February 28, 2019
Cute, fuzzy, and outright irresistible, cats can be complicated creatures, especially when it comes to decoding their emotions. Some cats are expressive and affectionate while others prefer showing off their more mysterious side. As a cat parent, one question may be on your mind: is my cat happy? Luckily for you, there are several ways to tell if your kitty is a happy one.
Let’s take a look at 5 signs that let you know your cat is happy being with you:
- It’s all in the appetite. Like happy humans, a cat that’s completely happy will have a healthy appetite. If you notice your cat eating their regular meals or even bluffing their way into getting special treats, your kitty is very content with its life. Just don’t give in to their demands too consistently.
- Check for purrs and meows. What’s the most obvious sign that a cat is feeling happy? Purring, of course! Purring and other vocalizations are your cat’s way of letting you know that they’re relaxed and content. Think of it as a way of them saying “everything is good!” Of course, you may also check if their purrs may signal an underlying problem, like stress.
- Your kitty wants playtime all the time. As kittens, playtime is a cat’s favorite activity, whether it’s with other pets or with their owners. But, like dogs, this need for play fades away as a cat grows and matures into an adult. Any time you see your cat play with their toys or wrestling with other pets, it is a clear sign of their happiness. Make sure to join on your kitty’s fun—if they let you, of course.
- Seeing you brightens their day. Cats have a reputation for being inquisitive and independent animals, which may come off as cold or uninterested to some pet owners. Cats, however, do grow attached to their families and express this through their body language. If your cat rests with their front paws tucked under, their eyelids have open, and returning your stare, your cat is relaxed and happy to see you. Your cat’s tail may also have its tip crooked as its own quirky way of saying “hello” to you.
- Your cat likes to “make biscuits.” Ever notice your cat “making biscuits” or “kneading” the top of your pillow? If so, your cat is definitely happy! Kneading is a common behavior pattern in cats, which they associate with nursing. This action is usually done when a cat feels content and relaxed so if your kitty does it often, it means they’re feeling tons of positive emotions.
Like many pet owners. your cat’s happiness means the world to you—we absolutely get it. We hope these signs give you an idea of how your cat may be feeling.
If you’re a first time cat parent and are having trouble house training your kitty, we recommend checking out our blog, How To Teach Your Kitten to Use A Litter Box for more info.
