HOW DO I KNOW IF MY CAT IS HAPPY? 10 BEST CLUES

How do I know if my cat is happy? Cats owners are always alert to spot any clue or sign showing whether their cat feels good or bad. Unfortunately, they have limited ways to let us know how they feel. Still, it is possible to determine if cats are happy from their body language, tail movements, and many other little clues.

You can know if your cat is happy, if his body is relaxed and if the tail is pointing upward when he walks to greet you. Other signs are if he purrs and wants to have affection, if he is comfortable around you, eats and poo regularly, plays, and is relaxed when sleeping.

Let’s see all the ways cats use to tell us that they are happy and feel good around us.

HOW TO TELL IF YOUR CAT IS SAD?

One of the best ways to figure out if a cat is happy is by recognizing the signs of sadness. Indeed, cats do not speak, and sometimes they like to be by themselves. However, each cat has his personality and what we think is a sign of sadness. It is actually the personality of a cat that likes to mind his own business.

The critical point is if he changed his habits and personality considerably. For example, a social cat that uses to cuddle and is affectionate, who suddenly hides and stops showing affection, can signify something wrong.

However, a cat that used to be by himself, that suddenly becomes affection, can also signify that it may be something wrong. For example, oversleeping cats, cats that do not eat or eat less, stopped using the litter box, have litter box accidents, do not groom themselves, have problems, or are sad.

Sudden stress factors can cause a cat to be sad. For example, routine changes, new pets, new people in the house, weird sounds they consider dangerous, and many other factors can influence a cat’s behavior and make him sad. Even the fact that the cat is alone for too many hours can be why he is sad.

HOW DO I KNOW IF MY CAT IS HAPPY?

On the other side, there are many signs and signals that cats send to their owners that show they are happy. Once cats owners have lived for some time with a cat, they become familiar with their cat personality and can spot better signs of happiness or sadness, even in the little things their cats do.

Here are the most common signs of a happy cat:

1.YOUR CAT LOVES TO EAT

Happy cats demand food and treats. They are eager to eat and follow you to their bowl to get their meals. If you do not show up when you should, happy cats will come and get you, one way or another.

Cats will never refuse a treat or good food if they are happy. Therefore, food and the reaction to it is one of the best indicators of a cat’s being.

2. VOCAL COMMUNICATION

Some cats are vocal and like to “speak” with their owners. For example, they meow for food, when they greet their owners, or if their owners speak to them, and so on. However, not all cats are vocal. Some may make some sounds in specific instances.

The most important thing is that they are communicative with their owers one way or another. Happy cats like to communicate and interchange “opinions” with their owners.

3. PLAYING

Happy cats are active and always around to find a way to get in trouble or throw things on the floor. You will see them climbing cats trees, hunting, playing with their toys, trying to get into cupboards, trying to open a door, attacking your hands and feet when you sleep, trying to get under the covers, chew on things, and so on.

You can add to the list so many other things. If your cat roams around the house busy with such activities, it is a good sign. He is a happy cat.

4. SELF GROOMING

Despite what people can think about cats, they are very clean. They spend a big part of the day making sure their fur is in order, washing their face, their paws, and the rest of their bodies. If another cat is around, they clean each other too. If cats are actively cleaning themselves, it means they are doing well and are happy.

5. AFFECTION

Cats are happy when they can give affection and receive affection from their owner. If they come to you for their daily scratches and pets, they are doing well, and you are doing a good job caring for them. In addition, happy cats often choose to sleep at least in the same room as their owner or near them.

If they sleep in other places, they still use to go to their owners for affection. Cats with a very affectionate personality are climbing on their owners and sleeping on them too, or go to them purring and having a nice nap while enjoying a private massage by their owners.

6. PURRING

Content and happy cats purr, especially when they go near their owners to get affection and pets. Purring is another excellent sign of cat happiness, even if sometimes it can indicate discomfort. When cats are purring while they come near you or climb you, it is a good indicator of a happy cat.

7. THEY ARE GREETING YOU

Another sign of a happy cat is greeting time. When you come back home, cats are usually there behind the door, meowing, and when you open the door, they may rub on you, purr, flop over in front of you, and sometimes even scratching their nails on something.

The same can happen when you wake up or when they do not see you for a while. For example, my cat uses a greeting meow if he has not seen me for a while.

8. FRIENDLYNESS

Even when cats are not extremely affectionate, you can still see if they are friendly, at least with you. It means that they are relaxed and not trying to attack anyone. If a cat is friendly means that he doesn’t sense any danger or stress.

9. THEY USE THE LITTER BOX PROPERLY

Happy cats do their private business in the litter box. The misuse of the litter box can be a sign of stress and other issues. Happy cats keep clean and properly use the litter box. You will not see them peeing or pooping in the house.

10. SLOW BLINK

When was the last time that your cat gave you the slow blink? Happy and comfortable cats would use the slow blink with their owner from time to time. It is a sign of love and affection, but above all, it tells you that your cat feels good around you and in the environment.

12. KNEADING

Kneading is what cats do when they are happy and content. You can see cats kneading on pillows, blankets, or even on you while they purr. Kneading is a good sign. Some cats can practice it more, and some cats less. If you see it, it is one of the signs of cats’ happiness.

HOW DO I KNOW IF MY CAT ENJOYS BEING PET?

Cats show if they like being pet. For example, they would close their eyes and move their head toward your hand to get more. If they are standing, cats will curve their back upwards, and they may even start purring.

Some cats may even grab your hand with their paw to make you continue the scratching and petting activity. In this case, you know for sure that your cat wants more attention.

However, if you are petting a cat and see his tails moving back and forth or even stomping on the floor, you know that your cat is not happy about what you are doing. Cats may be happy to be pet if you only touch them in their heads and faces, especially under the chin and on their cheek.

Sometimes, cats allow you to touch them on their back, but not all. If you pet them on their bodies, belly, and even paws, you can see some sign of distress, for example, the tail moving frenetically back and forth or if he tries to move away from your hand.

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