Analysis exhibits that cats have methods 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 could not categorical their emotions as people do, so it’s vital to determine 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 can also present completely different indicators of happiness relying on the state of affairs they’re in.
Purring
A standard signal of happiness and contentment is purring. Though there are some circumstances the place cats can purr out of concern or attributable to an damage, cats largely purr as a result of they really feel content material. So, for those who see that your cat is lounging or in one other relaxed place and is purring, it’s an indication that it’s feeling very pleased.
Gradual Blinking
Completely satisfied cats may 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 pleased and can be letting that it likes you.
Conversations
Some vocal cats can also interact in “conversations” with their house owners once they really feel pleased. In case your cat is meowing and you, it’s a superb signal that it needs to have interaction with you. Some cats appear to take pleasure in it when their house owners discuss again to them calmly, and so they’ll meow again some responses.
Kneading
One other signal of happiness is when a cat begins to knead with its front paws. This conduct is sometimes called “making biscuits” as a result of the motion seems like a cat is kneading dough. It’s unclear as to precisely why cats begin to knead once they really feel pleased. Some consultants imagine it’s as a result of the motion is linked to how kittens will knead on their mom.
Playfulness
In case your cat is feeling content material and cozy round you, it might begin to interact with you extra. Your cat can begin approaching you and rubbing its face on you. A mild headbutt may point out affection.
Simply keep in mind that your cat could begin to trouble you and wish to play out of boredom. So, ensure that it’s getting loads of train and stimulation all through the day. When you’ve got these bases coated and your cat nonetheless needs to play with you, it may be as a result of it likes you and simply needs 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 pleased and excited and would typically meow again if I stated 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 prefer getting pets. I knew he was particularly pleased every time he made an look and began kneading on a rug or blanket.
I’ve additionally gotten a couple of gradual blinks, however they’re rarer behaviors that I see in my cats. Typically, I’ll blink at them slowly after I discover that they’re relaxed and lounging close by. Sometimes, they’ll reply again with a gradual blink, and it feels so rewarding.
How To Promote Happiness in Cats
When you can’t pressure cats to really feel a sure means, 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 cheerful dwelling for my cats.
Set up a Constant Routine
As creatures of behavior, cats thrive off routines. Figuring out what to anticipate can assist them really feel secure, and lots of will desire and admire predictability.
When you don’t must have a routine with strict time blocks, you can begin partaking in actions in the identical sequence. For instance, my morning routine roughly seems 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 allotting toy to play with in order that she will get some train within the morning.
After my cat obtained used to this routine, I might see her anticipating each exercise. She’ll be ready by her meals station whereas I’m making breakfast, and he or she’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 more likely to interrupt me every time I’m working. She is aware of that I’ll ultimately take a lunch break and play somewhat extra along with her earlier than going again to work.
Create Vertical Areas
Cats love cozy hiding spots and climbing up to safe spaces 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 bushes 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 prime in order that my cat can relaxation close by whereas I work.
Present Enjoyable Playtime
Completely different cats have their very own play types, and discovering out their preferences can enhance their happiness immensely. I’ve had a cat that most well-liked enjoying alone and was completely content material enjoying with a deal with allotting toy by himself. One other cat cherished enjoying with cat wands and was happiest when she was chasing feathers connected to a string.
Treats
Many cats are food-motivated and might’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 can even add somewhat extra happiness right into a cat’s life with catnip and catnip toys. The scent of catnip can trigger the “happy” 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 completely different plant that additionally occurs to have related results as catnip. Cats that don’t react to catnip could react to silver vine as a substitute.
Conclusion
Cats can categorical happiness in varied methods. Studying about cat conduct and being observant can assist you establish how your cat expresses happiness and what makes it really feel happiest. I’ll be the primary to say that cats could be very emotionally expressive. It might take a while to grasp how your cat exhibits happiness and affection. Nonetheless, when you do, it’ll solely strengthen your bond and improve the appreciation you’ve for one another.
Featured Picture Credit score: Boyloso, Shutterstock
Cat mother to Ivy – a feisty little rescue kitten that’s her one and solely youngster. 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 every other. With a ardour to teach the general public about every little thing, there’s to find out about felines, their conduct, and their distinctive personalities, Crystal is devoted to creating positive that every one cats and their house owners know the significance of acutely aware dwelling – and loving!
