When you’re a cat owner, your feline companion’s happiness is at the top of your priority list.
Cats, while they often keep to themselves and look like they don’t want to be bothered, they are actually quite communicative animals.
One of the ways they express their emotions is through their vocalization.
As a proud cat owner myself, I’ve been very observant of the sounds my cat, Cleo, makes.
Let me share some of them with you.
1. Purring
This is perhaps the most common sound associated with a content cat.
Whenever Cleo jumps onto my lap for a good cuddle session, she often starts purring within seconds.
It’s a low, rumbling sound that resonates from deep within their chests. It’s often heard when a cat is relaxed or comfortable, such as during petting sessions.
Here is a video of a cat purring:
2. Meowing
Sometimes, Cleo meows just to get my attention. She makes a little ‘meow’ sound that pulls at my heartstrings.
The pitch of a cat’s meow can definitely help indicate how they’re feeling.
When Cleo is feeling content, she often lets out a high-pitched meow, especially at times when I try to pet her.
I’ve noticed that she also does this when she’s ready for a meal or when I return home after running errands. It’s her way of expressing excitement and joy.
3. Trilling or Chirruping
This sound is like a cross between a meow and a purr, often sounding like a “proo,” “peru,” or “brrrr.”
Mother cats use it with their kittens, while friendly adult cats may trill upon meeting.
Whenever I walk into a room to see Cleo, she greets me with a series of chirruping sounds. It’s as if she’s saying hello and expressing her happiness to see me.
4. Chirping or Chattering
This excited-sounding noise can be difficult to describe! Some call it chirping; others call it chattering.
It might also sound like a bird’s cooing. I’ve noticed that Cleo does this when she’s playing with her favorite toy or watching birds outside the window.
It’s as if she’s mimicking the bird’s sounds in her own way.
Honestly, I think trill, chirp, and chirrup all sound the same. These sounds have a bird-like and pigeon-cooing quality that is simply adorable.
5. Kneading
Kneading, or “making biscuits,” is another sign your cat is happy.
While it’s more of an action than a sound, you might hear the soft rustling of a blanket or pillow as your cat “kneads” it.
Whenever Cleo comes to snuggle with me, she often kneads my lap or blanket. It’s her way of showing affection and happiness.
6. Blinking Slowly
Often referred to as a “cat kiss,” slow blinking is a sign of happiness and contentment and is one of the ways cats show their love and trust in us.
When your cat blinks slowly towards you, it means they are relaxed and feel comfortable in your presence.
As a result, cats that slowly blink around their owners tend to be more affectionate and cuddly.
How To Tell if Your Cat is Happy Based on Their Body Language?
Cats express happiness through a variety of body language cues. A purring cat is often content, but purring can also indicate discomfort.
Happy cats typically have a relaxed posture (in their body and eyes), sitting in a loose and gently curved position with their tail wrapped around their body and while standing, with their tail held high, signaling readiness to play.
They may emit unique vocalizations like trills, chirps, and soft meows that signify joy.
Observing your cat’s behavior and understanding the context of their sounds is crucial for gauging their happiness.
A happy cat generally has a loose and gently curved body (when in a sitting position) that is very noticeable, especially when they’re sitting and looking outside the window.
To recap, signs of a happy cat include:
- Relaxed posture
- Playful nature
- Normal grooming
- Good appetite
- Healthy appearance in their coat, body posture, and eyes
- They meow, purr, chirp, and trill
- Walk around with their tails pointed high
How To Help Your Cat Be Happier and Make More Happy Sounds?
There are several ways you can help your cat be happier:
- Pay attention to them: Often, the most effective way of keeping your indoor cat happy is to pay attention to them. Caring for your cat, snuggling, petting, and playing with them are great ways to give your cat positive and loving attention.
- Provide toys: One of the easiest ways to make a cat happy is with a new prey toy. Cats are natural hunters and love chasing, pouncing, leaping, swatting, and stalking prey. Sensory toys are also recommended.
- Create a stimulating environment: Provide views of the great outdoors, cardboard boxes, and tunnels for your cat to explore. You can also put on a YouTube playlist for them.
- Reward them: To encourage your cat to use a cat scratcher, consider giving verbal praise and even food rewards.
- Keep a routine: Cats are not fans of uncertainty, so having steady times for meals, cuddles, and playtime can help them feel more comfortable and relaxed.
- Take care of their health: Ensuring the well-being of your cat involves actively managing their physical and mental health. One effective approach to doing this is to prioritize preventive care, which entails regular veterinary check-ups. This proactive measure enables early detection and intervention, preventing potential issues from becoming worse.
Does purring mean my cat is always happy?
While purring is often associated with contentment, stress-free, and happiness, it doesn’t necessarily mean your cat is always happy.
Cats also purr in various other situations, such as when they’re anxious, stressed, or even in pain.
The vibrations from purring are thought to help soothe themselves during stressful situations, so they will sometimes purr to self-soothe.
In addition, cats might purr when they’re hungry or want something from you. Mother cats and kittens also communicate through purring.
It’s essential to consider when, where, and how your cat is purring with other behaviors they are displaying to understand what their purring might mean.
What sounds do cats love?
Cats are known to be attracted to a variety of sounds, and they often respond differently depending on the sound.
Some of the sounds cats like that attract them the most include:
- Sounds of other cats: Many cats enjoy hearing the sounds of other cats, which can range from meowing and purring to trilling and yowling.
- Sounds made by prey: Cats are natural hunters, and the sounds made by their potential prey, like the chirping of birds or the scurrying of a mouse, can be quite appealing to them.
- Higher-pitched human voices: Cats tend to respond more positively to higher-pitched voices, which might be why they seem to react more to women’s voices than men’s.
- Long vowel sounds: Cats seem to like long vowel sounds, so when you’re talking to your cat, elongate your vowels for a more cat-friendly conversation.
- Opening of a food can: This is a sound that many cats come running for. The sound of a food can opening often means it’s mealtime, and what cat doesn’t love that?
- Cat-specific music: Yes, there’s music designed specifically for cats! This type of music often incorporates sounds like birds chirping, which cats find interesting.
- Your voice: Many cats also love the sound of their owner’s voice, especially when spoken in a soft, soothing tone and if you call their names.
- Crinkling sounds: The sound of crinkling, like a paper bag or a ball of foil, can be quite enticing for cats, often triggering their curious and playful side.
This sums up the types of sounds cats make when they’re happy and how to read their body language.
With the right care, time, and understanding of cats, you can ensure that your feline friend stays content and healthy for many years to come!