How to Tell If Your Cat is Happy

Lisa Selvaggio
by Lisa Selvaggio
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If you’re happy and you know it, say “Meow!” Are you picking up on your cat’s feel-good vibes? Here’s how to tell if your cat is content.


Cats have unique ways of communicating how they’re feeling, so it may not always be easy to tell if your kitty is happy. Having a better understanding of feline behavior, though, could help take away a little bit of the mystery surrounding your frisky feline. And with the right care, your pet is sure to be content.


Is Your Cat Happy? Here Are Some Signs to Look for


Body Language Clues


Your cat can communicate a lot with his body language, from his ears all the way to his tail. Learning how to read his body language is one of the first ways that you can begin deciphering what he’s trying to tell you without words.


Related: What Does It Mean When A Cat Wags Its Tail?


For example, when a cat is content, his ears will be set forward, as opposed to flat, sideways, or backward. When the ears are facing forward, your cat is happy, interested, and alert to what’s going on around him. And when your cat’s tail is straight up, or straight up and quivering, he’s happy or excited. Also, the fur on his tail should be flat instead of puffed out.


In terms of posture, a happy kitty is one who’s sitting or lying down calmly with a tail that’s completely still or at least mostly still. If the paws are tucked underneath the chest, this shows that your cat doesn’t feel threatened. And his eyes will likely be half-closed and relaxed as well, perhaps even blinking softly. Your cat may even lie on his back and show you his belly if he’s happy and trusts you.


Chatting and Craving Interaction


A happy cat will crave your attention, sometimes chatting away to let you know what he wants. Different cats may vocalize their needs and emotions in different ways, so you do need to get to know your unique kitty to determine when he’s vocalizing because he’s happy and when he isn’t so content.


Related: How To Relax A Stressed Cat


Generally, though, when cats meow at a higher pitch, or when they trill and chirp, they’re happy. When content, cats also purr (though purring isn’t always a sign of happiness because cats purr to calm themselves when anxious or ill, too).


If a cat walks over and bumps his head into you gently or starts rubbing his face or the side of his body on your hand or legs, he’s showing you that he’s happy to be around you and would like to be petted.


Also, if your cat wants to spend time with you by napping or snuggling with you, watching you cook, or sitting in your lap while you work, he’s happiest when he’s with you. A content cat likes being near his family because he’s comfortable with everyone and doesn’t feel the need to hide.


Kneading


Really happy cats enjoy kneading or massaging a soft surface like your body, a pillow, or a blanket (some may even make this kneading motion in the air). This is a behavior that comes from kittenhood, when kittens massage their mom’s belly to help the milk flow, so when adult cats do this, they’re feeling pleased.


An Interest in Playing and Exploring


Another sign of a happy feline is an interest in playing and being active. If your cat is asking you to play with him or he’s playing with toys, such as stuffed mice that you’ve left around the house for him, he has energy and wants to have fun.


Cats that are confident and comfortable in their environment will also want to explore and be involved in what the family is doing. They’ll get along well with other pets, children, and other cats in the household, as they needn’t have any fear.


Grooming


A cat that’s happy and feels good will regularly groom himself so he can look his best. If he shares his home with another kitty, he may even groom his friend. And if you have a really great relationship with your cat, he may even groom you too!


What if your cat isn’t grooming as much as he should and letting his appearance suffer as a result? Well, this might be an indication that he isn’t feeling well physically or emotionally. So, if you notice this type of change in your pet’s behavior, it’s a great idea to talk to your vet to figure out what could be wrong.


A Healthy Appetite


Your kitty might be a picky eater (a lot of cats are), but once you figure out what he likes, he should have a healthy appetite, especially if he feels safe, happy, and comfortable in your home. A cat that asks for food, digs into his meal, washes up, and then relaxes is likely feeling pretty good.


Just keep in mind that, if a cat is continually looking for food, he might actually be experiencing boredom or stress, or he might even be lonely or sad, so it’s important to keep an eye on how much your cat is eating. Like people, pets might turn to food when they aren’t feeling enriched in other areas.


Also, a cat that isn’t interested in food, or has had a sudden drop in appetite, should be examined by a veterinarian because he may not be feeling well.


Napping


Cats are known for taking several naps throughout the day. Generally, a kitty might sleep for around 15 hours per day, on average, but this can vary from one cat to another and from one day to another. The amount of sleep that a cat needs will also depend on various factors, such as how old he is and how active he is.


A happy cat is able to get plenty of rest in between playtime, meals, and spending time with his family. He feels relaxed, confident, and comfortable enough in his environment that he knows where he can go to get some shut-eye and recharge his batteries.


On the other hand, a cat that is sleeping more than usual might be dealing with a physical or emotional problem, such as pain, loneliness, or boredom. And a cat that isn’t able to fall asleep might also be dealing with an emotional or physical stressor.


Why It’s Important to Know the Signs of Happiness in a Cat


Just like people, animals can experience a range of emotions. And if your cat’s environment isn’t healthy, if you aren’t paying enough attention to him, or if he’s having conflicts with other pets in the house, his poor emotional and mental state may manifest in negative ways.


Therefore, it’s important to be aware of the signs that your cat is happy. If you start to realize that he’s showing signs of unhappiness, you can take action to change things, such as talking to your vet to get some advice and to be sure your cat is doing well physically.


Take the Time to Get to Know Your Cat’s Personality


Always remember that every cat is an individual with a distinct personality. Getting to know your cat will allow you to really understand how he’s feeling and what he’s trying to communicate to you, and it will also make it easier for you to recognize any changes in his personality or behavior that might alert you to something being wrong.

Lisa Selvaggio
Lisa Selvaggio

Lisa Selvaggio is a freelance writer and editor, and our resident cats-pert, with certifications in pet nutrition and pet first aid. She enjoys producing content that helps people understand animals better so they can give their pets a safe and happy home.

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