How do you know if you’re living with a happy cat? When my dog is, his tail wags back and forth, he has an abundance of energy and just emits an enthusiastic vibe. I swear, he even gets a smile on his face!
But what are the signs of a happy cat? Well, according to smartlivingnetwork.com, the signs of a happy cat are plentiful. You just have to know where to look!
Tone of Voice
A happy cat will express her joy through her vocalization. She may meow for an appreciable length of time, and if her tone is high pitched, that equates with contentment. Beware the low-pitched sounds, as that may indicate a bit of disgruntlement.
Posture
A cat’s posture or body language can speak volumes in this regard. If your cat sleeps in the “loaf position” with her paws tucked under, this indicates she is relaxed and comfortable in her environment.
If she is feeling at all aggressive, she will straighten her legs and the hair along her spine will stand at attention. On the flip side, a submissive cat will hover down to the ground, as if to appear small and unthreatening.
Position Of The Tail
Check the tail. When it is straight up, that’s a sign your cat is feeling happy. If the tip is a bit curled, she is still happy but perhaps just a tad bit unsure.
If frightened, a cat will puff the hair out in her tail to suggest dominance, and likewise, a tail between the legs is indicative of submission or even sadness.
It’s In The Eyes
Still not sure if your cat is happy? Look into his eyes. When he is very happy, his pupils will dilate. His pupils dilate when he sees food, too, but, then again, who isn’t happy with a bowl full of good food? If your cat blinks back at you, this is his way of showing you his contentment.
The Head and the Heart
A cat’s head bears many signs of happiness, too. Whiskers positioned slightly to the side show she is relaxed.
When she positions her head forward as if to greet you, she is eager to engage. This is a great time to extend your hand to allow her to sniff it. If she is happy, she may encourage you to rub her head and if she is over-the-top giddy, be ready for the head butt!
Even her ears will send a message…. if they are facing forward but tilted just a bit back, she is basically telling you she is happy and chill!
Finally, if your cat is eager and active, exploring and engaging with her environment, she is telling you she is comfortable there.
Written by Ann Butenas
An internationally-recognized author and writer, Ann began her professional writing career at age 12 and began speaking while in college. She has been published thousands of times over the past three decades in all media forms, was former editor and publisher of KC Metro Woman magazine, and has also hosted three talk radio shows in the Kansas City area.
