10 signs your cat is happy

Wouldn’t it be amazing if cats came with a little ‘mood meter’ on their collar that told the world exactly how they felt? Until that genius invention exists, we’ll just have to become fluent in Cat.

The good news is that cats are excellent communicators — they just do it in slow blinks, twitching tails, playful sprints, gentle bunting and the occasional dramatic flop. Here are ten telltale signs your cat is living their absolute best life:

1. Relaxed body language

A happy cat looks completely at ease. They may stretch out on their side, flop onto their back, or sprawl across the sofa without a care. Their muscles are loose, not stiff, and they aren’t crouched or ready to bolt. Rolling onto their back or stretching out is a sign of trust — exposing a vulnerable body part is the ultimate feline compliment.

2. Tail held high and expressive

Your cat’s tail is a communication powerhouse. A tail held upright with a gentle curl at the tip signals confidence and friendliness. If they approach you this way, it’s a clear ‘hello’ from your kitty. Twitching tips or a gently flicking tail while standing also show excitement and curiosity, whereas a stiff or puffed-up tail means stress or fear. Unlike dogs, cats rarely wag their tails when happy; tail thrashing usually indicates irritation.

3. Eyes that sparkle with contentment

Relaxed cats have almond-shaped eyes, sometimes half-closed when lounging. Slow blinking at you is a hallmark of trust and affection (basically a cat kiss). Sudden wide-eyed dilations can indicate extreme happiness or excitement, especially during play. Always read the whole body in context: a blink paired with tense muscles may not mean contentment.

4. Forward-facing, attentive ears

Ears that point upward and slightly forward show curiosity and contentment. A very slight backward tilt is normal for relaxed cats, but flattened ears signal fear or irritation. Happy ears mean your cat feels safe and ready to enjoy their surroundings.

5. Friendly greetings and showing their tummy

Cats show trust and affection in many ways. Rolling onto their back, reaching out a paw, head-butting, cheek-rubbing (bunting), hopping up on their back legs or chirruping at you are all signs of a positive connection. Bunting deposits pheromones from glands in the cheeks, marking people and objects as safe and comforting. Lying on their back and showing their tummy is a huge sign of trust — but remember, it’s usually not an invitation for a belly rub. Gentle head pats, slow blinks or a quiet 'hello' are safer responses.

6. Purring, chirping and playful sounds

Vocal kitties are often happy kitties. Gentle purring, soft chirps, high-pitched meows and the adorable ‘prrrt’ indicate contentment. While purring can happen for other reasons, when paired with relaxed posture, it’s usually a sign of feline bliss. If it’s accompanied by biscuit making (aka kneading), it’s a double whammy of joy. 

7. A healthy appetite

A happy cat enjoys meals and treats, often showing you where their food is or rubbing against your legs as a polite reminder. Eating well signals comfort, trust and a sense of security. Fussiness can be normal for some cats, but sudden drops in appetite may point to stress or illness.

8. Playful spirit

From spirited sprints and chasing toys to gentle pawing or wrestling with other pets, playful behaviour shows your cat is confident and engaged. Even calm, interactive games are a sign they enjoy their environment. Cats that feel stressed often withdraw, avoiding toys or social interaction.

9. Grooming and healthy appearance

Cats take pride in their appearance. A glossy coat, regular grooming and even mutual grooming with other cats or gentle licks for you are all signs of happiness and trust. Scruffy or smelly fur may indicate stress or illness, so a well-kept kitty is usually a content kitty. 

10. Choosing your company and social sleeping

Cats are independent, but when they choose to sleep near you or curl up with other pets, it’s a huge compliment. Social sleeping shows strong bonds, comfort and a sense of security. Pair this with slow blinking, gentle kneading or curling up on your lap, and you’ve got a cat who is truly happy and thriving.