Do I Have a Happy Cat? A tech company in Canada has just created an app that claims it can answer that question for us. That’s great, but do we really need an app for that? Though each cat, like every person, is an individual, these general clues can tell you how your feline is feeling the old-fashioned way.

• Kittens meow to communicate with their mom, but adult cats meow to communicate with humans, not other cats. So, listen to what your cat has to say.  His vocalizations might be assertive, friendly, bold, demanding, complaining, sad or even silent. According to experts, high-pitched meows and the “Prrupttt” sound signal a happy cat, while trills and chirrups or low-pitched grunts and murmurs are friendly greetings or used in play. Purring, which is thought to be synonymous with feline contentment and bliss, can mean other things, too. Cats sometimes purr to alleviate stress, when they are in pain and, in some situations, to indicate that they are not a threat. And a hiss or growl—which cats use to warn people and other animals alike– says STAY AWAY or STOP what you are doing.

• Head held high, eyes wide and open, with ears pointing forward indicate an alert, trusting, happy cat. So does the head butt. If your cat gazes at you with sleepy eyes and slowly blinks, it is a sign of true love. Say “I love you, too,” by looking at your cat and blinking back the same way!  

• Cats that feel good, look good thanks toregular self-grooming. Well-bonded cats may also groom one another. If your cat licks you, it is a sign affection and trust. Same goes for choosing to nap near or with you or other pets in the home. If your cat has stopped grooming or looks unkept, it be a symptom of depression, illness or pain. So can sleeping more than usual or hiding. If you notice these changes in grooming or sleeping behaviors, consult your veterinarian. 

• An exposed belly is the ultimate sign of a contented cat. Cats that sleep with their paws tucked under feel comfortable and secure. And we all know a cat’s tail is the ultimate barometer of mood. A happy, playful tail is held straight up—sometimes with the tip crooked like a question mark (Dexter, in the photo, shows all the signs on contentment in his fenced-in garden). Don’t forget, a swishing, puffed up or wagging tail says I am frightened or BEWARE!

• A healthy appetite also indicates that your cat feels good. If your cat weaves around your ankles, meows, and leads you to the food bowl, he is happy, smart, and successful at telling his human it’s time to eat!

Now that you know the signs, head back to our Facebook page and post a photo of your happy cat.