Skip to main content

Want to know if your cat is really happy? There’s a quiz you can take

Your cat has a soft, silky coat and clear, bright eyes. She enjoys soaking up the sun from her favorite window seat and comes running to the kitchen at mealtimes. These are all signals that your cat is healthy, but is she really happy? You can get the answer to that question by taking a Feliway quiz that analyzes just how content your cat is with her life.

Most pet parents don’t recognize symptoms of a stressed cat, according to experts at Ceva Animal Health, the company that produces Feliway cat products designed to help relieve anxiety in cats. The Feliway quiz asks pet parents a series of questions revolving around the number of cats in a household, a cat’s sleeping and grooming habits, a cat’s play style and activity level, as well as any unusual behaviors.

Pet parents simply submit their answers and within minutes receive an email offering feedback on their cat’s (or cats’) happiness level. The quiz pinpoints signs that a cat may be stressed—for example, peeing accidents, excessive scratching, or hiding—and provides tips on how to address these problems.

Cat peeping around scratching post.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Signs your cat is happy

Cats lack the facial expressiveness of dogs and are generally quieter, so their behaviors can be harder to interpret, say experts at the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS). However, by paying attention to your kitty’s vocalizations, body postures, and daily routine, you can learn how she’s feeling. Here are some signs that your cat is a happy camper.

Purring on your lap  

If your cat is curled up on your lap, half asleep and purring in response to your gentle strokes, chances are good that she’s relaxed and happy. In many cases, say the experts at Meow Mix, soft purring signals your cat’s satisfaction with the world and is an audible sign of her contentment. However, despite popular, belief purring doesn’t always indicate happiness. Some cats also purr when they are hungry or stressed. The key to deciphering the purr is to consider it in context with other clues, like your cat’s body language and demeanor.

Kneading

This is when cats work their paws on a soft surface, like your lap or a favorite blanket, as if kneading bread dough. Some cats may even drool and their eyes may glaze over, showing how content they are with this activity. According to HSUS experts, this is a leftover behavior from nursing, when kittens massaged their mother’s teats to make milk flow. Behaviorists believe that cats knead when they are really happy.

Your cat loves her food

Does your cat ask you for food by rubbing around your legs and meowing, or by leading you to her food bowl? A cat who loves her food and has a healthy appetite is generally happy. Carefully monitoring your cat’s eating habits is a great way to tell how she’s feeling, say experts at PetMD. For instance, if she’s overeating, it could mean she’s bored or depressed. Meanwhile, loss of appetite could signal a health problem.

Grooming herself in your presence

Grooming is an important part of a cat’s day. If your cat grooms herself near you, it’s a good indication that she’s content in her environment and trusts you, say experts at the Nebraska Humane Society. A great way to bond and show affection to your cat is to brush her while she’s settled down beside you.

Your cat loves laying on you

According to Ceva Animal Health, cuddling up on your lap is one way your cat shows that she loves you. Other signs of kitty love and contentment include headbutting and nose kisses. When your cat shows this type of affection, be sure to show your love by petting her gently until she falls asleep.

Your cat’s tail is held high

If your cat approaches with her tail straight up in the air and a relaxed flick at the top, that is a sign that she’s happy and confident. Pay close attention to the tip of the tail, though. If your cat’s tail is held high but the tip has a crook, that means she is undecided about what she feels, according to Beverly Hills Veterinary Associates. And when the tail is held high with the fur bristled or puffed out, that means she is agitated, angry, or afraid.

Cat sleeping on woman's lap.
yurakrasil / Shutterstock

Pay attention to your cat’s signals

As pet parents, we all want to know that our animal companions are happy living with us. That can be especially challenging with cats, say the experts at Ceva Animal Health, because “our modern life often conflicts with our cat’s natural needs.” For example, we keep our cats inside for their safety when many of them would love to roam. Also, some cats would prefer their own space but have to adjust to living in a multi-pet household. A big step in helping our cats adjust to life indoors is understanding their body language. When we recognize the signs that our cats are stressed, we can take the necessary steps to help them become relaxed, happy members of our family.

Editors' Recommendations

Vera Lawlor
Contributor
Vera was the pet columnist for 201 Family magazine and has contributed pet and animal welfare articles to Bone-A-Fide Mutts…
Is it safe for cats to be outside in winter? The answer may surprise you
Some cats love being outside, but is it safe for them during winter?
A black cat with a dusting of snow on her coat stands outside

Every loving feline owner knows that a cat is more than just a furry roommate. She's a member of the family. That's why -- for her own safety and your peace of mind -- we always recommend keeping cats indoors. However, some cats are determined to find their way outdoors no matter what.

While cats can generally withstand both extreme heat and extreme cold without suffering the consequences, veterinarians advise you to remain vigilant once the temperature begins to dip into the 40s. But that's only the basics! If you've been wondering about the potential dangers for cats outside in winter, you've come to the right place. Here's everything you need to know.

Read more
Can cats have autism? Here’s what to know about unusual behavior in cats
Learn about special needs and autism in cats
Cat with blue eyes staring into the distance

Can cats have autism? This is a question that might have crossed your mind as you try to decipher your cat's behavior patterns. Even though the diagnosis is centered on human behavior, many pet lovers and experts have discovered similarities between special-needs cats and people with autism. Still, cats are typically only labeled as special needs if they have a diagnosed physical or mental disability.

There are several behaviors in cats that are similar to those found in humans on the autism spectrum. These include:

Read more
Lap time, nap time: Why your lap cat chooses to sit on you
Find out the real reasons your cat lies in your lap
Cat sitting in a lap

As a pet parent, nothing is better than when your cat decides to curl up for a nap on your lap. Sometimes it can be slightly irritating when you need to get some work done, attempt to move your fur baby, and they look at you like you've not only offended them, but also the entire domestic cat species. But it's impossible to say no to their adorable noses and whiskers, so you let them stay. Have you ever wondered why so many of our feline family members become lap cats? We'll tell you everything you need to know about why cats love to sit on you.

Reasons your cat loves to sit on you
Wonder why your lap is your cat's favorite place to sleep? Here are some of the most common reasons.
Cats sit on you because they seek connection and attention
Despite their reputation for being aloof, most cats crave attention, especially from their favorite people. Cats get lonely when you’re not around and will beg for attention when you are. One way they do this is by sitting on your lap; it’s hard to ignore them when they’re right on top of you! They also come to you for connection and love. Usually, a cat on the lap gets affection, so your cat may come to you when they want to be petted and feel loved.
Cats get on your lap because you’re warm
Whether it’s by the radiator or in a sunbeam, kitties love napping in warm spots. One of the coziest places in your home happens to be wherever you are because of the heat your body emits. This could be why your cat likes sitting with you. They may choose to sit on your lap because they want to soak up all your body heat. Luckily, it’s not a one-way street; your cat’s body heat and fur can help keep you warm, too. With your lap cat, you’ll both stay nice and cozy.
Cats sit on you because they trust you
Sitting on top of you is a cat's ultimate sign of trust. Cats only sit in the laps of people they really feel safe with. This is especially true if they nap on you. Your cat is essentially saying they trust you to protect them from any predators while they're napping. To build even more trust with your pet, make sure you’re not forcing them to sit on your lap, and you’re giving them the option to walk away when they want. By acknowledging their freedom and leaving your lap open to your kitty, you're encouraging them to trust you even more.
Cats like the way you smell and sound
Your body is like a white-noise machine for cats. They find the noises human beings naturally make, like breathing and heartbeats, to be very soothing. It helps them relax into an easy slumber. Your cat may also be attracted to your unique scent. Smelling you may make your cat feel safer, making it easier for them to fall asleep. This can also explain why your cat always seems to love sleeping on your clothes, bed, and other possessions.

Read more