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(+1) 916 280 0061Cats are not exactly like dogs that wag their tail or bark excitedly when they are feeling happy. As kittens, they can be like puppies: all playful and hyperactive. At this stage, it can be pretty clear that they are enjoying themselves.
But as cats mature, most become more aloof, sometimes only meowing to ask for food. Because of this, a common concern among cat owners is how to determine whether their pet is happy or not. If you are having trouble reading your cat’s expression, here are the seven signs of a happy cat that you can look out for.
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1. A High Pitched Meow
Your feline pet may be known for her aloof expression, but she can be very vocal when it comes to expressing her feelings. For instance, you can determine if your cat is happy by the pitch of her meow alone.
If your cat’s meow is low in pitch, it can mean that she is unhappy or annoyed, particularly at another cat. On the other hand, if your cat makes a high pitched meow, you can assume that she is feeling happy and content. While cats may meow for many reasons, and the pitch of her cat is not always a hundred percent telling, a high pitched meow is a good indicator of feline happiness.
2. A Healthy Appearance
Another surefire way to tell if your cat is feeling happy is to simply look at her appearance. Is she disheveled or is she maintaining her nice and shiny coat of fur? The latter means that your cat feels good because she is interested in grooming herself.
Cats who have a good relationship would groom each other, and in the case of a house cat, if she has a good relationship with her owner, she will lick them, too.
3. Dilated Eyes
You can actually look closely into your cat’s eyes to see if she is feeling happy! If her eyes are dilated, it is a pretty good indicator that she is content and cheerful. Aside from dilated eyes, you may also observe that her ears are facing forward but slightly tilted back.
4. A Healthy Appetite
If your cat is not particularly physically expressive, you can always monitor her appetite to see if she is feeling well and healthy. A good appetite is almost always an accurate sign that your cat is feeling happy. Aside from her appetite, a happy cat may also ask you for food by rubbing around your legs while meowing. This means that she trusts you, and you can very well assume that she is happy and content in your company.
A healthy appetite is important in all animals, so either you have a cat or any other pet monitor their appetite. If you want to improve the health of your pets, visit our page about animal testing.
For instance, we offer the Dog Allergy Test, food and non-food allergens are tested and will let you know about the allergies that your dog may have.
5. A Relaxed Posture
You can always tell whether your cat is feeling relaxed through her posture. If your cat is sleeping with her paws tucked under her, appear small and unthreatening, this means she feels at home in your home. On the other hand, a cat that feels agitated will straighten her legs, and you can see that the hair along her spine will stand erect.
You may also be able to observe that your cat’s tail stands erect with a crooked tip. This is no cause for concern as it is actually a way for her to greet people and other cats she considers as her friends.
6. Sleeping With Other Cats
Cats sleep a lot, so it is not surprising to know that the way they sleep is a good indicator of her disposition. Your cat’s sleep location is particularly telling. If she sleeps with you or with other cats, then it means she is feeling happy and content. On the other hand, if she starts sleeping away from other cats or if she starts sleeping unnaturally more, it can mean that she is going through depression.
7. A Generally Playful Behaviour
Kittens are a lot more playful than adult cats, but the latter enjoys playing, too! If your cat plays with other animals, with you, or with other people they trust, you can definitely assume that she is one joyful cat.
Not every cat is the same. Some cats are more expressive, while other cats can be more aloof. Still, the general indicators of a cat’s happiness and contentment can be consistent among most felines, and you can rely on them to judge your pet’s disposition.