Analysis reveals that cats have programs of feelings that set off sure emotional and behavioral responses.1 Whereas cats and people don’t expertise the identical vary and depth of feelings, happiness is an emotion that cats really feel.
Cats might not categorical their emotions as people do, so it’s vital to establish cues that point out particular feelings. Studying how cats present happiness can strengthen the bond between you and your cat and make your life collectively much more fulfilling.
Indicators of Happiness in Cats
How happiness is expressed varies from cat to cat, and cats might also present totally different indicators of happiness relying on the scenario they’re in.
Purring
A typical signal of happiness and contentment is purring. Though there are some circumstances the place cats can purr out of worry or resulting from an harm, cats largely purr as a result of they really feel content material. So, if you happen to see that your cat is lounging or in one other relaxed place and is purring, it’s an indication that it’s feeling very joyful.
Gradual Blinking
Glad cats may also blink slowly to point that they really feel contentment and affection towards you. In case your cat is in a relaxed place, makes direct eye contact with you, and blinks slowly, take it as a praise. Your cat feels joyful and can be letting that it likes you.
Conversations
Some vocal cats might also interact in “conversations” with their house owners after they really feel joyful. In case your cat is meowing and taking a look at you, it’s signal that it desires to interact with you. Some cats appear to take pleasure in it when their house owners discuss again to them calmly, they usually’ll meow again some responses.
Kneading
One other signal of happiness is when a cat begins to knead with its entrance paws. This habits is sometimes called “making biscuits” as a result of the motion appears like a cat is kneading dough. It’s unclear as to precisely why cats begin to knead after they really feel joyful. Some specialists consider it’s as a result of the motion is related to how kittens will knead on their mom.
Playfulness
In case your cat is feeling content material and comfy round you, it could begin to interact with you extra. Your cat can begin approaching you and rubbing its face on you. A mild headbutt may also point out affection.
Simply keep in mind that your cat might begin to trouble you and need to play out of boredom. So, be sure that it’s getting loads of train and stimulation all through the day. If in case you have these bases coated and your cat nonetheless desires to play with you, it may be as a result of it likes you and simply desires to spend a while with you.
Observe How Your Cat Expresses Happiness
In my expertise with cats, I’ve observed that my cats have expressed happiness in their very own distinctive methods. I’ve had a cat that was very vocal when she felt joyful and excited and would typically meow again if I mentioned one thing to her. She was additionally very shy but playful. So, if she needed to play, it was a transparent signal that she needed to spend time with me and have some enjoyable.
One other cat confirmed happiness simply by being in the identical room. He’d often be lounging close by, however he didn’t desire getting pets. I knew he was particularly joyful every time he made an look and began kneading on a rug or blanket.
I’ve additionally gotten a couple of sluggish blinks, however they’re rarer behaviors that I see in my cats. Generally, I’ll blink at them slowly once I discover that they’re relaxed and lounging close by. Sometimes, they’ll reply again with a sluggish blink, and it feels so rewarding.
How To Promote Happiness in Cats
Whilst you can’t pressure cats to really feel a sure manner, you are able to do some issues to assist them really feel secure and content material. These are some issues which have helped me create a contented house for my cats.
Set up a Constant Routine
As creatures of behavior, cats thrive off routines. Figuring out what to anticipate might help them really feel secure, and lots of will desire and admire predictability.
Whilst you don’t must have a routine with strict time blocks, you can begin participating in actions in the identical sequence. For instance, my morning routine roughly appears the identical, even when I could get up at various occasions. After I get up, I begin making my morning cup of espresso. Then, I’ll begin making breakfast and getting ready my cat’s first meal. I’ll prepare for work whereas my cat eats. Earlier than I begin working, I’ll give her a deal with shelling out toy to play with in order that she will get some train within the morning.
After my cat acquired used to this routine, I may see her anticipating each exercise. She’ll be ready by her meals station whereas I’m making breakfast, and she or he’ll additionally have a look at me expectantly when she is aware of I’m about to work as a result of she is aware of I’ll give her a deal with toy.
After establishing a constant routine, I’ve observed my cat feeling extra relaxed and fewer prone to interrupt me every time I’m working. She is aware of that I’ll finally take a lunch break and play a bit extra together with her earlier than going again to work.
Create Vertical Areas
Cats love cozy hiding spots and climbing as much as secure areas the place they’ll perch and observe. Many cats will take pleasure in having a tall cat tree they’ll climb. Nonetheless, you don’t have to put in a number of cat timber to create vertical areas in your house.
I’ve cleared out areas in dice cabinets and laid out mats on them in order that my cat can sleep in them. I even have some lounging areas positioned close to areas that I most frequent in the home. There’s a file cupboard close to my work desk, and I’ve positioned a cat mattress on high in order that my cat can relaxation close by whereas I work.
Present Enjoyable Playtime
Totally different cats have their very own play types, and discovering out their preferences can increase their happiness immensely. I’ve had a cat that most well-liked taking part in alone and was completely content material taking part in with a deal with shelling out toy by himself. One other cat liked taking part in with cat wands and was happiest when she was chasing feathers hooked up to a string.
Treats
Many cats are food-motivated and may’t resist sure treats. Attending to know your cat’s favourite flavors and giving them occasional treats is an effective way to spice up its temper.
You may as well add a bit extra happiness right into a cat’s life with catnip and catnip toys. The scent of catnip can set off the “joyful” receptors in a cat’s mind. Nonetheless, not all cats react to catnip. I’ve had one cat who couldn’t care much less about catnip, however I had extra luck with silvervine. Silvervine is a totally totally different plant that additionally occurs to have comparable results as catnip. Cats that don’t react to catnip might react to silver vine as an alternative.
Conclusion
Cats can categorical happiness in numerous methods. Studying about cat habits and being observant might help you identify how your cat expresses happiness and what makes it really feel happiest. I’ll be the primary to say that cats might be very emotionally expressive. It might take a while to grasp how your cat reveals happiness and affection. Nonetheless, when you do, it’ll solely strengthen your bond and enhance the appreciation you could have for one another.
Featured Picture Credit score: Boyloso, Shutterstock
Cat mother to Ivy – a feisty little rescue kitten that’s her one and solely little one. For now! All through her life, she has been launched to the particular love that may be discovered within the bond with a cat. Having owned a number of felines, she is greater than sure that their love is unmatched, unconditional and in contrast to some other. With a ardour to coach the general public about every thing, there’s to find out about felines, their habits, and their distinctive personalities, Crystal is devoted to creating positive that each one cats and their house owners know the significance of aware dwelling – and loving!