How I know My Cat is Happy

How do you know if your cat is happy?

Anyone who is a cat lover knows how wonderful and fufilling it can be! Nothing makes me feel happier than coming home and seeing my cat sitting in the windowsill watching for my car to come down the street. For some of you it may be when your cat is there to greet you at the door, or when they are snuggling next to you on the couch!

However, sometimes as much as we think we know our feline friends, they can be hard to read. Maybe they are more independant and less attentive to you at times.  Or they start to purr in bliss as you rub their necks; and then bam!  They bite you!  They want love and attention, but on their terms.

Sometimes these mixed signals make it hard to read and understand what our cats need or how they are feeling.  While I am in no way an expert on cat behavior, there are some things my cat Grizzabella does that always reassure me she is a happy girl!!

She Acts Crazy!!:

When she is excited she runs back and forth around the house and leaps from couch to couch-to the floor-then darts under the entertainment center with eyes that say “come and get me”!!  Sometimes I do! First, I’ll walk slowly then run and say, ” I gottcha!!”  or  ” You’re so cute! ”  She’ll then run like crazy around the halls and furniture. It’s great fun to play chase with your cat.  I can tell she is in bliss when we do this!!

She Butts Me With Her Head:

I love when my cat does this! I’ve read head butts are also a sign that they are marking you as their territory. This makes me feel so loved as her owner!  The sweet head butt also gives me an opportunity to show her love and it’s even better because it’s on her timing!  Although, I have to say her timing seems to always be when I’m sitting down working on my laptop, reading a book, or on the phone.  Lol…oh well, I guess that’s her marking me as her territory! Which I have to say, is very flattering!!

Purrr!!!:

Any cat owner knows this is a sign of utter bliss!  And Grizzabella is no exception. Grizzabella usually purrs when she is cuddled up next my head at night in bed, or snuggled next to me on the couch.  She also purrs during those endearing little head butts, and of course when her neck and back get scratched.  She likes back scratchies!!

A Healthy Appetite:

A good appetite is a sure sign I know she is healthy as well as happy. Just like us humans, depression and anxiety will diminish a cat’s appetite.  Grizzabella usually eats all her food…in fact everytime my husband and I go into the kitchen to get a snack, she follows us and starts meowing and rubbing up against our legs.  She thinks when it’s our snack time, it’s her snack time!

When Grizzabella had a an ongoing UTI, her appetite began to dwindle. It was obvious the poor little thing was so miserable.  Because of that experience, I make sure I watch her eating habits closely. If she is meowing like crazy for food, or leaping on me so I’ll wake up at dawn and feed her, then I know she is a happy girl!!

She Licks My Hand:

Grizzabella is a great self groomer.  She keeps herself clean and sometimes during a cleaning session she licks my hands or arms. I like to think she is giving me kisses and showing her affection by cleaning me too!!

Sleeps Like the Glamour Cat That She Is:

She will sleep a lot, but also not too much that I’m worried she has fatigue or some other issue. Grizzabella’s favorite spots to sleep are the couch and bed, or sometimes the counter when dad’s not home…shhhhhh!!!

When she is passed out in some adorable contorted position with her eyes closed-breath steady and peaceful, I know that she is one happy cat!!

I find so much joy from being a cat owner as I’m sure many of you do.  So I’m sure you will agree that it is vital to keep our kitties healthy and happy!!!

How do you you know if your cat is happy?  Feel free to comment below-I would love to hear your thoughts!!