Signs of a happy cat

Happy humans aren’t too difficult to spot. 

A big beaming smile usually tells us when somebody we know is feeling good. 

It’s not quite as simple when it comes to our cats. 

Felines do have the ability to produce facial expressions that appear to resemble a smile.

However, experts are not convinced these ‘Cheshire cat’ grins are actually a sign of happiness. 

Instead, there are a number of other behaviours and body language signals that let us know if our cats are content.

And as pet parents it’s vital we know what the telltale signs are because happy cats are healthy cats. 

If their physical and emotional needs are being met then they’re going to enjoy life to the full. And that’s all we want. 

If your feline is acting in a way that seems to suggest they are unhappy, it is definitely worth seeking veterinary advice.  

• Well-groomed appearance. If your feline’s looking good, the chances are they’re feeling good. Poor grooming is one of the most noticeable signs that something may not be right with your cat. Cats that appear unkempt could be feeling ill, uncomfortable, or stressed. And if they are feeling any of those things, they’re hardly likely to be in a good mood. As well as being immaculately presented, happy cats will also sometimes groom other felines, or even their pet parents.
    
• Napping with family members. Do you find your cat is constantly taking naps with you or other family members? If they’re curling up with you on the sofa, and falling asleep, they’re telling you that they’re content and comfortable within their environment. You may even find them at the end of your bed in the morning. Happy cats will also fall asleep next to other cats.
• They’re happy to see you. You’ll know your cat is feeling cheerful if they greet you warmly when you walk through the door after work, or when you first see them in the morning. They may run over to welcome you, and begin rubbing against your ankles. You may also notice an upright tail, and erect ears.

• Playful behaviour. Happy cats will immerse themselves fully in playtime. Whether you’re playing hide-and-seek or showering them with new toys, cheery felines won’t hold back from having some fun. Play sessions are a great way of incorporating exercise into their daily routine, and if you think your cat has been a little down in the dumps lately it could help put a spring back in their step.

• You hear them purring.  The purring sound a cat can make is generally a good indicator that all is well in their world.  A low-pitched, pleasant sounding purr tells us they are feeling relaxed and happy. Urgent sounding purring or increased meowing can be a sign that they are in pain or stressed though, so be sure to pay attention when you hear your feline calling out. 
• No litter box issues. A happy cat will use their litter box properly. If you’ve suddenly started to notice your feline urinating around the house, or refusing to even set foot in their litter box, they could be signalling their general discontent. Monitor their litter box usage, and always make sure you keep on top of cleaning it. Otherwise you will definitely have an unhappy cat on your hands. 

• Positive body language. We can tell a lot about a cat’s mood from their body language. Felines who are constantly kneading are doing so because they feel safe, content and happy. Other happy signals include holding their tail high, pointing their ears slightly forward, and an arched back. Keep an eye on their eyes, too. If your cat is blinking slowly at you then this is a sign they trust you. Don’t forget to slow blink back.