’t deserve him anyway!
- Don’t leave him hanging. If you skip replying, this will send a Cancer man into a panic.
- Make your responses to him sincere and descriptive. It’s important to put effort into your texts so that he can tell you care.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cancer Men
How do Cancers act when they like someone?
Cancers become very intentional in how they interact with someone they like.
They put 90% of their energy into communicating with them and trying to get them to like them.
They’ll have best-friends-that-could-be-more energy with you.
You’ll notice that they’re suddenly super considerate and frequently offering to do favors for you.
They’ll make subtle comments about how they wish they could find someone like you.
They’ll do anything but ask you out (because that’s scary!).
Cancer man turn-offs
Cancer men are turned off by selfishness. This is probably the top turn-off for them.
Lacking compassion, not considering their feelings and telling them they’re too sensitive will earn you a one-way ticket out of their lives.
They’re equally turned off by aloofness and neediness.
Cancer guys don’t like to feel unimportant, but they also can’t be with someone who has no sense of boundaries.
Check out more in this article: Cancer Man Turn-Offs.
What makes a Cancer man chase you?
It’s the rich emotional exchange between you that makes a Cancer man want to chase you.
Appeal to his emotions with sincerity and openness.
Show a willingness to be vulnerable with him.
Just don’t pounce on him if he’s not ready.
If you come on too strong, it may worry him.
Just spend time with him, enjoy each other’s company and keep building your bond.
Recommended Reading: Do Cancer Men Like to Be Chased?
How do you make a Cancer man fall in love with you?
By making him feel safe, seen and wanted.
Really, it’s that simple.
However, Cancer men are very choosy about who they end up with.
Anything that indicates to them that you’re not the dedicated and doting partner they need is enough to spook them.
Which is why it’s simple but not necessarily easy.
Your intentions have to be genuine with the Cancer man because he can feel it when someone is even slightly uncertain.
Do Cancer men fall in love quickly?
Yeah, they kind of do.
I think every Cancer man is capable of falling in love maybe not at first sight, but definitely at first emotional connection, let’s say.
From that first deep conversation you have where you share intimate details of your lives and your most cherished (or traumatic) memories, a Cancer man basically loves you.
What is a Cancer man’s love language?
Cancer men have quite a mixture of different love languages.
They speak the language of physical touch, hence the famous clinginess of the Cancerian.
But they also express love in terms of acts of service, and very much appreciate (and expect) their partner to keep up and return the favor.
Quality time is yet another important way to show love to a Cancer man, because without significant quality time he feels unimportant and discouraged.
Don’t discount words of affirmation either, as not hearing “I love you, pookie” every day can make him feel love-starved.
How to kiss a Cancer man?
Softly and slowly.
They’re not into quick and dirty.
How to compliment a Cancer?
Good luck!
Cancers can find a way to deflect any and every compliment.
Still, they need compliments, especially from their partners.
If you’re trying to perfect the art of complimenting a Cancer, I do have a good tip for you:
It doesn’t matter as much what the content of the compliment is. It’s the way you deliver it.
Make plenty of eye contact and smile warmly at them. Your comment should come across as genuine.
If the Cancer smiles all awkwardly, you did it right.
Signs a Cancer man has feelings for you
If a Cancer man has feelings for you, he all but lovebombs you.
He’ll be in your space a lot.
He’ll make you feel nurtured and supported.
If he’s created a safe space for you to laugh and cry together, he’s trying to wiggle his way into your heart.
Here are more Clear Signs a Cancer Man Has Feelings for You.
I'm a professional astrologer and psychology enthusiast. I offer lots of free relationship advice and astrology dating tips as well as private consultations at decodethezodiac.com.