Signs That A Cat Is Happy

All kinds of pet owners, whether they have a dog, cat, bird, or hamster, want to learn how to make their animal feel safe, loved, and content at home. Learning the signs that your cat is happy means you're doing a good job so far. Signs of a confident cat are also important to observe, though if you ever have questions about your cat's health and wellness, take him to a veterinarian. This pet professional can help you with food, toys, beds, and tools for grooming your pet.

The picture of a happy cat is rather different from that of a dog, in part because felines are generally quieter and more sedentary. While kittens are often a playful sort, batting balls, chasing toy mice, and leaping for a piece of paper attached to a bendy wire, you don't usually take a cat to the park for a game of fetch with a tennis ball. Learning how to know if your cat is happy takes some time and patience as you come to understand the games and routines your cat tends to enjoy.

One way to spot signs of a happy cat is to listen closely. Indeed, cats do more than just meow every now and then. In fact, they have a wide range of vocalizations that often indicate happiness. Of course, some cats hardly make a sound, but others who've been brought up with people and who are well cared for like to speak their mind. Some breeds are quite talkative, like the Abyssinian and the Siamese cat.

Of course, growling and yowling may indicate pain or trouble, while hissing and spitting are aggressive and could mean your kitty is scared or annoyed. There are several common cat sounds that are signs of a happy cat, including the following:

Viktor_Gladkov/iStock/GettyImages

• ​Meowing:​ With this sound, your pet may be greeting you or talking to herself or asking to be fed. If you hear meows, it generally means your cat is happy and cared for.
• ​Chirping:​ A mama cat will trill and chirp at her kittens to get them to pay attention, and your pet might do the same to you if he's hungry or when talking to another cat in the room.
• ​Purring:​ This sound is a classic, and it's often a sign of a happy cat.
• ​Twittering:​ Is there a bird on the patio railing? Your cat might spy it and then chatter or twitter away as a sign of excitement.

The signs of a happy cat aren't just aural; they're also very physical in nature. Watch your pet cat closely for these positive body motions, and you'll share in your pet's joy:

ozgurcankaya/iStock/GettyImages

• ​Alert ears:​ If your kitty's ears are upright and forward, she's a happy clam.
• ​Blinking eyes:​ Trust and love are shown with a slow blink of the eyes.
• ​Cheek rubbing:​ Body rubbing indicates ownership and contentedness, while the same movement with cheeks means you belong to your cat since he's marking you with his facial scent glands.
• ​Head bumps:​ Is your pet cat butting or bumping into you with his head? It's not a mean motion but instead one that shows how much he loves and cares for you.
• ​Erect tail:​ A tail that rides high with flat fur on it is a sign of a happy kitty.
• ​Kneading:​ This funny motion with your cat's paws looks like he's playing the piano, but it's actually a sign that your cat is content with his current situation.
• ​Showing the belly:​ The ultimate sign of happiness and trust is a cat who will roll over and display his soft underbelly to her owner for a good scratching session.