Your Complete Guide to Cancer Sign’s Love Compatibility

This emotional water sign needs a partner who can appreciate their devotion.
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Jessica Booth
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Jessica Booth
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Updated Feb 26, 2025

For emotional, sensitive and extremely passionate Cancers, finding a partner they feel in sync with can sometimes feel like a bit of a challenge. Taking astrology into consideration may help: A Cancer sign's love compatibility shows which zodiac signs they'll get along with best, offering clues on what to look for in a partner and relationship.

Astrology should never be the sole determining factor in who you are or aren't going to date—that said, it can definitely be helpful when it comes to figuring out a good communication style and how to build a healthy relationship. Someone's sign can offer insight into how they deal with things emotionally, how they choose to respond to conflict and even what their sexual compatibility is. If you're a Cancer trying to find a significant other who really gets you, read on to see what expert astrologers have to say about Cancer compatibility.

In this article:

Cancer Personality and Traits

Symbolized by the crab, Cancer is a water sign known for being highly intuitive, nurturing and emotional. This zodiac sign is ruled by the moon, which is the emotional ruler of the zodiac chart and contributes to their natural ability to feel everything all at once, explains astrologer Maisy Bristol. She describes Cancers as "tough on the outside and mushy on the inside," calling it the sign of "motherhood and unconditional love."

Cancer is so emotional that they usually don't even know what to do with all of their intense feelings. This can lead to them putting up a wall of sorts. "This wall can make it quite difficult for other people to get to know them," Bristol explains. "In conflict, Cancer doesn't typically share the truth behind their emotions—partially because they don't know which emotions are theirs and partially because they do everything in their power not to feel rejection." All of this empathy and sensitivity can lead to Cancer being moody, needy and clingy.

"Their strengths lie in their loyalty, creativity and protective instincts," says Astrid Bly, premier advisor with California Psychics. That same emotion that can make a Cancer temperamental and hard to crack can also make them adoring and full of devoted love. "They have a heart of gold and will always be there to support you or lift you up when you're feeling down," Bristol says.

Cancer is also something of a homebody and a homemaker, as they rule the house of home and domesticity in the zodiac chart. "They make any home feel cozy, warm and intimate," Bristol notes, adding that they are also extremely committed to family. "When you're best friends with a Cancer, expect them to call you their sibling," she says. "When you're dating a Cancer, expect them to act like you're married. They love to loop everyone they love into a family-like bond."

And while this sign is most known for their devotion to loved ones and their sensitivity, they can also be funny, quirky and friendly.

Cancer in Relationships

When a Cancer finds a potential partner they care about, they are all in. In fact, they are so devoted that Bristol jokingly refers to them as "the original stage five clingers." A Cancer is committed to making a relationship work while making their partner "feel comfortable, loved and like a priority," according to Bristol.

In turn, a Cancer expects the same energy from their soulmate. "They crave a deep, nurturing connection and are drawn to those who appreciate their caring nature," Bly says. They are on the hunt for someone who can value emotional intimacy the way they do and who can understand and accept their occasional mood swings, she explains. They also need their partner to constantly reassure them. "What they look for in a partner is someone who provides the same kind of love," Bristol says. "But what they need is someone who makes them feel comfortable and safe."

As a partner, Cancer is super nurturing, helpful and supportive. "They show love through acts of service, emotional support and unwavering loyalty," Bly says, noting that they can often sense what their partner wants before it's said out loud. They are empathetic and constantly strive to make their partner feel happy.

However, Bristol notes that they can sometimes take this "mothering" a little too far and come off as "coddling and smothering." All of the emotions they deal with all the time can make them hold on a little too tightly, Bly agrees, noting that it's important for them to find a good balance to make a relationship work. And since they tend to avoid conflict at all costs, communication can be a little tricky.

Cancer Relationship Compatibility

The best zodiac match for Cancers is someone who can appreciate their emotional side and won't fault them for their moodiness. They need someone who isn't overly independent and isn't afraid to show their love for them as well. And their ideal partner is someone who can make them feel safe—so a zodiac sign who is able to take charge without undermining their feelings is probably a Cancer best match.

Find your match:

Cancer and Aries

As two cardinal signs (meaning they are both the first sign in their respective seasons: Cancer of summer and Aries of spring), Cancer and Aries are both used to being in charge, in a way, which can mean they might struggle to get along. "All the 'doer' energy of these signs will clash," Bristol says. "Both will want to take charge in similar areas." On top of that, an Aries will struggle to be as attentive as Cancer needs them to be, and they may struggle with the sensitivity and emotion Cancer displays.

Bristol notes that these differences can lead to communication problems, which means that in order to make things work, Cancer and Aries need to try to understand one another. Cancer will have to learn how to be okay with Aries' more independent streak, and Aries will have to be willing to compromise and strive to make Cancer feel supported.

Cancer and Taurus

A Cancer and Taurus zodiac match is pretty promising, thanks to their similarities. "Cancer and Taurus equally enjoy the slow, comfortable lifestyle, so neither one will be pushing the other one out of their comfort zone," Bristol says, noting that they are both homebodies. They both appreciate things like art and good food, and they are able to have a good time together.

However, the relationship wouldn't be completely perfect. Taurus is more direct, logical and straightforward, while Cancer is more likely to be led by emotion. "Taurus may be a bit unmoving for Cancer, as Cancer needs to feel emotionally heard and seen," Bristol says. Taurus would have to be open to talking things through, and Cancer would have to learn how to be a little less sensitive around Taurus in order for things to go the distance.

Cancer and Gemini

At first, Cancer and Gemini can be a great match who knows how to have a lot of fun together—Bristol points out that they would make for a "fun, goofy relationship." They are both curious signs who like to explore, seek out enjoyment and see and try new things. Gemini is a little more social than Cancer, but Cancer can still hold their own, and they would likely do a lot of exciting things together.

Their emotional differences are where things can get tricky. Think of Cancer as the doting mother who is super supportive and wants to be part of everything, while Gemini is the rebellious teen who needs a little freedom and doesn't always want to talk things through. "The emotional depth of Gemini may be lacking for super deep Cancer," Bristol says, noting that Gemini's short attention span can clash with Cancer's need to take things slow.

Cancer and Cancer

Two Cancers together can make for a loving, devoted partnership. In this Cancer zodiac best match, they would be committed, passionate about each other and sensitive to each other's needs, making for a fulfilling relationship. They are both looking for the same things and can understand where the other is coming from, which is a big advantage.

Those emotional similarities could also complicate things, though. "The only concern would be that they both allow their feelings to run the show, missing one another in conversation," Bristol says. Each Cancer would have to be able to look past their feelings and emotions to keep lines of communication open. Bristol also points out that their tendency to avoid conflict could result in two people who never open up about what's bothering them—and that's something they definitely don't want when it comes to building relationship skills.

Cancer and Leo

Cancer is known for being intense and emotional, while Leo is known for being the confident center of attention—they are both very dramatic in their own way. At first, it doesn't seem like they would make a great pair, but they actually have more in common than it seems. At heart, both signs are "hopeless romantics," Bristol says, meaning they would both be super passionate about each other's love and devotion.

"Cancer would provide a supportive platform for Leo to shine from and Leo would adore Cancer and make sure the spotlight is on them at the right times," she continues. As long as Cancer can tone down their insecurity and Leo can appreciate their supportive nature, they can definitely work well together.

Cancer and Virgo

Two family-oriented signs with naturally caring natures, Cancer and Virgo, can make for a great match. "These signs have the open-mindedness and sensitivity to, at a minimum, understand one another," Bristol says. "And if they're able to do that, then they can create a safe space for the love to grow." Cancer and Virgo can make good friends, not just good sexual partners, and they both want to be able to nurture and help the other.

The big problem might come in terms of emotional intimacy. As Bristol notes, Virgo may be reluctant to "go deep" or "show their imperfections." Meanwhile, Cancer wants to get to know them completely, so they would need Virgo to be able to relax and open up a bit more in order to feel a true connection.

Cancer and Libra

Moody Cancer has a tendency to be a little negative, while sociable Libra can lean on the overly positive side. They could rub off on each other in a good way, but this can also cause them to clash. Plus, they both find fun in different ways: Cancer is a homebody who loves staying in and getting cozy with their partner, while Libra loves being out and surrounded by friends. "If they can find a middle ground, with Cancer joining Libra for a night out occasionally and Libra enjoying a quiet evening in, they can build a strong, balanced relationship," Bly says.

They also have to work on communication. One similarity they have is that both tend to avoid conflict. "Open communication is essential to prevent resentment from building," Bly says, noting that these two need to find compromise and mutual appreciation to make their relationship flourish.

Cancer and Scorpio

As two initiative water signs, Cancer and Scorpio just get each other. They are both private, a little mysterious and deeply emotional, so they're able to experience a different kind of intimacy than they would with other partners. "These signs share an intense emotional bond, often feeling like soulmates," Bly says. "Both value trust, loyalty and deep connection, making them feel safe and understood with each other."

While they appear to be a Cancer love compatibility match, there is something to consider: Both tend to be jealous, a little insecure and possessive. This can cause power struggles and a sense that one is smothering the other. Bly encourages them to work on building trust early, communicating openly and giving each other space when needed.

Cancer and Sagittarius

While Cancer and Sagittarius are both curious with fun, goofy personalities, their similarities may end there. "Cancer craves emotional depth and stability, while Sagittarius thrives on adventure and freedom, making compromise essential," Bly says. "Their differences can create a thrilling but short-lived romance unless they learn to balance intimacy with independence."

While Cancer loves being home and staying in, Sag always wants to go out, travel, explore and find something new to do. They need to learn how to accept each other's ways and compromise when spending time together. Cancer needs to allow Sag to have some freedom without too much coddling, and Sag needs to allow Cancer to take care of them sometimes.

Cancer and Capricorn

Capricorn just might be the best match for Cancer. "They form a natural balance, blending emotional depth with ambition and stability," Bly says. They are opposites on the zodiac wheel, which is a good thing. "They create a powerful bond where Cancer nurtures and Capricorn builds, making them an ideal team in love and life," she notes.

One difference is that Capricorn tends to be a bit of a workaholic, putting a lot of emphasis on achieving their goals and getting things down. Cancer also has a need for success, but it's not as intense, which can create a divide and make them crave more of an emotional connection. "To thrive, they must embrace compromise, communicate openly and ensure both partners feel valued in their roles," Bly explains.

Cancer and Aquarius

While Cancer is family-oriented and leans toward the more traditional side of things, Aquarius is a wanderer who tends to be more open-minded and carefree. They are opposites, so maintaining a great relationship can take some work. "Cancer seeks closeness, while Aquarius values independence, which can lead to misunderstandings," Bly says. "Cancer may feel neglected by Aquarius' aloofness at times, while Aquarius might find Cancer's emotions overwhelming."

That said, they aren't doomed. Bly explains that if they can balance individuality with mutual understanding, they can "form a complex yet intriguing match." They need to embrace their differences to allow Cancer to offer "warmth and depth," while Aquarius offers "excitement and new experiences."

Cancer and Pisces

Cancer and Pisces are very compatible, as two water signs that share an intuitive bond and deep emotional connection. "Cancer offers Pisces security, while Pisces provides emotional support," Bly says. "Together, they thrive in romance and creativity." These two can understand each other on a deeper level, aren't afraid of being super devoted to each other, and can love intensely. They excel at being open emotionally and expressing their love for one another.

As Bly notes, their main challenge may end up being financial management. "Cancer values security, while Pisces is more carefree," she explains. They can also both be overly emotional, getting into intense arguments and being stubborn about their feelings. They need to keep communication open, and they will do great together.

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