Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Cats

10 telltale signs your cat is happy

Paige Cerulli
By

Cats can naturally be quiet and independent, making it difficult to tell if they’re happy. If you have a new cat at home or have recently introduced a new pet, you might be worrying about how happy your cat really is. The good news is that cats actually send out all sorts of signs to let you know if they’re happy — or if they’re not so content. All you have to do is be able to recognize those signs. Knowing how to tell if your cat is happy can help you better understand how he feels, and you might even be able to tell if your cat is having a physical issue that might need some vet attention. Be sure to look for these 10 signs your cat is happy.

Frequent purring

A happy cat may purr frequently, particularly when he’s spending time with you or eating a great meal. Keep in mind that purring can also be a sign of stress, so it’s important to read the overall situation to determine whether the purring is happy or stressed.

Happy cat stretched out on a mini cat couch

Seeking out your attention

A happy cat may actively seek out your attention because he enjoys interacting with you. If your cat is content, he may sleep beside you on the couch, follow you from room to room, or even join you in bed at night.

Related

Spending time in the same room with you

If you have a happy, social cat, he will usually want to spend time in the same room with you. This doesn’t mean that he has to be right up next to you, but a cat who hangs out in the same rooms where you spend the most time is showing that he likes being around you.

Recommended Videos

A healthy appetite

Happy cats tend to have healthy appetites. If a cat is stressed or upset, his appetite often suffers, but a kitty who eats up his meals right away is often a happy cat. (Highly stressed cats may also gorge on food, so be sure to look for other signs that your cat is happy to confirm that his good appetite is just because he’s healthy and content.)

Slow blinking

Some cats show affection and contentment by blinking at you slowly. Your cat might blink two or three times in a row, demonstrating that he’s happy and relaxed. You can return the compliment by slowly blinking back at him.

Playful nature

If your cat is comfortable, healthy, and happy, he’s more likely to be playful, too. A cat who’s often playing with his toys, or who is always ready to join in a game of laser chase, is probably a pretty happy cat. Watch your cat for signs that he’s enthusiastic about playtime. Your cat’s fun-loving nature can indicate that he’s feeling good and that he’s also comfortable enough in his surroundings to cut loose and truly play.

Deep sleep

Cats who are happy in their homes are more likely to let themselves sleep deeply and comfortably, even when you’re around. Cats are vulnerable when they sleep, so they naturally tend to seek out quiet spaces where they’re safer before taking a nap. If your cat happily sleeps on the couch or in another central place in the house, he’s showing that he’s confident and content in his surroundings.

You can watch as your cat snoozes to look for additional signs that indicate his comfort level. A happy, comfy cat may stretch out, splay himself on the furniture, and even lie on his back and expose his belly — a vulnerable position. He may continue to sleep even as you pass by him, demonstrating how safe he feels.

Black and white cat lying in a cat bed

Happy body posture

A cat who’s happy and confident will show it in his body. Look for easygoing, contented body language like a raised yet relaxed tail, a head up with alert eyes, and a sweeping, steady walk. Your cat might even look like he’s strutting a little bit. It’s just his confidence and happiness shining through.

Bonds with other cats

A happy cat who’s well settled will have good relationships with the other cats in your home. Watch to see if your cat plays with, sleeps with, or even grooms the other cats. These can all be positive signs that your kitty is happy and gets along well with his other buddies.

Rubbing against you

Cats spread their scent to others by rubbing against them, and if your cat loves you and wants to show that you are his, he’ll rub against you, too. Look for times when your cat rubs his head against your legs or hands, and understand that he’s giving you a big compliment when he does this.

These 10 signs your cat is happy can help you better understand how your cat is feeling at any time. Knowing how to recognize these signs is an important step in caring for your cat. If these signs change, your cat may be indicating that something has gone wrong. He could be feeling sick, struggling to cope with a recent major household change, or otherwise bothered by something that’s occurred, like your having recently returned to work. Recognizing when these signs of happiness change means you can quickly identify an issue and take steps to try to determine what’s bothering your cat. As a result, you’ll be better able to keep your cat healthy and happy.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Paige Cerulli
Paige Cerulli
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Paige's work has appeared in American Veterinarian, Business Insider, Healthline, and more. When she's not writing, Paige…
Watch this clever cat try to teach their pet parent how cat toys work
She wants to teach her human how to play with the dangly toy
Kitten plays with a yarn ball on a string

We love playing with our pets, and they seem to love it back. While dogs might enjoy endlessly chasing a ball or tugging at a rope, cats typically gravitate toward more obvious hunting games. That's why plenty of cat toys involve a small mouse, sometimes stuffed with catnip or another intriguing smell. You can also find cat toys that dangle on a string, something like a fishing pole, for the feline to bat and bite. Well, this particularly clever cat has decided it's her human who needs to practice and is determined to play a little game with him.

We can't exactly tell if this kitty was absentmindedly playing with her toy or if she's a diabolical genius who has set out to teach human owners a lesson; commenters seemed to lean toward the first (and we do too). In the video, the little mouser sits atop a sofa and playfully waves her toy in front of her owner, clearly trying to get him to swing at it. This clip is entitled "Derp has turned the tables playing with derp daddy" and was posted to the Animals Being Derps subreddit, a place for some particularly funny pics and videos of pets.

Read more
Family member allergic to cats? Where to find hypoallergenic cats for adoption
Can you have a cat with your allergies? Yes, and here's how
Bengal cat peering around a row of potted plants

While our opinions may differ on innumerable issues, there is one universal constant we can all agree on: No one enjoys suffering from allergies. If you're dealing with itchy eyes, a running nose, constant sneezing, coughing, wheezing, or even hives, then you're suffering from an allergy to something in your immediate environment.
Maybe it's just pollen, but it can also be... your cat. Cat allergies are relatively common, but just because someone in your family has cat allergies doesn't mean you have to give up your dream of being a cat parent. From bathing your cat to allergy treatments, there are a few tips you can use to limit exposure to allergens. Even better, you might even find the purr-fect solution waiting for you in a local shelter. Keep reading to learn more about hypoallergenic cats for adoption.

How do you adopt a cat if you have allergies?
If you're allergic to cats, it's important to understand just what is prompting an allergic reaction. NBC10 Boston explains that while many people believe that cat hair creates an allergic reaction, they're actually more likely reacting to cat dander, saliva, tears, and urine. Your cat releases an allergen called "Fel d 1" every time he grooms himself or uses the litter box. That allergen gets sent into the air, and it also lands on your cat's skin and hair. When you breathe that air or touch the hair or dander that contains that allergen, you may have an allergic reaction.

Read more
Everything you need to know about the adorable snowshoe cat
Never heard of the snowshoe cat breed? You're not alone, but they're worth learning more about
Cat with white paws standing up

We don’t typically think of cats as breeds. With canine companions, there is a ton of information on different breeds, including common physical and social traits.

However, felines also have separate breeds beyond just commonly known ones, like Maine Coons and Siamese cats. One you may not have heard of is the snowshoe cat. There’s likely a reason you’ve never heard of this cat, because the breed is rare.

Read more