8 signs your cat is happy and comfortable, according to a vet

Life with a cat can feel like a mystery novel at times. You may find yourself at a loss, wondering, how can I tell if my cat is happy? or Does my cat feel safe with me and relaxed?Felines are subtle, that's for sure, but they have ways of letting people know how they really feel. You just have topay attention and know what to look for in the first place. To help you understand your cat better, we gathered 7 signs you are your cat is happy and comfortable that most owners miss, according to a vet.

Though, keep in mind that because each kitty is unique, happy cat signs can range from affection to more sublte clues that are communicated through their body language and behaviors. "Bonding can look different for every cat," explains Dr. Chyrle Bonk, DVM, an Embrace Pet Insurance veterinarian contributor.

Because of this, it's good to remember that when a cat loves you, they'll drop hints, though it may not happen over night. "Bonding can take time, and it's always best to go at a pace set by your cat," explains Dr. Bonk.

Dr. Bonk adds that you can also get on your cat's good side by ensuring they have all the resources they need to live a great life, like food, water, a bed, exercise and mental stimulation. "Most cats figure out that these resources are associated with you, which will make them feel content and comfy in your presence if you don’t push them too hard by forcing them to spend time with you or invading their bubble when they’re not willing," she notes.

To find out how your cat feels, start looking out for hints that can show you your cat trusts you and is happy, like them purring, kneading and slow blinking. Once you start noticing them, you'll be able to decode what your cat is trying to tell you and you'll know how amazing of a cat mom or dad you truly are.

Related: 7 Signs You Are Your Cat’s Primary Comfort Source, According to a Vet

8 Signs Your Cat is Happy and Comfortable

Cats have a reputation for being "grumpy," however, your fluffy companion is probably low-key dropping clues that they're thrilled to call you their human. Dr. Bonk shared seven signs that your kitty is loving their life with you and how they communicate that.

1. They slow blink

Signs your cat is happy can be easy to miss, especially this when a cat slow blinks at you. You might not even think it's a sign of affection even if you do notice it. However, Dr. Bonk says this is how cats talk with their eyes and say they're content with their surroundings and company—that means you!

"Cat are more likely to slow blink when they are completely relaxed and willing to let their guard down," Dr. Bonk explains. "It can be easy to miss because you may think that your cat is simply sleeping."

2. They softly gaze into your eyes

Another behavior of a happy indoor cat can be detected from their eyes. Dr. Bonk notes that while eye contact can sometimes a sign of dominance when directed at another cat, kitties feel differently when they look at people.

"When a cat softly stares at you, often accompanied with a slow blink, it usually means they are content, comfortable and happy," Dr. Hunt says. "They’re interested in what you’re doing, but also comfortable just being in your presence."

3. They display a question mark tail

Did you know your cat can use its tail to commuicate if it feels comfortable or not? Dr. Bonk shares that most cat owners don't realize that when the tail of their cat is curved, there's little question that it points to good vibes. According to pet experts, cats usually form "question mark" tails as friendly greetings. How cute is that?

"This means your cat recognize you as part of their family and may be inviting you to play or they are showing their curiosity for where you’ve been and what you’ve been doing," Dr. Bonk says.

Either way, only cats who love their pet parents and feel happy and safe around them do this.

4. You see them “loafing”

Cats "loaf" by lounging on their sides with relaxed muscles, which you admittedly have to look hard to see. Yet, vets say seeing your cat lounging around constantly is actually a good sign.

"Cats are very vulnerable when they are lying down or sleeping," Dr. Bonk points out. "Lounging in your presence shows that they feel secure enough with you around to let down their guard and relax."

So the next time you see your furry family member doing this, just smile because it one of the things cats do when they are feeling good and like their environment.

Related: How to Keep Cats Out of Your Yard Without Hurting Them

5. They pounce and play

What does a happy cat look like? They can't contain their playfulness! So while it can be downright silly to see your cat "hunt" their favorite toys (or their own shadow), it's a positive behavior. After all, cats don't show their silly selves to just anyone.

"Play hunting in front of you or at you shows that your cat is excited to be with you and wants you to play," Dr. Bonk reveals. "If a cat doesn't feel safe around you, they won’t try to play with you, so this is a good cat sign to watch out for."

6. They have softly fanned-out whiskers

When it comes to cat-human bonds, your kitty’s face can reveal more about how they’re feeling than you might realize. In fact, Dr. Bonk shares that a cat's whiskers are as expressive as its tail. But since they're thin and almost translucent, it's often easy to not notice them. So, what does a cat's whisker position means?

"Whiskers that are soft and fanned out mean that a cat is relaxed and content," Dr. Bonk shares. "Soft whiskers are often paired with slow blinks and soft stares. On the other side of things, whiskers that are pinned back mean that a cat is upset or threatened."

The next time you notice your cat’s whiskers resting naturally outward, take it as a subtle sign that your feline friend feels safe, comfortable, and at ease in your presence.

7. You hear soft purrs

Why do cats purr? For many reasons, actually, including to self-soothe and express comfort. A cat's understanding of purrs begins in kittenhood, which is how Dr. Bonk says cat moms and newborns communicate. Fastforward to later when they live with you, your cat may use it to express their love and happiness with you.

"Purring when you’re around shows that they feel as comfortable and secure as they did as babies," Dr. Bonk says. "Soft purring can be missed if it isn’t loud enough for us to hear and we instead have to feel it."

8. They enjoy kneading

No, your cat isn't trying to get in on the sourdough bread trend when they are kneading. Instead, Dr. Bonk says cats "make biscuits" rhythmically by pushing their paws into something soft, like a blanket or your thigh, which is another behavior cats begin doing quickly after birth. Dr. Bonk says kittens use this motion to stimulate milk flow so that they can eat.

As they grow, they can use it to show that they're relaxed and happy with you. Therefore, when your cat settles in and starts kneading your lap, consider it a sweet compliment—it’s often a sign they trust you and feel completely at ease with you.

Source:

• Dr. Chyrle Bonk, DVM, an Embrace Pet Insurance veterinarian contributor