Is your cat happy?

Cat emotions can be subtle, so how can you tell whether your cat is happy? Here are 12 signs to watch out for.

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Cats have plenty of ways to show us how they’re feeling – as long as you know what to look for. By paying attention to your cat’s body language, vocalisations and habits, you can start to work out when they’re happy, or if they’re a little out of sorts.

From purring and kneading to chirruping, here are 12 classic signs that a cat is happy.

12 signs your cat is happy

1. Purring

Does purring mean a cat is happy? Usually yes, but not always. Cats purr if they’re relaxed and content, often when sitting on your lap or curled up in bed. But they can also purr when frightened or in pain, so it’s important to consider the context of when and where they’re purring, plus whether they’re showing other signs of happiness.

2. Chirruping

Cats usually communicate with each other through body language and scent, rather than vocalisations such as meowing or chirruping. Cats learn to chirrup – a soft, short warbling sound – from their mothers. Some adult cats will also use this sound to greet humans. It’s usually a sign of contentment, but can also mean your cat has spotted something exciting, such as their favourite toy or a bird outside the window.

3. Kneading

Whether you call it kneading, ‘making biscuits’ or ‘happy paws’, this action involves your cat moving their front paws up and down while sitting on a soft surface such as their bed, a blanket or your lap. This is an instinctive behaviour seen in tiny kittens as they knead their mother’s teats to stimulate milk production.

Many cats continue kneading even when they’re fully grown, so if you see your cat kneading, it’s a good sign they’re feeling happy.

4. Drooling

Some cats drool when they’re being cuddled or when they’re kneading. In this context, it’s a sign of happiness and relaxation, but drooling in other circumstances – such as when eating, when not showing any other signs of happiness, or if it’s a new behaviour – may be a sign of a medical issue and should be investigated by your vet.

5. Playfulness

A playful cat is usually a happy cat. How often your cat plays is down to their age, personality and energy levels. Some cats, especially kittens, are particularly playful, while others may only play for a short burst each day.

When your cat successfully pounces on and catches their toys, it releases endorphins, also known as ‘happy hormones’. Choosing a range of cat-safe toys and encouraging your cat to play with you for a few minutes each day will entertain your cat and help them feel content.

6. Friendly body language

Cat body language can be subtle, but once you know the signs to look for, there are plenty of clues to show your cat is feeling good. When cats are happy, their body language is usually calm and relaxed, rather than alert and agitated.

Other signals of happiness to look out for include a high tail curved at the tip and head butting (also known as head bunting). These are signs your cat loves you and is feeling content.

7. Sitting on your lap

If your cat seeks out your lap for a cuddle or a quick nap, it’s a good sign they’re feeling happy. Cats typically sleep in places they feel safe and secure, often their cat bed or somewhere elevated like a shelf or your bed. If they choose your lap, it’s a sign they trust you to keep them safe while they sleep.

8. Slow blinks

If your cat looks at you and does a long, slow blink, that’s a sure sign they’re feeling happy. It’s also a sign they trust you, because closing their eyes when they’re with another animal (including us humans!) means your cat feels safe in their presence.

Research suggests cats also respond when people slow blink at them. When looking at your cat, try narrowing your eyes, like when you smile, before closing your eyes for a second or two. Your cat may well respond with a slow blink of their own.

9. Usual grooming practices

Knowing your cat’s normal grooming habits can help you check if they’re feeling good. Cats often groom themselves after they’ve eaten and before they settle down for a sleep. This is a throwback to their ancestors, who would clean their coats after hunting, to remove the scent of whatever prey they’d just caught and eaten.

10.Normal sleeping habits

Cats usually sleep between 12-18 hours per day, while kittens and senior cats may sleep even more. Cats aren’t nocturnal but are crepuscular. This means they tend to be most active and awake during dawn and dusk, as this is when small prey-like rodents and birds are typically active, too.

Many domestic cats follow this pattern, but others may adjust when they sleep to match when you’re awake. Knowing what’s normal for your cat can help you work out if they’re feeling happy and healthy.

11.Regular eating patterns

Some cats love to eat all types of food, while others are more picky. Knowing what’s normal for your cat will help you tell if they’re feeling happy or not. A content cat will follow a routine of eating their meals at set times – and will let you know if they’re hungry and want a treat!

12.Typical litter tray habits 

Happy, healthy cats use their litter tray regularly and won’t have any problems going to the toilet. Keeping an eye on your cat’s toilet habits can help you work out if they’re feeling OK. If possible, try to check their poop and whether they’re urinating normally.

Always place your cat’s litter tray in a quiet area of the house, and if you have more than one cat, make sure there’s an extra litter box so they don’t have to compete.

Signs of an unhappy cat

Cats are good at hiding any signs of anxiety, unhappiness or pain, so it’s important to look out for subtle signs that they may not be feeling their best. These include:

• Hiding
• Spraying
• Aggression
• Signs of pain
• Decreased activity
• A dull, scurfy or matted coat
• Vocalisations such as growls, yowls or hissing
• Changes to their eating, grooming or litter tray habits
• Repeatedly trying to urinate, going to the toilet outside the litter tray or meowing before using the litter tray (this should be treated as an emergency, as urinary infections in cats can be extremely serious)

How to help an unhappy cat

You know your cat best, so if you’re concerned they might be unhappy, talk to your vet for advice. If you have Petplan cat insurance, you can also use our free Pet Expert Chat service to connect with vet professionals at any time of the day. Simply log into your My Petplan account and head to the My Support area to access.