Cats have plenty of ways to show us how they’re feeling – as long as you know what to look for. By paying attention to your cat’s body language, vocalisations and habits, you can start to work out when they’re happy, or if they’re a little out of sorts.
From purring and kneading to chirruping, here are 12 classic signs that a cat is happy.
Whether you call it kneading, ‘making biscuits’ or ‘happy paws’, this action involves your cat moving their front paws up and down while sitting on a soft surface such as their bed, a blanket or your lap. This is an instinctive behaviour seen in tiny kittens as they knead their mother’s teats to stimulate milk production.
Many cats continue kneading even when they’re fully grown, so if you see your cat kneading, it’s a good sign they’re feeling happy.
A playful cat is usually a happy cat. How often your cat plays is down to their age, personality and energy levels. Some cats, especially kittens, are particularly playful, while others may only play for a short burst each day.
When your cat successfully pounces on and catches their toys, it releases endorphins, also known as ‘happy hormones’. Choosing a range of cat-safe toys and encouraging your cat to play with you for a few minutes each day will entertain your cat and help them feel content.
Cat body language can be subtle, but once you know the signs to look for, there are plenty of clues to show your cat is feeling good. When cats are happy, their body language is usually calm and relaxed, rather than alert and agitated.
Other signals of happiness to look out for include a high tail curved at the tip and head butting (also known as head bunting). These are signs your cat loves you and is feeling content.
If your cat looks at you and does a long, slow blink, that’s a sure sign they’re feeling happy. It’s also a sign they trust you, because closing their eyes when they’re with another animal (including us humans!) means your cat feels safe in their presence.
Research suggests cats also respond when people slow blink at them. When looking at your cat, try narrowing your eyes, like when you smile, before closing your eyes for a second or two. Your cat may well respond with a slow blink of their own.
Cats usually sleep between 12-18 hours per day, while kittens and senior cats may sleep even more. Cats aren’t nocturnal but are crepuscular. This means they tend to be most active and awake during dawn and dusk, as this is when small prey-like rodents and birds are typically active, too.
Many domestic cats follow this pattern, but others may adjust when they sleep to match when you’re awake. Knowing what’s normal for your cat can help you work out if they’re feeling happy and healthy.
Happy, healthy cats use their litter tray regularly and won’t have any problems going to the toilet. Keeping an eye on your cat’s toilet habits can help you work out if they’re feeling OK. If possible, try to check their poop and whether they’re urinating normally.
Always place your cat’s litter tray in a quiet area of the house, and if you have more than one cat, make sure there’s an extra litter box so they don’t have to compete.
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