Secure Checkout

15th Jan 2024

Is my cat happy?

by Burns Team Writer

It isn’t easy figuring out how your cat feels. Most cats communicate through subtle changes in their body language, and these can vary depending on their personality. From their tail position to their ear movements, you can need a huge amount of patience to learn the nuances of your cat’s body language. However, the effort is definitely worth it if it means making your feline friend happy.

Keep reading to learn the most common signs of a happy cat.

 

What are the signs of a happy cat?

1. Purring

If your cat is happy, you will likely hear the gentle sound of them purring. Most cat owners report hearing this delightful sound when stroking or feeding their cat. However, it is also believed to be a method of self soothing. So, if your cat feels stressed, they may start purring to comfort themselves.

2. Meowing

A short meow can be a sign that your cat is happy. As a cat owner, you will likely hear this meow when arriving home or during mealtime. However, cats can meow to express a wide range of emotions. So, make sure to look out for the other signs of a happy cat. These will help you to understand how your cat is really feeling.

3. Kneading

Cats have an endearing behaviour known as kneading, which involves rhythmically pushing and pulling their paws against a soft surface, resembling the kneading of dough. This is often an indication that they feel safe, secure and happy in their environment.

4. Drooling

While not all cats exhibit this behaviour, some cats release a small amount of saliva when exceptionally happy. This usually happens alongside stroking, purring and kneading. It is believed that drooling is not only a sign of happiness, but shows that they feel genuinely comfortable in the presence of their beloved owners.

5. Rolling

A calm cat will often roll over to expose their belly. This is a gesture of trust, as a cat’s belly is one of their most sensitive areas. It can also be an invitation to rub their belly. However, it’s important to approach with caution, as not all cats enjoy their belly being touched!

6. Slow blinking

Slow blinking is considered a genuine expression of contentment. If your cat feels relaxed around you, they may blink slowly as a sign of trust and affection. Some cat owners even respond with a slow blink, to reinforce the bond they have with their feline companion.

7. Playing

A happy cat will often exhibit a strong desire to play. Whether chasing after a toy mouse or batting at a dangling feather, this playful behaviour is a sign of their happiness. They will likely be even happier if you join in, allowing you to strengthen the bond between you and your feline friend.

8. Grooming

When content, cats will usually dedicate time to grooming their fur, keeping it clean, shiny and healthy. This routine not only contributes to their physical wellbeing, but indicates that your cat feels content in their surroundings. Completing their normal grooming habits can be a reassuring sign of their overall happiness.

9. Eating

Happy cats generally display a healthy appetite. If you notice your cat leaving food in their bowl, it could indicate heightened stress levels. Keeping a close eye on your cat’s eating habits can provide you with valuable insights into their emotional and physical wellbeing.

10. Sleeping

When a cat is happy, they will usually follow a regular sleep pattern. A cat’s restful sleep is not only essential for their physical health but also serves as an indicator to their emotional wellbeing. Comfortable, undisturbed sleep suggests a sense of security and contentment in their environment.

 

What can I do to make my cat happy?

As a cat owner, there is nothing more important than the happiness of your feline friend. From providing nutritious meals to offering delicious treats, there are a number of things you can do to ensure you have a happy and healthy cat.

Feed them nutritious food

Feeding your cat a balanced diet is crucial for their overall health and happiness. A diet rich in essential nutrients, proteins and vitamins promotes a glossy coat, strong bones and a robust immune system. By prioritising your cat’s nutritional needs, you’re not only promoting their physical health but also contributing to their overall happiness and quality of life.

At Burns, our cat food is made from all natural ingredients. Free from artificial preservatives, our cat food has been formulated to meet the specific needs of your cat. Using highly ingestible ingredients, such as chicken, turkey and wholegrains, our food has been designed to support healthy bones, muscles and immune systems. We even have a range of sensitive food, that is suitable for cats with food sensitivities and digestive issues.

Give them delicious treats

Giving your cat treats can be an effective way to enhance their happiness and strengthen your bond. While a balanced diet is essential for their overall health, occasional treats can be used to add some variety to their daily routine. Just remember to deduct the calories from their daily allowance to avoid overindulgence. This way, treats can be used to contribute to their overall happiness without compromising their health.

Get them stimulating toys

Providing your cat with toys is essential for their mental and physical wellbeing, contributing significantly to their overall happiness. Toys serve as outlets for your cat’s natural instincts, allowing them to exhibit behaviours such as hunting, stalking and pouncing. Some toys also offer mental stimulation, providing entertainment and preventing boredom. Regular play sessions with your cat can ensure they remain happy and healthy.

Learn more about cat body language

If you would like to learn more about cat body language, take a look at our blog. We cover a wide range of topics, helping you to offer the best possible care to your feline friend.

View our blog
View our blog View our blog