Signs of a Happy Cat

Alison Gaynor | October 12, 2021 | happy cat
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thumbnail the cat 1538640 1920
Photo by thumbnail the cat 1538640 1920

Cats can often be tricky animals to understand. One minute you are petting their belly and the next minute they are biting you like you haven’t fed them in weeks! Trust me, I’ve been there and done that.

Knowing more about your cat’s verbal sounds, body language and other telling signs can help you better understand and communicate with your furry friend.

How to Tell If a Cat Is Happy

Unhappy CatRemember that each cat is different and some cats display differing signs of happiness. Spending time with your cat and paying attention to their actions and sounds can help you better pinpoint just exactly what mood they are in.

Here are some of the most common signals that a cat is happy:

  • Purring
  • Eating all their food
  • Using their litter box
  • Playing with other cats or people
  • Napping in the open
  • Rubbing on people and being happy to see them
  • Making biscuits (kneading blankets and pillows)
  • Being friendly
  • Keeping themselves clean

Do Cats Purr When They Are Happy?

Short answer? Sometimes…Long answer? Cats purr for tons of reasons. They purr when they are happy, stressed, hurt and when they want attention. Some studies have shown that when a cat purrs, it is able to actually help relieve some medical conditions, such as dysplasia. This is where the common myth of cats having nine lives comes from.

Do Cats Drool When Happy?

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Just like dogs, cats can often be seen drooling. Gross or cute? That’s for an owner to decide…

Cats may drool while they are being petted and/or while they purr. This mimics the feeling they received while they fed from their mom when they were younger. Much like when cats get ready for bed and “make biscuits” in a blanket, cats kneaded their mother’s belly and purred while they fed.

If you suspect that your cat might be drooling for other reasons, seek guidance from your local veterinarian. When in doubt, call a professional.

Tips for Making an Indoor Cat Happy

Are indoor cats happy? Yes! They still need outlets for their energy, safe places to relax and a consistent food source. Keeping an indoor cat happy all depends on the individual cat, but generally speaking, a happy cat is a friendly cat.

Here are some basic tips and tricks on how to make an indoor cat happy:

  • Offering cat nip (sponsored)
  • Buying play toys (sponsored)
  • Providing scratching posts (sponsored)
  • Playing with them
  • Going for a walk
  • Speaking to them softly and positively
  • Giving them their own space
  • Spending quality time with them

Every cat is different, but with a little attention and soft back-scratching, it’s pretty easy to make a cat happy and purr!

About the Author
Cats Be Emotional Support Animals

Alison Gaynor

My two dogs are the loves of my life! My Golden Retriever, Cody, is the sweetest dog you’d ever meet and Ziva, my Border Collie, is so smart. Learning more about dogs and sharing my experiences is why I decided to start writing!... Learn More

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