They say a happy cat is the best company you can have. As concerned cat guardians, we all want our cats to be happy and healthy. But how do we know that we have got it right?
Cats can’t speak our language, and sometimes it is difficult to tell if they are happy or healthy. What are the signs of a happy and healthy cat? This article will answer this question and look at the nine signs that show your cat is happy and healthy.
1. Playful Nature
Cats enjoy playing. They chase, stalk, bite, pounce, and scratch everyone and everything they see. Your cat is more likely to be playful if it is happy, comfortable, and healthy.
A happy adult cat is curious about its surroundings and ready to use its energy in play. Some cats are naturally more outgoing than others. Still, even shy cats will cheerfully interact with their surroundings, be friendly with people, and discover new things if they feel safe.
A cat that loves to play with you and your family or other cats or pets is very healthy and happy.
2. Purring
This is a common sign of a happy cat. Though cats also purr in pain or nervousness, this is often combined with negative body language, such as laying their ears flat, lowering their head, or hiding.
A cat that purrs when snuggled with you or while enjoying a grooming session is a cat that is happy to be with you. Purring is recognized as a sign of a happy and healthy cat. If your cat’s purr is soft and gentle, you can consider this as a sign that your cat is happy and in good health.
3. Shows Her Belly
Another sign of happiness that your cat can display is showing you its belly. A Cat that exposes its belly in a very vulnerable position and shows its vulnerable parts indicate comfort, happiness, and confidence.
Therefore, if your cats turn around and show you its belly, this is a sign that your cat is happy with you. Cats usually roll over and expose their bellies when they are comfortable with people they know.
4. Regular Grooming
When it comes to grooming, cats are fastidious groomers. A shiny, clean coat is a sign of a healthy cat. Your cat’s coat should be shiny and clean. But if your cat hasn’t been groomed for a while, you may notice extra skin scurf or dander on her coat, which can look dull and less shiny.
Lack of grooming or a sudden change in grooming behavior may be a sign of an underlying health condition, and it is best to consult your vet.
5. A Healthy Appetite
Cat’s appetite says a lot about its well-being and happiness. Loss of appetite or a change in the cat’s regular eating habits is one of the most apparent signs of stress or infection.
Cats tend to eat consistently but not in excess when they are healthy and happy. Too much or too little can be signs of a variety of problems. You should contact your veterinarian immediately if your cat’s appetite suddenly changes or if your cat stops eating altogether.
6. Rubbing against You
Cats mark their territory by rubbing against things with their faces and bodies. This is because they have scent glands on their forehead, chins, and cheeks that release pheromones.
Your cat is marking you as a friend by rubbing its face against you and leaving behind its scent. Meaning your cat is happy to be with you. This is not just a sign of happy and healthy cats; your cats also want to ensure that they have marked you with their scent.
7. Healthy Litter Box Behavior
A happy cat will use its litter box and is generally more forgiving if it is not well maintained. An unhappy and anxious cat may show it by urinating outside the litter box.
So, suppose your cat has a history of missing the litter box or eliminating elsewhere. In that case, it may indicate they are anxious, stressed, or have an underlying medical condition. Make sure you take your cat to the vet for an exam as soon as you notice changes in litter box behavior.
8. Spending Time With Their Guardians
If cats feel worried or uncomfortable, they are likely to go and hide. So if your cat is happy, he usually wants to spend time in the same room with you.
He doesn’t need to be beside you, but a cat that prefers to hang out in the same rooms where you spend most of your time shows that they are happy being around you.
9. Kneading
Cats knead their paws on surfaces such as their beds, other pets, or people. Cat lovers also refer to this behavior as mashing potatoes, making biscuits, and playing the piano.
Cats knead to show pleasure, comfort, and happiness. They often knead while being stroked or when snuggling into a napping spot. Your cat can also knead on your lap to show love and happiness.
Kneading is a calming behavior that cats do when they feel completely relaxed. A stressed cat can knead to create a calm mood.
Conclusion
If you want to know whether your cat is happy, look at their vocalizations, body language, and behaviors to see how they compare to what a healthy and happy cat does.
All cats are different, but you should be concerned if your cat is not engaging in any of these activities. It’s worth looking at its daily activities to see if there is anything you can do to improve its life. Changes in your cat’s daily activities are also vital signs to consider. Any change in your cat’s eating habits, grooming, drinking, or litter box use is a clear sign that you should take steps to care for your cat and make him healthy and happy.
