My favorite pet parents are just about as perfect as humans can be, so it should come as no surprise that I have many ways of letting them know I am a happy cat. Discover the key to understanding my subtle — and not so subtle — happy moods with these tail-telling signs.
Sign #1: I’m Purrrfectly Content
Although humans have tried to decipher the mystery of purring for thousands of years, even the ancient Egyptians understood it to be a complex and unique form of cat communication used to indicate contentment, happiness and other positive emotions.
Sign #2: Two Paws Up!
My pet parents know that gently pawing and kneading is my way of preparing for a long snuggle session with the one I love. Besides, nothing beats a cat nap for a delightful way to spend quality time with your favorite someone.
Sign #3: A Gentle Caress
I don’t always come when called and I may take the long way around the room, but when I finally reach you I give you a warm greeting and a kitty caress. In fact, my tail says a lot of things. It could be “I’m happy to see you” (a straight tail with a tiny curve at the end while I’m moving your direction) or even “You are special” when I almost brush your leg as I quickly pass by on other important business. You can be sure that you are always in my thoughts when I take time to acknowledge your presence with a gentle caress.
Sign #4: People Watching
Sitting in the window watching the world go by is a favorite feline pastime among happy cats. In fact, we can do it for hours while planning our next big adventure or resting after a big meal.
Sign #5: Cat-Sheba
One famous pet parent long adored by cats throughout history was The Queen of Sheba, to whom we pay homage by mimicking her at every opportunity. In honor of royalty we like to stretch, relax and take long sun baths in the most comfortable spot in the house (or in a bin of warm laundry straight from the dryer). Don’t worry, we love our pet parents so much that you will even be allowed to share your favorite pillow or spot on the sofa if you don’t mind scratching us a little behind the ears.
Sign #6: Sealed With a Lick
While our pet parents often greet us with a quick kiss, we are just as likely to return the gesture with a decidedly feline forehead lick. Reserved for kittens and our closest companions, it is a sure sign of affection we bestow only on those we love most.
Sign #7: Good Morning, Now Let’s Snuggle
More than one cat parent has learned to live without an alarm clock because of their favorite feline wake-up call. Originally popularized by a famous cartoon tabby, many of us enjoy the look of shock and surprise when we wake them up with our signature stance and stare. Nothing says “Good morning — I missed you all night” like sitting on someone’s chest staring intensely into their closed eyes until they awake to greet the new day. Once pet parents are fully awake and know they are loved, our work is finished. It is a good time to snuggle up and rest from a job well done!
Sign #8: Clear That Clutter and Make Room for Me
One sure sign of a happy cat is the desire to be near you. Therefore, don’t be surprised when I want to work by your side. A cluttered desk is a treasure trove of snuggle space just waiting to be shared. Reading a newspaper? No problem — I’ll join in as soon as you have settled down to read. Working at the computer? Well, okay — I’ll even make it easy to pet me while you type by using your keyboard as my bed. Whatever you might be doing I’ll never leave you lonely — plus, unlike other four-legged friends, I’m sure-footed enough to fit anywhere and I love late-night dates!
Sign #9: Play Time
Pet parents know that all cats are really just large kittens, even if we don’t always show it. From a favorite toy to playing hide-n-seek, having fun with our human friends keeps us alert and energetic. Sometimes we initiate a little game of peek-a-boo by jumping out from around the corner to surprise our parents or sneaking up behind them when they aren’t expecting us; we only show our playful side to those we love and trust the most.
Sign #10: Cat Pose: A Healthy Stretch
My pet parents try to imitate my healthy stretching by taking yoga lessons, but I’m the expert. Watch how I stretch to see an example of real relaxation. On a particularly active day, I might combine it with a beauty bath and a few turns before returning to a deeply restful cat nap.
