Is Your Cat Happy? Look for These 8 Signs!

How to Know If Your Cat Is Happy and Loving Life

Confident cats are happy cats, so it's important to instill this confidence in your furry friend by providing them with love, patience, and some nice places to hide. If your cat is happy, they're likely to show off their good mood using a combination of the below signals. These qualities and physical cues are some of most easy to recognize signs of a happy, confident kitty!

1) A Raised, Relaxed Tail

A raised tail with a slight curve at the top is the ideal position for a happy cat. This means that their muscles are relaxed and they're comfortable in their surroundings.

Conversely, when cats feel threatened or insecure, they may tuck in or lower their tails. This may be to appear smaller, protect vulnerable areas, or to enable them to flee from danger more quickly.

It's important to note that a raised tail with the hair puffed out is typically the reaction of a spooked or fearful cat. In these cases, the tail tends to point straight up and appears rigid from tensed muscles.

2) Perked Ears

When a cat is comfortable, they are more likely to be curious and want to explore their environment. Perked, forward facing ears help them to do this by allowing them to pinpoint the locations of sounds. If your cat is looking at you with perked ears, it might mean that they are interested in what you are doing.

Cats flatten their ears against their skulls when they need to protect these sensitive appendages and keep them out of harm's way. They are far

less likely to fold their ears back in a

defensive position when they feel safe.

3) An Exposed Belly

Many cats like to lay on their backs to stretch, get some shut-eye, scratch an itchy spot, or even to cool off when the weather is warm. However, cats are very vulnerable when they expose their bellies, so it's a sign of trust and affection when they do so.

A cat who plops down in front of you and rolls over is likely a very happy cat and could be asking for pets or affection. Some cats like to have their bellies rubbed, but this is not always the case, so remember to move slowly, respect their boundaries, and only continue if they seem to enjoy it. Even cats who don't enjoy tummy rubs still roll over when they're feeling content.

4) Slow Blinks

If a cat stares at you with half lidded eyes, blinking very slowly, they are likely trying to tell you something akin to "I like you" or "You make me feel safe". Some people even consider slow blinks to be the kitty version of smiling!

Like other indicators of happiness in cats, this behavior signals confidence as it is a vulnerable action. Similar to how a happy cat is comfortable exposing their belly, the slow blink conveys that the cat trusts you enough to let their guard down.

Cats also blink slowly at other cats whom they are friendly with. If a cat blinks slowly at you, you can return the gesture by speaking their language

and slowly blinking back at them!

5) Purring

Kittens start purring when they are just a few days old, and they learn this behavior from their mothers. Kittens are born blind and deaf, so they rely on their mother's purring to find her and stay warm.

Its theorized that cats purr when they are content because the action became associated with feelings of warmth and safety early on in life. Cats often turn their purr motors on when being pet or brushed.

Purring is typically a great sign, but cats may also purr when they are sick or injured as the vibrations are believed to have positive effects on the body. Cats who are purring to comfort themselves through pain will exhibit other signs of distress like lethargy or gum discoloration.

6) Kneading

A nursing kitten will knead on their mother's stomach to stimulate milk flow. Because of this, cats enjoy kneading soft and fuzzy things such as bedding. Like purring, it is a behavior rooted in early feelings of comfort.

When cats knead, they like to fan their toes out and extend their claws ever-so-slightly. This can be a little painful if your cat begins to knead against your bare skin, but it does indicate that they are happy to be around you! Kneading is often a cat's reaction to being pet or scratched on their favorite spot, so consider it a win if you are petting a cat who starts to knead you.

7) Affection

There are many cats out there who do not display affection, even when at their happiest. Just like people, all cats have distinct personalities and some are more social than others. That said, if your cat is affectionate towards you, other people, or other cats, it's a good sign that they are happy. If a previously affectionate cat begins withdrawing, it could be a sign of illness or emotional distress.

Cats may show their affection by rubbing against you, sitting on your lap, following you around the house, or even bringing you prey. If they are accepting of other cats, you might find them grooming, playing with, or cuddling each other.

8) Playfulness

Cats of all ages adore playtime and are often at their happiest when chasing after and sinking their teeth into a moving toy. However, cats who are feeling ill or out of their comfort zone can become less playful. For example, the arrival of a new pet might cause a cat to withdraw into a faraway corner and turn down playtime even if coaxed with their favorite toy. Just like humans who cannot loosen up and have fun without feeling secure in their surroundings, cats need to feel some modicum of confidence to be able to engage in play too.

If a cat becomes stressed, you can slowly present opportunities for play to them. As they become more trusting, the cat will loosen up enough to enjoy a good play session!

If a cat exhibits a combination of these signs and qualities, they are likely feeling happy and in their element! You can use these signs to decipher a cat's mood and react accordingly. Subscribe to our email newsletter for more fantastic kitty facts!