Cats do not like change. It does not matter if they are introvert or extrovert, they like things to remain the same. They can tell when something is different. For example, have you introduced your cat to a new toy or a new bed? The first thing they do is hunch down on the floor and very slowly will work their way over to it. It may take several times for them to get there. They will then sniff it and walk around it a few times. They finally decide it is safe; they will put one foot in, then out, then slowly and oh so cautiously, they will work their way into the cat bed or bat at the toy.

                This is the same for anything that changes in their lives. Introducing them to a new cat food or new litter, you slowly introduce them by mixing with the old. You slowly add more of the new and less of the old. You finally get rid of the old and put the new in place. Most cats will reject a new litter or new food if it is not done this way.

                Think about when you get sick, and you are home lying in bed or on the couch. They know that something is different and not normal. They maybe lay on you or next to you. These sweet babies want to make sure you are alright, and things will get back to normal. When there are too many changes, they can become stressed and develop anxiety. For their emotional wellbeing, it is important for them to have a routine. Changes to a cat’s usual environment — such as rearranged furniture or a new family member in the home — can cause stress in cats. Older cats may be more sensitive to household changes since their ability to adapt to new situations declines over time. Insufficient resources, including litter boxes and scratching objects, an unclean litter box and lack of environmental enrichment can also cause stress. (Signs of stress, Hill’s Pet).

What do you do when your cat is acting out because of stress? Stay tuned! The next blog will discuss stress behaviors and how to work with your stressed cat!

Resource

Signs of Stress in Cats and How You Can Help | Hill’s Pet

Not all cats are the same, and as pet parents, we quickly learn their different personalities much like children. Some cats are more reserved and perfectly content with being by themselves. Instead of laying on your lap or with other cats, they tend to curl up alone. Another way you can tell if your cat is content if they rub up against you. For example, Robin follows me throughout the house. No matter where I am in the house, he is rubbing up against me. The only time this is an issue is if I have black pants on and going out.  It is also important to understand some cats will rub up against you to leave their scent to let other cats know that you belong to them.

Have you witnessed a cat kneading on a bed, chair, or even you? This is another sign of them feeling content and safe. If you have seen a kitten nursing from their mother, they knead on their mother when they are nursing. The kneading response reverts to when they felt safe and content with mom, so when shared with you it is a self-soothing action that is important to their feeling safe.

Purring is always a sign of being happy and feeling safe. If your cat is purring in your lap or when you are petting them, they feel content and safe. Olivers purr is like a diesel pickup idling next to you at a signal light. Otherwise, he is our least vocal kitty. We know when we are petting him in the right spot because he lets us know by his loud purring!

Did you know when your cat makes eye contact with you and slowly blinks at you two or three times in a row is a sign of content and peace? Want to make your cat happier, blink back in the same manner! This shows them you love them, and they will feel safer with you.

How about conversations with their meow? Not all cats will communicate with their meowing, especially ones who are not as verbal. Smoky and Saddie are perfect examples of this! Smoky is very verbal and meows all the time. Sometimes, I think he does this so we will call him by his name. We call him to ask what is wrong, he comes running so we can hug him and pet him! Saddie is very quiet and rarely will make a noise. She just comes up to get attention.

The way they hold their tail is another sign of a cat’s contentment. If it is in a question mark position, they are happy. They usually walk around with their tail in the question mark position. You can tell if they get scared or worried because their tail is lowered to the ground as they run to hide.  

Bursts of energy are also another good sign your cat is happy and content. When they bound through the house like their tails are on fire, or playfully jump out at you, they are happy.

Cats are their happiest when they spend time with you. Those who love to lay on your lap and sleep show they trust you and are content. However, this trust does not come easy for some cats. Oliver was a rescue cat from the animal shelter at seven months old. Oliver is eight years old now and has never wanted to lie on anyone’s lap. Over the past year he has been drawn to my husband, Kevin. In time he would sit on the arm rest of the recliner or couch next to Kevin, but that was his limit. Kevin was very patient with Oli and just allowed him to come around at his own pace and did not rush or force him. After about six months of Kevin earning Oliver’s trust, Oli would step in Kevin’s lap to step over to the other arm rest. It took time. One day he finally lay on Kevin’s lap and fell asleep. Now, they are buddies and Oliver is in Kev’s lap all the time. He has found someone he can trust and be comfortable with, but he had to do his own way in his own time.

Take some time and watch your cat. It is likely that you have already noticed most, if not all, of these behaviors, but we don’t often take the time to really isolate them and give them our full recognition. Your cat’s personality and contentment manifest itself through body language and facial expressions just like yours does.