We all worry about the happiness of our pets. Cats especially can seem like mysterious creatures, but their behavior and movements can reveal their secrets. By studying their body language, you’ll quickly be able to work out if they are happy or not.
While each cat may have a unique personality, there are a few common signals they’ll display. Understanding these signs can help you to strengthen your bond and keep them as happy as possible.
1. Purring
Purring is the most obvious sign of a happy cat. They purr for various reasons, but they are almost always positive. They usually do it as a sign of contentment, which is why they’ll purr while being petted or relaxing on you.
It’s an unmistakable sign of happiness when there are no other negative signs associated with it. However, cats sometimes purr for other reasons, such as self-soothing when they are in pain or stressed in order to calm themselves. However, this will often come with changes in body language or environment which makes it an obvious difference from happy purring.
2. Kneading
Another cute thing that cats do is called kneading. This is when they gently press their paws into a soft surface, such as your lap or a blanket. They do this as it’s the same motion they use to get milk from their mother’s belly.
They’ll often knead on humans they feel comfortable with or their favorite spot in the house. It’s a sign they feel happy, safe and comfortable. This can be a subtle sign you haven’t noticed before but when you do, it’ll give you a nice warm feeling inside.
3. Slow Blinks
A cat’s slow blink is an even more subtle sign of contentment. Cats are naturally predisposed to being aware of threats from predators. This is why cats like to hide their poop in a litter tray as it disguises the smell and doesn’t give away their location.
So, the slow blink is them being truly relaxed, knowing they are in a safe space. If you see them giving a slow blink, it’s them saying they trust you. If they do this directly to you, you can do it back to them to return the favor.
4. Relaxed Posture and Body Language
If you’ve ever seen a cat in a high alert state, you’ll know how their body language can change. They stay low to the ground, hunched over, and become quite tense. This is them being hyper-vigilant for threats.
The opposite of this is being in a vulnerable position. By this, we mean they will lie down with their paws tucked under them, or have their bellies exposed. Cats don’t like showing their belly unless they feel perfectly safe, and may even like a belly rub. However, it’s important to note that even some of the happiest cats don’t like belly rubs so don’t be offended if yours doesn’t.
5. Healthy Appetite and Eating Well
As humans, we can often be stress eaters. However, some of us also lose our appetite when stressed. Cats are most definitely in the latter category. If they aren’t eating, it could well be because they are feeling anxious. If your cat is new, or if your cat’s environment has changed, this could be why.
If they are eating well, then it’s a clear sign they are stress-free and healthy. If the opposite is true, then stress isn’t the only culprit. Cats will also stop eating if they have health issues or dental problems.
6. Playfulness
Even as they get older, cats will still want to engage in playful behavior when they are feeling content. Whether they are chasing a toy mouse, batting at a feather, or zooming around the house, it’s usually a sign they are happy.
This is especially true if they bring you a toy or interact when you are trying to play with them. It shows they are happy and enjoying life. Play is essential to stimulate your cat’s mind as they can become bored otherwise. It should be encouraged wherever possible.
7. Brushing Up Against You
Do you ever feel that your cat is getting caught underneath your legs? Well, this is usually a positive sign, especially if they are brushing up against you. This is often just their way of giving you a friendly greeting and saying hello.
They also do this to mark you as safe. By brushing up their pheromones on you, they know you are a trusted smell, even when you then go into separate rooms. Finally, they can do this just to get some attention which may mean they want to be fussed over, have some food, or be let outside.
8. Grooming (Both You and Them)
When humans are feeling happy and confident, we care more about the way we look. The same can be said for cats. If your cat is grooming themselves, they are in a good physical and mental headspace, while also feeling safe.
Cats see grooming as a strong bonding experience, and they groom those who they care about. If they do this to other cats or to you, see it as a great sign. This is usually done in the form of licking, but it can also be head bunting, kneading, or combing through your hair with their paws.
9. A High Tail
A dog’s tail notoriously wags when it’s happy but is that the same for cats? Absolutely not! Cats wag their tails when agitated or irritable. When happy, they will either hold their tails straight up or have them upright with a slight curve.
In general, an upright cat tail is a good sign, and a downward tail is a bad sign. An exception is when they are angry where they have an upright tail but one that is dramatically puffed up. It’s also important not to confuse wagging with swaying.
A gently swaying tail is usually a positive sign, quicker movements usually aren’t. Some cats do break these rules, so try to read their body language to understand your cat. For example, some have an upright and wagging tail when excited.
10. Sleeping Near You
Cats sleep a lot, and where they choose to do this can be a strong indicator of how they feel. If your cat likes sleeping near you during the day or sleeps on your bed at night, this is a sign your cats trust and love you.
This is the time they are most vulnerable and if they hide when sleeping, such as under furniture, this can be a sign they don’t feel truly relaxed. This can happen in new homes and after a change of environment, but they will usually come to trust you.
