6 signs of a happy cat

When was the last time you saw your feline friend beaming a real ‘Cheshire Cat’ grin at you?

We’re pretty sure the answer is going to be “never.” That’s because cats lack the expressive facial features of many other animals and have even fewer facial muscles linked to expression.

While this is probably a defence mechanism from their ancestral days on the Savannah (a ‘never let ‘em see you sweat’ trait to keep predators guessing), it does mean it can be tricky to know if your cat’s living their best life day to day.

To help shed some light, we spoke to cat behaviourist Lucy Hoile, who shared some fascinating insights into the subtle ways cats show they’re happy – from gentle slow blinks to bursts of playful energy.

Every responsible cat owner wants their feline companion to be happy and upbeat. So, here are a few tell-tale signs of a happy cat to be on the lookout for…

1. Relaxed body language

Cat body language is a complex topic. As a rule of thumb, though, ‘relaxed’ body language generally means you’ve got a happy and contented kitty on your hands.

When your cat is relaxed, they may seem uninterested in what’s going on around them. Their body won’t show any obvious stiffness or tension. They also won’t be in ‘high alert’ postures, such as crouching down, ready to pounce or flee.

Expect to see a relaxed cat lounging around on their back or side like they haven’t got a single care in all the world.

As Lucy explains, “It’s quite normal for cats to sleep curled up in a little ball. Whereas with your happy and relaxed cats, then you’ll often see them stretching, splayed out on the window sill, and so on. That sort of thing indicates that ‘even though my cat’s asleep all day, look how comfortable they are.’ Cats who get older often choose softer surfaces to rest on, too, which are gentler on their joints.”

2. A healthy appetite

One of the clearest signs that something’s not quite right is a loss of appetite.

Your cat may end up eating less than usual for several different reasons. Because they’re stressed about a new person or animal in their environment. Because they’re feeling under the weather. Because they feel threatened or confused by something you’ve done. Or simply because the weather’s unusually hot.

Whatever the reason, a happy and contented cat should have a good appetite, a real appreciation for their food, and a soft spot for tasty treats.

Some cats may naturally be fussier, and that can be normal too. Getting to know your cat and their food preferences will help you notice when they’re off their food.

3. A playful spirit

A happy cat is a playful cat, whether that means playfully pouncing, tossing around a ball of yarn, or trying to get your attention for a quick game of ‘fetch’.

Stressed cats, on the other hand, usually ignore or refuse opportunities to play. Instead, they’ll tend to withdraw and seek out safe, secluded hiding spots.

No cat’s always in the mood to play, but the more playful your cat is, the happier they’re likely to be.

Lucy says, “Under 2 years of age, you’ll probably find that they’ll be quite playful, quite juvenile in their behaviour. So, if you were to interact with that cat by playing, so introducing a toy – especially a toy that moves around, like a wand toy – then you’ll probably make friends with that cat very quickly. Whereas if you were to meet an older cat, then you might find they prefer their own space, and it’s more about inviting them over and seeing if they want to interact with you.”

4. The ‘Social Roll’ and other greetings

When your cat rolls over onto their back, they’re actually giving you a very clear message that they like and trust you.

Part of this seems to be a sign that they trust you not to ‘attack’ them where they’re most vulnerable… so going in for a tummy rub counts as a betrayal of that trust (and is likely to earn you a few bites and scratches).

If your cat is regularly doing the ‘Social Roll,’ it’s a sign they’re feeling pretty positive and don’t mind having you around either.

Other greeting gestures, like your cat hopping up onto their back legs and putting their front paws on you, are also hints that your resident feline is feeling good.

5. Good hygiene standards

When we humans are having a difficult or stressful time, we may end up letting our usual self-care standards slip. Unfortunately, cats are the same.

Our feline companions are normally very mindful of maintaining good hygiene. They typically spend a lot of time grooming themselves and each other and can get quite irritated if they become dirty.

If your cat suddenly looks scruffier than usual or begins to smell, this might be a sign they’re not feeling themselves.

On the other hand, if your cat’s keeping themselves photoshoot-ready round the clock, that’s a good sign. It’s an even better sign if they’re comfortable with grooming themselves in front of you – as it shows they’re relaxed and confident.

6. Slow blinking

One behaviour that all cat owners are likely to recognise is a cat half-closing their eyes and blinking slowly.

Why exactly do cats do this? Well, it’s not totally clear. It might be a way of showing peaceful intent (since an unblinking stare could be seen as a threat), or it might just be that they’ve noticed that humans find the expression endearing.

Lucy explains, “The slow blink is quite an important indicator when a cat’s happy. When I meet a cat, if they’re staring, I think ‘ooh, okay, I’m not going to try and stroke them or go over.’ As soon as they give me that slow blink I can just be like ‘oh, great! This cat’s my friend now.’ So that’s definitely something.”

Researchers have even found that when cats and humans slow blink at each other, cats become warmer and more receptive, and they’re more likely to approach a person’s outstretched hand.

For whatever reason, a slow-blinking cat seems to be a relaxed cat in a good mood – and one that’s ready to make friends.

What should you do if your cat seems stressed or upset?

Cats are often quite particular about their living space. If left to their own devices, they’ll usually want to keep things familiar and well-organised.

If your cat’s showing the opposite signs to the ones you’re hoping to see – and seems tense or withdrawn – your first step should be to make sure they have a comfortable and consistent environment. Give them a tidy sleeping area, cosy alcoves and hiding spots, and regular mealtimes.

If your cat needs a little extra emotional support – perhaps they’re going through a change or stressful period – YuMOVE Calming Care for Adult Cats can help. It contains scientifically backed ingredients to help reduce anxiety and support calm behaviour, and comes in an easy-to-sprinkle capsule. You can use it every day to help your cat stay calm and relaxed, or short term to support them through specific situations that might make them nervous. 

Of course, if your cat has been acting unhappy for a prolonged period and you can’t figure out why, it’s always best to speak to your vet.

It’s a great feeling seeing the quirky behaviours your cat uses to show they’re in a good mood – from playful pouncing to that gentle slow blink. And with a little understanding (and maybe a helping paw from YuMOVE), you can help your cat feel calm, confident and truly content.