As cat lovers, we want our feline companions to be happy, but sometimes it’s hard to tell whether or not you’re living with a happy cat.
The Spring/Summer 2021 issue of Modern Cat magazine the signs to look for in a happy cat:
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Signs of a Content Cat
Does Your Cat Talk to You?
Cats only meow at humans, not at other cats. They use different tones of voice to convey their mood. For example, a high pitched meow usually signals a happy cat.
Other sounds such as grunts or murmurs indicate your cat is doing a friendly approach. Purring can sometimes indicate contentment, but not always. Cats use purrs to ease stress or pain.
Look Into His Eyes
It’s been said the eyes are the window to the soul. Cats signal contentment by looking at you and giving a slow blink. When your cat does this, return a slow blink at him to signal you share the feeling.
Eyes wide open and pupils dilated are also signs your cat is a happy cat.
Head-Butts
When a cat gives you a head-butt, that signifies they consider you a friend and have a general trust of you. Not everyone your cat comes in contact one receives one, so consider it a compliment if you are a recipient!
Relaxed Body Language
If a cat sleeps near you exposing his belly, he’s showing he’s happy and has a great amount of trust with you. Likewise for a cat that sleeps with paws tucked under, he’s comfortable and feels safe with you.
Another sign of happiness in cats is the position of his tail. A happy cat walks with his tail up straight in the air, with the tip twitching just a bit.
Tidy Appearance
This ties into the saying, “who you look good, you feel good.” If your cat’s coat looks unkempt; it may be a sign of illness, pain, or depression. Check with your veterinarian if this continues for an extended period of time.
If you have more than one cat, and they often groom each other, that’s a good sign and means they’re tightly bonded. Does your cat sometimes groom you? This is your cat letting you know he trusts you and feels a great deal of affection for you.
Play Time
Does your cat enjoy having play sessions with you, or with other cats in the house? This is a indication your cat is happy, trusting and bonded with you and other cats in the house. Wand toy play sessions work great for this, especially when you give each cat their own time to “catch” the toy so they say engaged in the session and don’t get bored.
Where and How Much Your Cat Sleeps
Does your cat often pick sleep spots near you, or other cats in the household? This indicates a healthy bond with you and/or other cats in the house. Be aware of how much your cat sleeps. Yes, cat do sleep a good part of the day, but if your cat seems to be sleeping much more than usual, it could b e a sign of depression or illness and may warrant a vet visit.
Healthy Appetite
Cats that eat well generally feel well, too. Does your cat have a “ritual” he goes through when it gets close to meal time? For me, my cat Marty will stare at me, then start verbalising to remind me of the time. Once I get his food, and put it into his dish, he leads me to his feeding spot, just to be sure I haven’t forgotten where the spot its located.
This means he sees you as his “flood source” and that with “guidance” you’ll be providing his meal shortly!
Signs of affection vary from cat to cat. What’s your cat’s favorite way of letting you know you’re his favorite human? To learn more about how to strengthen the bond between you and your cat, click here
Written by Karen
